A two stroke engine, also known as a two cylinder engine, is a smaller version of the traditional four stroke engine that is used in most automobiles. Basically, the two stroke engine uses two strokes of the piston to create the combustion that is necessary to drive the motor. Two stroke engines are used in small machines, like lawn mowers, and in large machines like ships. The two stroke engine has qualities that make it ideal for industrial machinery, as well.
The Difference Between a Two Stroke and Four Stroke Engine
The main difference between a two stroke and a four stroke engine is the number of times the piston has to pump in order to drive the engine. A two stroke engine utilizes exactly half the number of piston strokes to create the necessary power. This distinction requires that the two stroke engine be configured a little differently than a typical four stroke engine. The main advantage of a two stroke engine is that it is lightweight, which makes it ideal for running items that are hand-held. Some automobile manufacturers have used two stroke engines in their smaller cars, but the idea has never been popular with consumers because of the loss of power compared to a four stroke engine.
How Two Stroke Engines get their Power
Two stroke engines operate on the same principle that drives a four stroke engine. The engine creates a mixture of fuel and oxygen, which is ignited by a spark when the piston increases the pressure in the combustion chamber. One difference between two and four stroke engines is that the two stroke engines pump oil for lubrication from a separate oil container that is not part of the fuel/oxygen cycle. This system runs cleaner than traditional four stroke engines because it completely burns the oil mixture away during each cycle.
Devices That Use Two Stroke Engines
There are several devices that use two stroke engines. Due to their ability to create a great deal of power without a great deal of weight, two stroke engines are used in many household appliances. They are used to provide gas power for lawn mowers, weed eaters, edgers, and chainsaws. Two stroke engines are also used on motorcycles because they provide plenty of power without adding much weight. Most marine motors also utilize two stroke engines. Large ships and trains take advantage of the compressed power that a two stroke engine can provide as well.
Pollution Problems
One of the biggest drawbacks of using a two stroke engine is that most of them create large clouds of blue smoke exhaust. This pollution is unhealthy to breathe in excessive amounts. It is also not good for the general air quality. Two stroke engines that power lawn machinery add a substantial amount of pollution to the air of most large cities. Combine the general use of two stroke engines for landscaping purposes with the use of two stroke engines for large industrial machinery and the amount of pollution produced is extraordinary.
- What is a 4 Stroke Engine?
- What is a Four Stroke Engine?
- What is a 2 Stroke Engine?
- How Does a Car Engine Work?
- What is Engine Pinging?
