Both styles of engines have their benefits and
flaws
The modern 2 stroke engine is an internal combustion engine that
completes it's cycle in one revolution of the crankshaft, while the
4-stroke needs two revolutions. There are many other key differences in
these engines. - Since a 2-stroke is doing twice the revolutions, it is producing nearly twice the power of a 4-stoke engine of the same size.
- 2-stroke engines are lighter and more mobile, commonly used in chainsaws and generators.
- Companies liked the simple design of a 2-stroke engine, it is a
low cost yet high power to weight ratio.
- Most 2-strokes use a total-loss of lubrication, meaning the oil is burnt along with the gasoline in the combustion chamber. This creates many types of exhaust pollutants and is the major reason for 2-strokes to be replaced by 4-stroke engines.
- A 2-stroke engine will also wear out faster. 4-stroke engines have a dedicated lubricating system while 2-stroke requires one to mix the oil and gas.
- 4-strokes have many more moving pieces such as a distributor,
valves and other timing devises. This makes 4-stoke engines more
expensive and difficult to work on.
Both engines are great feats of technology but the four-stoke engine is the determining factor in this "green" world. Even the 4-stroke is being pushed out by all these hybrids and electric engines. A 4-stoke might be a little more costly to produce but it will last much longer, create better gas millage and produce much less harmful emissions.
Engine LInk
