Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow!! (Sounds like an advert for a porn movie, but this is a simplified version of the 4 stroke theory!) 🙂 Continue reading
Category Archives: 2 Stroke and 4 Stroke Engines Explained
Differences between 2 and 4 stroke motorbike engines with a break down of how they work and the benefits and disadvantages of both systems.
How a 2 stroke motorbike engine works
All thrash and blue smoke baby 🙂
A Very Basic 2 Stroke Engine
Please note – the diagram below represents a very simple version of a 2 stroke motorcycle engine, in reality, they are a little bit more complicated!
Pros and cons of 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines
Pros and Cons of 2 and 4 Stroke Engines
2 Stroke Engines
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Pros
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Cons
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Simple to produce
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High noise levels
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Easy and cheap to manufacture
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High Pollution levels (caused by burning of oil with the fuel)
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Relatively high power output for CC
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Low fuel economy
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Ideal for smaller motorcycles and scooters up to 125cc due to low production cost and good power output
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Narrow power band
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Due to the way oil is burnt in the cylinder, re-bores are required every so often
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Differences between 2 and 4 stroke engines
2 and 4 stroke Engine Principles
The basic differences between the engines…
The main difference between 2 and 4 stroke engines is the way they use oil. As any 2 metal surfaces rub together (such as the piston and piston rings rubbing up and down against the cylinder barrel), friction is caused. This friction causes the metal parts to wear as they rub against each other. In order to minimise friction and wear on engine components, engines use oil as lubrication which provides a thin layer of protection between the metal surfaces.