Activity 7

Differences between 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines

The difference between the two stroke and four stroke internal combustion engines have tormented riders for years now, as all sorts of contradictions keep surfacing, leaving most of them still in doubt.This is due to the fact that each one has its own supporters who get defensive and are unable to keep their objectivity. In fact, all they have to do is understand how each of these two engines work and draw their own conclusions.

There are four sequences that need to be cleared out for that matter: intake, compression, power and exhaust. As you might have guessed, there are a few mechanical differences between the two, which we will try to point out next.

Four Stroke engine

During the intake stroke, the piston goes down from the top of the cylinder to the bottom, reducing the pressure inside the cylinder. It then draws a mixture of fuel and air into the cylinder through the intake port, ready for the compression stroke.

With both intake and exhaust valves closed, the piston goes back up to the top of the cylinder compressing the fuel-air mixture. This is what happens during the compression stroke.

The compressed air–fuel mixture is then ignited by a spark. The pressure from the fuel-air mixture combustion drives the piston back down with humongous force, keeping the crankshaft turning. This is the power stroke phase, which is the main source of the engine's torque and power.

Finally, during the exhaust stroke, the piston again goes up and pushes the burned gas from the cylinder out the exhaust valve. Another thing worth mentioning is that the spark plug only fires once every two revolutions.

Two Stroke Engine

Unlike the four stroke one, a two stroke engine has three strokes combined into one action, meaning the intake and exhaust are both integrated into the compression movement of the piston, therefore eliminating the need for valves. This is thanks to an inlet and exhaust port integrated into the wall of the combustion chamber.

As the piston goes down from combustion, spent gasses are allowed to exit the chamber through the exhaust port. The air–fuel mixture is drawn through an inlet located lower in the chamber. As the piston rises again, it blocks off the inlet and exhaust ports, compressing the gasses at the top of the chamber. The spark plug fires and the process starts over. The engine fires on every revolution.

Let the fight begin!

A two stroke engine can produce twice the amount of power (and makes twice as much noise) than a four stroke engine of the same size. This is because it fires once every revolution, giving it twice the power of a four stroke, which only fires once every other revolution.

Significantly, it also has a higher weight-to-power ratio because it is much lighter. Two stroke engines are simpler and cheaper to manufacture compared to four stroke engines because of their simpler design. Four stroke engines are longer lasting than two stroke engines that don't have a dedicated lubricating system. However, the spark plugs in a two stroke engine last longer than those in a four stroke engine. Four stroke engines are more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly when compared to two stroke engines that also create an unpleasant smell. Two stroke engines are responsible for much more pollution due to the combustion of oil. Two stroke units may also exceed legal noise limits in some areas. That is why you should consider checking to see if any restrictions apply in your area before purchasing one.

Source: "http://www.autoevolution.com/news/two-stroke-vs-four-stroke-motorcycle-engines-19664.html"

1. Look up in a dictionary all the words you haven't understood.

2. Complete the following table, explaining how this strokes take place in the two types of engines