DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 4-STROKE AND 2-STROKE CYCLE

A Stroke refers to the up or down movement of the piston in the piston cylinder.

2-STROKE ENGINE CYCLE

This is an engine cycle mostly employed in outboard motors on boats and also on motor cycles. It is an internal combustion engine that completes the process cycle in one revolution of the crankshaft. (i.e. Induction, Compression, Power and Exhaust). The parts of an engine with a 2-stroke cycle employed is as shown below.

Ref: [http://www.whitedoglubes.com/2strokeengines.htm] Mode of Operation Exhaust

Fuel/Air Inlet Port

Fig 2.0

Fig 2.1

Fig 2.2

STROKE 1 As the piston moves up the cylinder as shown in 1.0, fresh fuel air is sucked through the inlet port into the crankcase. A fuel air mixture is at the same time being compressed ready for ignition. STROKE 2 At the instant of ignition (i.e. Fig 2.1-the Power Stroke ), the resulting expansion of gasses moves the piston down. As the piston moves down, the exhaust port opens which allows the exhaust fumes to escape as a result of high pressure in the cylinder. Advantages Produce less power and are more compact They are lightweight and less costly

Disadvantages Emit significant amount of particulate matter (PM), un-burnt hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Produces high sound levels due to balancing problems. Short life-time due to lack of dedicated lubrication system hence increased wear of critical parts. Fuel inefficient.

4-STROKE CYCLE
This is an engine mostly used in cars and motor vehicles in general. It is an internal combustion engine that completes the process cycle in two revolution of the crankshaft. (i.e. Induction, Compression, Power and Exhaust). The parts of an engine with a 4-stroke cycle employed is as shown below.

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Mode of Operation

Each piston cylinder contains 2 valves of which one (i.e to the left) is the intake valve and the other the exhaust valve. There are also 4 cylinders with the same arrangements in each, the 4 cylinders work in sync to operate. STROKE 1 (i.e stroke 3 in diagram)-Induction This is where the fresh fuel/air charge is induced through the intake valve into the combustion chamber. This is as a result of the downward movement of the piston. STROKE 2 (i.e. stroke 4 in diagram)-Compression This is where the fuel/air charge is compressed during the upward stroke of the piston. At this time both valves are closed with the exhaust valve at juncture to opening. STROKE 3 (i.e. stroke 1 in diagram)-Power The compressed gasses are ignited resulting in an explosion moving the piston down. Exhaust valve is still at juncture of opening. STROKE 4 (i.e. stroke 2 in diagram)-Exhaust Exhaust gases as a result of the ignition are expelled through the exhaust valve.

Differences

4-STROKE ENGINE
Performs the 4 cycle processes within 1 revolution of crankshaft. During exhaust stroke, piston forces burnt gases out of cylinder. The cycle processes are executed as a result of the power stroke being transferred through the crankshaft to other cylinders for compression or exhaust stroke. Consists of a multiple number of cylinders. Contains dedicated lubrication system Usually water cooled. Does not contain transfer port.

2-STROKE ENGINE
Performs the 4 cycle processes within 2 revolutions of crankshaft. During exhaust stroke, burnt gasses are expelled as a result of only the pressure in barrel The 4 process cycle is executed as a result of the preceding event. (i.e. power, exhaust, induction, compression). Consists of 1 cylinder. Does not contain dedicated lubrication system Usually air cooled. Contains transfer port within piston cylinder casting.