

The spark plugs fire once every single revolution, and power is produced once every 2-strokes of the piston. During the return stroke, the exhaust is let out and a fresh fuel mixture enters the cylinder. In a 2-stroke engine, the entire combustion cycle is completed with just one piston stroke: a compression stroke followed by the explosion of the compressed fuel. Watch this quick video for a further description of how the 4-stroke engine works: These engines also do not require pre-mixing of fuel and oil, as they have a separate compartment for the oil. The spark plugs fire only once every other revolution, and power is produced every 4-strokes of the piston.

In a 4-stroke engine, the piston completes 2-strokes during each revolution: one compression stroke and one exhaust stroke, each being followed by a return stroke.

The Difference between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine is how quickly this combustion cycle process occurs, based on the number of times the piston moves up and down during each cycle. Exhaust: The piston goes back up the cylinder and the exhaust valve is openedĭifference Between A 2-Stroke & A 4-Stroke.Combustion: A spark from the spark plug ignites the gas.Compression: The piston moves back up the cylinder the intake valve is closed to compress the gasses within.Intake: The piston moves down the cylinder allowing a mixture of furl and air into the combustion chamber.A c ombustion r evolution or c ombustion c ycle is the complete process of gas and air being sucked into the piston, igniting it, and expelling the exhaust: A s troke is when the piston moves from TDC to BDC, or vice versa.

TDC is its position nearest to the valves, and BDC is its position furthest from them. The terms “top dead center” (TDC) and “bottom dead center” (BDC) refer to the piston’s position within the cylinder. In order to understand how these two engines are different, you first need to become familiar with the basics.ĭuring an engine’s combustion cycle, the piston moves up and down within the cylinder. How Do Combustion Engines Work, and What Is A “Stroke” Anyways? While we’re sure you’ve at least heard these terms before, do you really know the difference between them? How do they work, and which is better? Read on to learn the answers! Automotive engines have transformed over the years, but two main gasoline powered combustion engine designs remain: the 2-stroke and the 4-stroke.
