Find out what some of our graduates are doing today in pursuing their successful careers.
Learn more about how we assist our veterans from VA funding to exclusive scholarships.
UTI welcomes General Education Diploma students. Find out more in our resources.
From motorcycles and cars to lawn mowers and generators, 4-stroke engines power a variety of different kinds of equipment. This type of engine utilizes four distinct piston strokes in order to effectively run.
Whether you’re currently working in the field or are considering becoming a technician, it’s important to understand exactly how this process works. Technicians regularly work with various engine types, and knowing their differences is key to success in the industry.
If you’re wondering, “What is a four stroke engine?” this guide is for you. Keep reading to learn all about 4-stroke engines and how they work, as well as how they differ from 2-stroke engines.
A 4-stroke engine is a very common variation of an internal combustion engine. Most modern internal combustion-powered vehicles are 4-strokes, powered by either gasoline or diesel fuel.
During engine operation, pistons go through 4 events to achieve each power cycle. The definition of an event is an up or down piston motion. Upon completion of the 4 events, the cycle is complete and ready to begin again.
4-stroke engines deliver a good balance of power, reliability and efficiency. When it comes to emissions, 4-strokes separate each event mechanically, which reduces unburned fuel emissions. It also separates oil from fuel, which significantly reduces carbon monoxide emissions. This combination of desirable traits has earned the 4-stroke the top spot in passenger vehicles today.
2-stroke engines are also common, however they do not power cars or light trucks. 2-strokes are found on small engines, such as dirt bikes, chainsaws, outboard marine engines, lawn care equipment, scooters and mopeds, and so on. A 2-stroke engine is still an internal combustion gasoline powered engine, but they differ from 4-strokes in their design. More on 2-stroke engines below.
As far as 4-stroke engines, there are 4-stroke diesel engines and 4-stroke gasoline engines (which are also called 4-stroke petrol engines).
Diesel engines differ from their gasoline-powered counterparts in their method of combustion:
Diesel 4-strokes:
Gasoline/Petrol 4-strokes:
More on diesel engine operation will follow in a separate blog post.
Wankel and Rotary engines are internal combustion engines, but they do not have “strokes” in the same sense that a 2- or 4-stroke engine has. We will cover Wankel and Rotary engines in more detail in another blog post.
In order to effectively power equipment, 4-stroke engines complete and repeat the following steps:
Intake stroke
Compression stroke
Power stroke
Exhaust stroke
The below diagram gives a visual representation of how this process works:
Air is compressible. When the air/fuel is compressed before ignition, combustion efficiencies are improved. Compression ratio is the relationship of total cylinder volume to compressed volume. For example, a compression ratio of 10:1 (verbally spoken as “10 to 1”) would indicate that the chamber squeezes 10 parts of air/fuel volume into 1 part of that volume at the end of the compression stroke.
Higher compression ratio can offer more power in some applications. The downsides to higher compression ratio can be decreased durability and the need to run higher-octane (expensive) gasoline.
Air and fuel enter the cylinder via the intake valve, and spent exhaust gasses exit through the exhaust valve. Use of valves is one of the major differentiating characteristics of a 4-stroke engine compared to 2-strokes. The total number of valves per cylinder will vary based on engine design (2, 3, 4, 5) but each valve can only be either an intake or an exhaust.
Valves open and close at predetermined times in relation to the piston, allowing for reliable and efficient power generation. Engine and valve train configurations vary, but the goal remains consistent—a camshaft is precisely timed to the crankshaft, and they work together to manage the mechanical operation of the engine.
In push rod valve actuation, the camshaft gear is driven off the crankshaft:
In direct valve actuation, the camshaft is driven by the crankshaft via a timing chain or belt, also known as an overhead cam engine:
While the engine crankshaft controls the up and down motion of the piston inside the cylinder, the camshaft is responsible for opening and closing the valves.
2-stroke engines differ from 4-strokes in three key areas:
2-strokes flow air, fuel and exhaust through the engine without the use of valves. Rather, they use ports. 2-strokes also take advantage of the airspace below the piston. Each piston stroke is pressurizing and acting upon 2 chambers simultaneously.
The above diagram demonstrates how 2-stroke engines take advantage of the space above and below the piston. The uses of machined ports with the engine casing itself allows 2-strokes to avoid using valves.
Additionally, there is no camshaft required to open or close the valves—fewer parts means that 2-strokes are lighter and more compact than 4-stroke engines.
Mixing oil and gas can be either a manual process where the operator physically mixes both components in a gas can, or an automatic process using oil injection systems. Either way, 2-stroke engines burn oil to provide lubrication to moving parts.
The final major differentiating characteristic of a 2-stroke engine is its ability to complete each engine cycle and have a power pulse twice as often as 4-strokes. Similar displacement 2-strokes can be almost twice as powerful as their 4-stroke counterparts.
If 2-strokes are lighter, smaller and more powerful than 4-strokes, why aren’t they more common? 2-strokes have a few distinct downsides, including:
While performing daily job activities, motorcycle, marine and small engine technicians regularly work with various engine types. Understanding the differences and characteristics is key to diagnosing and repairing vehicles and equipment.
Certain parts are more prone to wear out or fail. As technicians gain knowledge and experience, they will be able to quickly and efficiently remedy the situation for the customer.
In MMI’s 42-week Motorcycle Technician Training Program, you’ll learn the foundations of motorcycle, ATV, side-by-side and personal watercraft to prepare for a career as a motorcycle technician.1
To learn more, visit our program page and request information to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today.
What is a motorcycle alternator, and what is a motorcycle stator? Find your answer here.
Click here to learn all about carburetors and what they mean for your career as a technician.
After graduating from MMI, Chris Drew started a business alongside his wife, Jodi, called Spoke & Dagger Co. Check out their story here.
1) MMI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.
