What Is 2 Cycle Engine Oil?
Perhaps 2-cycle engine oil catches your eye in the store. With all the formulas and weight of oil available, it can prove to be confusing. But, there is a big difference between 2-cycle and regular motor oil.
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2-cycle vs. 4-cycle Applications
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Four-cycle engines include cars, trucks, and motor homes. Two-cycle engines (also called 2-stroke) are more commonly found on equipment such as lawn mowers, chain saws, jet-skis, and snowmobiles. In the early years of 2-cycle motors, the South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers explains, 30W SAE automotive oil was used.
Lubrication
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However, 2-cycle engines are fundamentally different from 4-cycle engines. A 2-cycle engine takes in fuel, compresses and combusts, then exhausts, in two strokes of the piston instead of four. Two-cycles also do not have an oil reservoir or crankcase, and the oil lubricates the internal motor as it burns. This leads to a need for a different oil formula.
2-cycle Oil Must Burn Cleanly
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Used for 2-cycle motors since the 1960's, 2-cycle motor oil, unlike regular motor oil, is consumed during the combustion stage of the motor. For this reason, it must not only lubricate well, but combust cleanly, to prevent fouling of the engine. It must also limit the release of by-products into the environment.
Mixing 2-cycle Oil
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Two-cycle engine oil is mixed directly with the fuel, unlike a 4-cycle. While some applications mix the fuel and oil independently, others must be pre-mixed by hand.
Precautions
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Too little oil in the fuel makes the engine run too lean and warm (translating to less power, overheating, and possible seizure.) Too much oil can cause the motor to run rich, foul the plugs, and give less power. It can also lead to overheating. So important fuel to oil ratios and the proper oil is important. Use a 2-cycle motor oil, and run a fuel to oil mix ratio of 50 to 1 if in doubt.
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- Photo Credit competition jet-ski image by philippe Devanne from Fotolia.com
