Advantages of Four-Stroke Engines for Automobiles

Throughout the course of the last few decades, there has been a significant shift in the kind of engines used in automobiles. Formerly, two-stroke engines were utilized, but nowadays, four-stroke engines are more commonplace. In spite of the fact that two-stroke engines produce twice as much power as four-stroke engines, it is arguable that four-stroke engines are more wallet-friendly due to the fact that complete combustion takes place in these engines. By leveraging the expertise of developers, the automotive industry continues to make significant strides towards cleaner and more efficient engine options, benefiting both consumers and the environment.

What does it mean to have a Four Stroke Engine?

You may also hear a four-cycle engine referred to as a four-stroke engine. It is a type of internal combustion engine in which each stroke of the piston results in a rotation of the crankshaft. One complete movement of the piston along the cylinder in either direction is known as a stroke. A stroke can only occur in one direction. An intake stroke, a compression stroke, a power stroke, and an exhaust stroke are the four strokes that make up a four-stroke engine. Two revolutions of the crankshaft are required for a full cycle in a four-stroke engine (7200).

The First Pass Through the Intake

The term "intake stroke" refers to the process by which air and fuel are drawn into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The initial stage in the procedure, however, can be rather different depending on the kind of engine being used. In port-fuel-injected (PFI) engines, the piston travels down the cylinder as the intake valve draws a combination of air and fuel into the combustion chamber.

In gasoline-direct-injected engines (GDI), which are depicted in the animation that is attached to this article, fuel can either be injected in a larger amount while the piston is moving down to create a homogenous mixture or injected in a smaller amount nearer the end of the compression stroke.

Compression Stroke [Compression Stroke]

When the piston is at its lowest point of travel (bottom dead center), the air-fuel ratio in the cylinder bore is at its maximum achievable value. After the intake valve has been closed, the piston will move backwards within the cylinder bore. Under the context of a 4-stroke engine, this stage is referred to as the compression stroke. Between the piston and the cylinder head, the air-fuel mixture is subjected to compression.

Power Stroke

When the fuel reaches the end of its combustion process, the heat given out by the combusting hydrocarbons causes the pressure to rise. This causes the gas to exert force on the piston, which in turn results in the production of power.

Exhaust Stroke

The exhaust valve will open once the piston has depressed all the way to its bottom position. When the piston begins to move back up, it compels the exhaust gases to leave the cylinder where they were contained. When the piston reaches its highest point, the exhaust valve is forced to close once more. After the intake valve has been reopened, the four-stroke sequence will begin again.

Benefits of Four Stroke Engine

A Greater Degree of Rotational Force

When compared to more conventional engines of the same type, this one generates a greater amount of torque despite having the same amount of fuel injected. A higher torque is advantageous since it allows a vehicle to function more smoothly while also producing more power. Because of its high torque, the car is able to accelerate more quickly while producing less noise and vibration.

Reduced Pollution

A four-stroke engine is more environmentally friendly than a two-stroke engine since it only generates power after every four strokes and because neither oil nor lubrication is added to the gasoline.

Greater Durability

We are all aware that the longer an engine is used, the faster its parts wear down. 2 stroke engines are intended for high RPM. If an engine can go for 10000 revolutions per minute before it wears out, a four-stroke engine with 100 revolutions per minute will run for 100 minutes longer than an alternative two-stroke engine with 500 revolutions per minute, which will run for only 20 minutes.

Emissions That are Less Polluting

The fact that two-stroke engines typically produce a great deal of exhaust pollution is the principal factor that contributes to their low prevalence in mass-vehicle applications. In order to lubricate the crankcase, 2-stroke engines require oil to be injected with the fuel. The combustion chamber of a 4-stroke engine is maintained mostly separate from the dedicated oiling system, which helps to ensure that the only substance that is burning in the engine is gasoline.

How can the Performance of an Engine with Four Strokes be Improved?

There are a variety of adjustments that may be made to a 4-stroke engine, as was discussed in the previous section on the topic of how to boost the power of a 125cc motorbike. Eliminating restrictions that are a result of the combustion process is one of the least invasive methods, and it may involve doing something like switching out the exhaust pipe that comes standard with one that has fewer restrictions, so that the engine does not have to exert as much effort when it is in the exhaust stage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the shift from two-stroke engines to four-stroke engines in automobiles has resulted in significant benefits. Four-stroke engines are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and durable than their two-stroke counterparts. The four-stroke engine operates on a cycle of four strokes: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. Furthermore, there are various adjustments that can be made to improve the performance of a four-stroke engine, including eliminating restrictions in the combustion process. Overall, the widespread adoption of four-stroke engines has led to improved vehicle performance and a healthier environment.