Choosing oil for 2-stroke engines. Motor oil for two-stroke engines: characteristics, features, the right choice. Required background information

Oil for 2 stroke engines has many significant differences from similar lubricants intended for pouring into four-stroke engines. Therefore, before purchasing working fluid, you need to learn about its technical and performance characteristics more information.

High quality oil for two-stroke engines used for various Vehicle, working tools and special equipment - these can be small vans, lawn mowers, chain saws, motor boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles and others. Main parameters power plants for which this lubricant is suitable are: low price, low weight and high power density.

An important point to remember: motor oils in two-stroke engines do not circulate (as in four-stroke power units). Therefore, they must be introduced directly into the fuel. The bulk of the working fluid will burn along with the fuel mixture, approximately 25% of the 2-stroke engine oil will be released in the form of unburned oil mist in the exhaust gases.

If we're talking about O simple motor, which can be found on older models, then mixing must be done in a special way. In a ratio of 1:100 to 1:20, a certain amount of oil for a two-stroke engine must be manually introduced into the fuel tank.

If we talk about modern power units, they are already equipped special system, which performs dosing automatically. The oil supply for a 2-stroke engine here is carried out according to the load on the engine. The use of such systems allows you to vary the fuel to oil ratio for a two-stroke engine from 1:400 to 1:50.

Quality indicators of motor oils for 2-stroke engines.

The quality of oil for a two-stroke engine has a strong impact on the service life and reliability of the power plant. Working fluids have various parameters, which you should definitely study before purchasing.

But is it really that important, and isn't it better to just buy the two-stroke engine oil that is offered at the lowest price? Let's look at a small example.

Exploitation aircraft engines carried out at high temperatures oh and to the maximum difficult conditions. In addition, aircraft engines are regularly exposed to significant temperature changes. On the other hand, outboard motors operate at a stable low temperatures, there are no differences here at all. Due to the fact that they themselves push-pull units different, and are operated under completely different conditions, it would be wrong to fill them with the same lubricant. In the first case, we can recommend oil for 2-stroke engines with air cooled. Whereas in the second there is no need for air cooling.

Purchase suitable oil For 2 stroke engines this is not an easy process. The main indicator of product quality is the level of lubricant combustion in the cylinder. High-quality fluid will provide the power plant reliable protection and will not allow the unit to be polluted with resins, soot and smoke. Harmful substances will be released, but in smaller quantities. apply good oil, and you can reduce normal wear and tear engine and leave the exhaust clean. Professionals do not recommend using additives with a metal base for precisely this reason. When burned, such lubricants form highly abrasive ash derivatives. In the case of suspended boat motors with water or air types cooling, you can use ashless oils.

Before purchasing this or that two-stroke engine oil, you must be sure that the product has the following qualities:

  • High anti-wear and lubrication properties;
  • Availability of cleaning function, detergent and dispersant properties;
  • The ability to prevent the formation of deposits in the exhaust mechanism;
  • Smoke level is minimal;
  • The ability to keep spark plugs clean and prevent their premature ignition;
  • High turnover rates;
  • The ability to provide the power unit with protection from corrosion processes;
  • Possibility of quick and uniform mixing with fuel even at low air temperatures.

For oils of this group, excellent lubricity and corrosion resistance are very important (especially if the product is needed for floating vehicles operating in salt waters). Another key parameter is wear resistance. Even with prolonged engine downtime, the lubricant must resist corrosive processes. As a rule, in high-quality oils for 2-stroke engines, everything necessary additives already included.

Error when choosing oil - possible consequences

Many people are interested in the question of what will happen if a working fluid that has low quality or does it not correspond to the type of engine itself (intended, for example, for four-stroke units)? The result is sad:

  • Serious wear of the CPG elements;
  • Coking of piston rings;
  • Large deposits in the cylinders.

The deposition of ash particles on the tips of the spark plugs can result in glow ignition. That is, flashes in the cylinders can occur arbitrarily, from hot ash particles, and not from an ignition spark. Before purchasing oil for a 2-stroke engine, read the composition of the product. In some quality liquids 85-98% general composition mixtures are the base lubricant. The rest is various additives that provide high technical and performance characteristics.

Besides, high quality oils this group may contain many different synthetic esters. Particularly if we are talking about biodegradable lubricants designed to be poured into outboard engines of marine ships.

Assortment and labeling

Two-stroke oils intended for pouring into engines of motorcycles and land vehicles have their own markings:

  • JASO FC - smokeless liquids for power units of cars and other devices;
  • JASO FB and JASO FA - oils for engines of motorcycles and other equipment.

IMPORTANT! If you see the letters JASO MB and JASO MA on the oil packaging, then know that these products should be used in 4-stroke motorcycle engines! Their friction coefficients are low and high, respectively.

Ashless oils intended for 2-stroke outboard motors with any type of cooling are also marked:

  • TSC-4 - products for water-cooled outboard engines.
  • TSC-3 - oils for engines that require the highest quality lubrication. Such motors can be installed not only on boats, but also on snowmobiles and motorcycles. The volume of power units is 50-200 cm3.
  • TSC-2 - products intended for high-speed power plants (volume 50-200 cm3). The engines are cooled by air, the units have to work at high loads in the design of chainsaws, motorcycles, scooters, etc.
  • TSC-1 - working fluids for filling into small engines (volume 50 cm3 maximum). Such two-stroke engines There is an air cooling system and, as a rule, they are included in the design of electric generators, mowers and mopeds.

Most boat engines are cooled in water. Therefore, the most severe requirements apply to oils for filling. environmental requirements environmentally. Particularly regarding smoke generation and biodegradability.

If you don't know which two-stroke engine oil to choose, you can call us or use contact form Online.

Engine oilessential element work motor system in a car, scooter, motorcycle, electrical equipment. There is an extensive classification of these products, which allows us to determine their features and competitive advantages.

The oil has several differences from other fluids used for engines. TO basic characteristics low cost and increased power. There is no circulation of oil here, since it is immediately introduced into the fuel. The combustion of a significant part of the lubricant is ensured together with the fuel.

Quality of lubricants

This parameter has a direct impact on the reliability of the consumable and on its operating properties. Therefore, when choosing engine oil for 2-stroke units, it is important to pay attention to its characteristics:

  • lubricant properties;
  • anti-wear characteristics;
  • washing qualities and cleaning;
  • low amount of smoke;
  • the ability to prevent deposits in exhaust systems;
  • ensuring cleanliness in the spark plug area;
  • protective properties against corrosion;
  • possibility of mixing with fuel even at low temperatures;
  • increased fluid flow rates.

All these properties are indicators of the quality of the oil and help improve its characteristics.

Classification of lubricants

(2 stroke ) has a fairly broad classification. Traditionally, ash-free oil is used for outboard boat units.

The most proven and quality brands– ESSO, SADKO.

API classification:

  • T.S.C.-1 – T.A.– this motor oil assumes that this group includes all lubricants for small engines with a volume of no more than 50 cm3. Motors can be used in electric generators, mowers and other elements.
  • T.S.C.-2 (B) – this class contains oils used for engines with a volume of 50 cm3 or more. Such units are air-cooled and can operate under high loads.
  • T.S.C.-3 (C) – this engine oil requires lubricants, used for two-stroke engines that place particularly high demands on the level of lubricant quality. Such products are used for engines having a displacement of 50–200 cc. cm, mainly on motorcycles and snowmobiles.
  • T.S.C.-4 (T.D.) are represented by consumables that are often used in outboard engines - in motor boats and so on, equipped with water cooling.

Oil rating

When considering which liquid is the best, you can evaluate their overall rating based on the recommendations of experts and personal experience many drivers:

  • Racing 2 T. It is used for engines of cars that actively participate in sports competitions. To prepare the fuel mixture, it is important to follow the ratio recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Sport 2 T. It is a lubricant made on a synthetic basis. Can be used for motorcycles in any operating conditions.
  • Special 2 T. Used for motorcycles, scooters and mopeds. The main requirement when composing the fuel mixture is to comply with the ratio recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Scooter 2 T. This type liquid is characterized high quality and has numerous additives.


Oils for garden equipment:

  • PROSYLVA 2 T SYN– can be used to work in harsh conditions with colossal external loads. Can easily be mixed with gasoline or used in separate lubrication systems.
  • PROSYLVA 2 TZ– a product is manufactured based on base oil for two-stroke engines that are installed on garden equipment. Can retain its properties under extreme conditions of use. Compatible with unleaded gasoline and used in separate lubrication systems.

Summary

All oils have several specifications and are suitable for special conditions use. When choosing a suitable lubricating fluid It is important to pay attention to its main parameters that characterize quality. Choice high quality product will allow you to use the mechanisms without problems.

The life of a boat is largely determined by how long the engine runs. And the latter depends on the quality of the oil used. The correct choice of oil for two-stroke outboard engines allows for sufficient long term avoid the formation of corrosion. Besides, high-quality lubricant for two-stroke outboard engines ensures engine operation at maximum speed.

In specialized stores today, oil is presented for the following types of two-stroke engines:

  • synthetic;
  • mineral.

There are other types of lubricants, but these are very popular.

The main difference between synthetic and mineral materials lies in their basis: they have different molecular structures.

For 2-stroke outboard engines, oils of the first type are the most preferable, since they differ high stability. Similar materials can also be used after mineral ones. But if an unknown oil was previously poured into the engine, it is recommended to first fill in the flushing agent, and then use a synthetic one.

Due to the fact that the latter has a stable chemical composition, it provides the most safe mode operation of the outboard motor. In particular, the synthetic base retains its viscosity regardless of the current temperature level. In other words, a 2-stroke engine retains its original characteristics for a fairly long period of operation. Moreover, synthetic oil maintains integrity individual elements design, so the engine will not require repair for a long time.

main feature mineral base is that it has a relatively low cost.

Using such a lubricant, the owner of a motorized boat reduces its operating costs.

The best choice of lubricant base is the one recommended by the engine manufacturer. For example, synthetic oil has increased fluidity. However, the engine design is not designed for such material. As a result, if the owner uses similar oil, he has to regularly deal with leaks.

To reduce operating costs, semi-synthetic materials can be used. They are a combination of mineral and synthetic oils in certain proportions. True, the quality of such materials is at a fairly average level.

Oil requirements

Motor oils perform the following functions:

  • prevent friction between individual engine components;
  • increase the service life of parts;
  • provide protection from negative influence environment to the power plant;
  • remove heat from moving components.

Each motor oil must undergo mandatory quality certification before entering the market. Lubricant for two-stroke engines is marked TC-W3. The main requirement of this standard is the absence of additives in motor oil that contain metalanion compounds.

When using a lubricant that does not meet TC-W3, there is a high probability of rapid formation of carbon deposits on individual engine components, which ultimately leads to wear of the piston group elements.

The correct choice of oil for an outboard motor is based on the following conditions:

  1. The material must have a minimum ash content. In other words, if this condition is met, the oil burns completely during engine operation.
  2. The lubricating base is highly soluble in fuel.
  3. It has good lubricating and anti-corrosion characteristics and can withstand sudden temperature changes.
  4. If there is an engine with separate oil supply, the latter must have high rate fluidity.
  5. When material enters a body of water, it should quickly decompose into individual components.

Compound

For two-stroke engines, it is preferable to choose a lubricant with an average viscosity. In such materials, the oil base occupies about 60%. Depending on the manufacturer, 5-17% of the oil consists of the so-called vacuum sediment, which is formed during the distillation of the initial petroleum product. This component provides the material lubricating properties due to what is different increased level plasticity.

The remaining 20% ​​comes from special solvents that act as activators. They ensure mixing of the lubricant base with the fuel.

Synthetic lubricant

When switching to “synthetics”, owners of boat engines often experience quite serious problems with them. This becomes especially noticeable when low-quality and cheap materials were previously used. In addition, to reduce operational properties engines are affected by non-compliance with oil change rules and the presence of foreign elements in the engines. As a result, cracking of the seals occurs.

Deposits of the mineral base come out gradually. If you replace it with a synthetic one, the residues are washed out almost immediately, which in the future can lead to rapid wear of the oil receiver mesh.

All of the above means that “synthetics” must be used from the very beginning. This approach avoids many negative consequences during operation of boat units.

  • deposits are observed in the engine;
  • the seals have lost their original plasticity;
  • during the “break-in” of the engine;
  • The engine has previously been overhauled.

The engines are “run in” immediately after purchasing the boat. At this stage, it is recommended to opt for mineral lubricant base. And after finishing the “break-in” of 2-stroke engines, you should switch to “synthetics”. This approach increases the operational life of the unit.

The most popular manufacturers of boat propulsion systems include Yamaha, Suzuki and Tohatsu. It was said above that the choice of lubricant for motors is recommended to be made based on the recommendations for a particular unit.

For example, Suzuki brand installations work well on a synthetic base that costs 500 rubles or less. Yamaha models are characterized by increased reliability. Therefore, you can even fill them with automotive lubricants. As for Tohatsu, when using this unit it is worth using specialized materials. In particular, it is recommended to fill Quicksilver products.

In cases where the boat owner doubts that the motor can withstand working with “synthetics”, you can opt for a semi-synthetic base.

Engine operation without oil

If the oil base is completely used up, the engine will continue to operate for some time. However, with a prolonged absence of lubricant, the likelihood of failure increases sharply. power unit failure due to the fact that strong friction occurs between the piston and the wall, which renders this component unusable.

In general, the choice is determined by the advice of experienced users and recommendations of manufacturers.

Changing the oil in the gearbox of a boat motor

Two-stroke engines, despite their imperfections relative to four-stroke designs, are still widely used in many newly produced devices.

Legendary Java with 638 two-stroke engine

  • Motors of this type are mainly used for:
  • small motorcycles, snowmobiles, mopeds;
  • lawn mowers, walk-behind tractors, portable generators, chainsaws;
  • motor boats;
  • other devices where small size with high power is required.

The design of this engine imposes some special features on operation. In particular, the usual lubrication system on most designs two-stroke internal combustion engines absent.

There are modifications where lubricant is supplied directly to the flow fuel-air mixture from special device in the form of oil mist. However, the vast majority of oil for modern 2-stroke engines enters the cylinders along with the fuel.

Operating principle of a two-stroke engine

Two-stroke engines operate in a slightly different way. In these engines, just like in four-stroke engines, there is crankshaft, a connecting rod and a piston that moves inside the cylinder. Then the differences begin. Let's look at them step by step.

principle of operation of a two-stroke engine

The first and most important difference is the gas distribution system. There are no usual camshafts, valves and the block head as such. This function is performed by the so-called windows (exhaust, intake and purge) and the chamber in the engine crankcase.

There is no oil in the engine crankcase. Absolutely not. Motor oil for two-stroke engines is stored in a separate tank or mixed with fuel. There is oil only in the gearbox, which is often combined with a two-stroke engine.

Instead, the crankcase has a sealed chamber. When the piston goes up, a vacuum is created in this chamber. Through the inlet window, the fuel-air mixture is sucked into this cavity from the power system.

Two-stroke engine piston with long smooth skirt

There are windows on the cylinder walls: outlet and purge. They are closed by the piston body. When the piston goes down after combustion of the mixture under pressure, shortly before bottom dead point he opens the exhaust window. The exhaust gases partially escape, and the pressure in the chamber returns to normal. There is a purge window located just below.

The piston, moving down the cylinder, creates pressure in the crankcase chamber, where the fuel-air mixture that was drawn in earlier during the stroke is already located. And when it reaches the purge window, the mixture, under the influence of pressure, squeezes out the remaining exhaust gases from the cylinder and fills the combustion chamber.

The piston goes up and closes both windows. IN top dead point the spark plug ignites the fuel-air mixture. The cycle begins again.

More from significant differences can be called absence oil scraper rings(compression only) and needle bearings instead of liners in the connections of the connecting rod with the crankshaft and piston. Also often missing fluid system cooling. The motor is cooled by the passing air flow.

Another visual diagram of the operation of a two-stroke engine

The advantages of two-stroke engines include:

  1. Good power density ratio (relative to high power, per unit mass).
  2. Ease of manufacture.
  3. Easy to maintain.

From significant shortcomings can be distinguished:

  1. Relatively short resource and low reliability.
  2. Relatively low efficiency.
  3. High probability of overheating (for two-stroke air-cooled internal combustion engines).

Air-cooled two-stroke engine oil is added to the fuel. This feature imposes some restrictions on its properties. But we'll talk about this later.

Engine operation without oil

Any mechanism that involves friction between metal surfaces under load must have lubrication. Two-stroke engines are no exception. In this case, the question arises of how to deliver the required portion of the lubricant to the working surfaces.

The most common design involves lubrication of CPG parts using oil diluted in gasoline. The lubricant, entering the combustion chamber in the form of mist along with the fuel-air mixture, partially settles on the cylinder walls.

Operating the piston without oil leaves deep marks on its surface

The piston, when moving with rings, picks up this lubricant and carries it into the gap between it and the cylinder. This ensures lubrication.

The needle bearing is filled with grease immediately upon assembly and is designed for its entire service life. There is also a hypothesis that it is also lubricated by the fuel-air mixture. Partially - yes, it is. But we cannot talk about lubrication due to oil mist alone.

All this determines some of the operating features. For example, you should always have some minimum supply with you. two-stroke oil in case of unexpected refueling. If you do not add oil to the gasoline, the engine will still run for some time.

Then the following will happen:

  • the pistons, rings and cylinder mirror will begin to wear out like an avalanche;
  • due to friction, intense heating will begin;
  • As a result, the rings and the surface of the cylinders will collapse, or the piston will jam.

Requirements for two-stroke oils

The requirements for oils for 2-stroke engines are slightly different from the requirements for their four-stroke opponents. It makes sense to mention a few key parameters.

Almost all modern oils for two-stroke engines are today produced under the brand TC-W3. This universal lubricant Suitable for almost all known engines. In general, there are several classifiers. Let's look briefly at some.

Classification by API

There are 4 types of oils known here: TA, TB, TC and TD. Now three of them are in the past, and you can only find oil with a marking other than TC, stale, from some inactive warehouse. There is a lot of information in the public domain about the scope of application of the other three classes. But it is unlikely to be needed, except for general development.

JASO classification

There are also 4 categories: FA, FB, FC and FD. The further the second letter of the Latin alphabet is from its beginning, the better quality oil. There are transcripts of the compositions on the Internet; there is no point in considering them in detail within the confines of this article.

ISO classification

This classifier is linked to JASO. Only here three are taken into account last class(the first one is outdated) and this oil was additionally tested under real operating conditions.

Dirty and worn piston chainsaws due to incorrectly selected oil

For the ISO-L-EGB and ISO-L-EGC classes, the FB and FC requirements described for JASO, respectively, are retained, plus an additional check for the cleanliness of the pistons after use is carried out.

If the pistons have the required surface cleanliness, then the oil confirms its high class and is assigned one of these markings. In the very high class, ISO-L-EGD, based on JASO FD, the cleaning effect is evaluated in addition to the pistons.

Rules for preparing the fuel mixture

The rules for preparing a mixture of gasoline and oil are individual for each individual case. Some equipment manufacturers allow oil for their 2-stroke engines to be poured directly into the tank immediately after filling with gasoline. This applies to motorcycles, mopeds, motor boats and in general to all large-sized equipment.

Preparing the mixture, diluting two-stroke oil

If we consider chainsaws, trimmers and other manual gasoline tool, then it is recommended to prepare the mixture of fuel and oil in advance in a separate container. An important point is the selection of a suitable canister or bottle.

A car of this material personally witnessed how a mixture of gasoline and oil corroded the sealing liner on the plug plastic bottle, and the bottle began to leak while in the mower's shoulder bag.

A small spark or, for example, a match after lighting a cigarette - and a person could burn alive. An important point in the process of preparing the mixture is maintaining the proportions. We'll talk about this separately below.

Proportions and mixing

If for more technologically advanced versions of two-stroke engines oil is supplied in doses from a separate tank depending on the operating mode of the engine, then in the case of simple two-stroke engines everything is a little more complicated.

Initially, the manufacturer indicates the proportion for the new engine. As a rule, it ranges from 1/20 to 1/33. That is, if the recommended proportion is 1/20, this means that 50 grams of oil must be added to one liter of gasoline.

If it is 1/33, then there should be 30 grams of oil. The logic of calculation, for example, for 1/20 is as follows: for one share of oil there are 20 shares of fuel. Subsequently, after a certain mileage or a certain number of engine hours, the portion of oil will increase. It's important to keep an eye on this.

Table of proportions for preparation working mixture from gasoline and two-stroke oil

Petrol
(liters)
Oil (ml)
25:1 30:1 35:1 40:1 50:1
1 40 33 28 25 20
5 200 165 140 125 100
10 400 330 280 250 200
15 600 495 420 375 300

Since the production of CPG on parts will require an additional amount of oil to create protective film on worn surfaces.

As is known, engines internal combustion There are 2 and 4 strokes. In short, one stroke in an engine is actually an up or down motion, with two strokes completed per revolution of the crankshaft. The stroke during which fuel combustion occurs and gas energy is released to the piston to complete useful work, is usually called the working stroke of the piston.

It is important to understand that although two-stroke and four-stroke engines are similar in operating principle, they also differ significantly from each other in a number of features (both design and others). Next we will talk about how two-stroke engines work, as well as what kind of oil for two-stroke engines the best way suitable for use in this type.

Read in this article

Features of two-stroke engines and the lubrication system on engines of this type

First of all, the operating cycle of any internal combustion engine consists of:

  • intake, when the cylinder is filled with a fuel-air mixture;
  • compression (the working mixture is pre-compressed in the cylinder);
  • ignition of the fuel charge and transfer of energy to the piston;
  • release of exhaust gases from the cylinder;

If at 4 stroke engine Such a working cycle is completed in 2 revolutions, then in a 2-stroke cycle it takes one. In other words, the working cycle of a 2-stroke engine is conventionally a “combined” mixture intake, compression and power stroke, which do not occur in separate strokes (as in 4-stroke internal combustion engines).

During compression, the piston rises from BDC to TDC (top and bottom dead center). At the same time, special “windows” are structurally implemented in the engine instead of more conventional valves. As the piston moves upward, the so-called purge window is first closed (the mixture enters the cylinder through it), then the exhaust window is closed (exhaust gases exit the cylinder through it).

Accordingly, when the windows are blocked, the working mixture is compressed. At the same time, a vacuum is formed in the crank chamber, due to which the next portion of the mixture is “drawn” from the carburetor. Next, the piston approaches TDC, a spark ignites the compressed mixture, gases appear, which expand and push the piston down. This energy from the piston is transferred to the crankshaft and it rotates.

While the piston is making its power stroke, pressure increases in the crank chamber, which leads to compression of the working mixture that was there during the previous stroke. After the surface of the piston reaches the exhaust window area, it opens, which allows exhaust gases to be discharged into the exhaust system.

Then the piston similarly opens the purge window, through which the mixture, which is already under pressure in the crank chamber, enters the cylinder and displaces the remaining exhaust gases. Next, the mixture fills the space above the piston. After the piston reaches BDC, the entire cycle of operation of a two-stroke engine is repeated again.

If we talk about the lubrication system, two-stroke engines may not have a separate solution for this purpose at all. Simply put, these engines are lubricated by mixing gasoline and oil in the right proportion (for example, 1/25 or 1/50). Moreover, such a mixture is not only a mixture of air and gasoline, but also includes oil particles.

It is enough to recall the principle of operation of a two-stroke engine, after which it becomes clear that the circulation of such a mixture in the crank and piston chambers makes it possible to realize the lubrication of loaded parts. internal combustion engine elements (connecting rod bearings, bearings crankshaft, cylinder walls, etc.) At the moment when fuel mixture burns out, the lubricant burns out at the same time, after which the cylinder is purged.

As for the methods of mixing oil with fuel, there are two of them:

  • Motor oil is poured directly into the tank along with the fuel. This is the simplest solution.
  • fuel and lubricant are in separate tanks, and the gasoline-oil mixture is formed in the inlet pipe, which is located between the cylinder itself and the carburetor.

The second scheme is more complex and requires the presence of not only an oil tank and a line for supplying it, but also a plunger-type pump. Thanks to this design, oil is supplied in doses, taking into account the amount of mixture of gasoline and air.

Without going into details, the pump produces greater output depending on how far the “gas” handle is twisted. The more the gas is turned, the more fuel is supplied, which means an increase in the supply of lubricant. A separate lubrication system on a two-stroke engine makes it possible to more accurately balance the ratio of oil to the amount of gasoline, the engine smokes and cokes less, oil consumption is reduced, etc.

So, a comparison of the lubrication systems of a two-stroke engine and a 4-stroke engine clearly demonstrates that these engines are very different. . In this case, the lubricant practically does not enter the combustion chamber, that is, only the fuel-air mixture burns in the cylinders.

In 2-stroke internal combustion engines, it is assumed that not only fuel and air are burned, but also the lubricant itself. Taking into account the above, it becomes clear that the requirements for oils for 2-stroke engines are very different.

Oil for two-stroke air-cooled engines and other similar internal combustion engines must leave a minimum amount of carbon deposits in the cylinders after combustion, mix well with the fuel, retain its properties as long as possible and better, etc.

Oil for two-stroke engines: which one is better to choose?

Let's start with the fact that motor oils for two-stroke internal combustion engines are a separate type of lubricant. Such lubricants differ in their properties from similar lubricants for four-stroke car engines and other similar internal combustion engines.

As already mentioned, special unique requirements are put forward for oil for two-stroke engines. For example, two-stroke oils gasoline engines must in mandatory provide:

  • The smallest amount of coke and ash that are formed during combustion in the cylinder. Ideally, the lubricant should burn out completely.
  • Also, oil for 2-stroke internal combustion engines must be completely and easily dissolved in the fuel.
  • The lubricant must have protective, anti-wear and lubricating properties at high temperatures. The oil must also provide reliable protection against corrosion.

If a two-stroke engine has a separate lubrication system, it is important that the oil pumps well and remains fluid. Let us add that if we take into account the specifics and scope of two-stroke engines, which are engines for mopeds and scooters, boat engines, engines for lawn mowers, etc., then certain requirements are put forward in terms of toxicity.

For example, if it gets on the ground, the lubricant should be as safe as possible for the environment, and if such lubricant gets into water, then it should decompose quickly.

So, oils for two-stroke engines must comply with 2T and TC-W3 standards. By the way, such oils often differ in color from other analogues, since they are additionally colored to identify them. Typically 2-stroke engine oil of blue color, and it is clearly visible even when it is already mixed with gasoline.

The 2T standard requires the use of such a lubricant in air-cooled engines, ranging from chainsaws and lawn mowers to light motorcycles. As for TCW3 oils, they are designed for use in watercraft and water-cooled outboard engines.

It should also be added that for winter operation exist for two-stroke engines. Another lubricant (similar to oils for other engines) can have either (mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic motor oil for a two-stroke engine).

As you can see, there are many offers on the market for oils for boats and other two-stroke engines. There are even ready-made products, when the oil is already initially diluted and completely ready for use (you just need to pour it into a canister of fuel, shake it up and pour it into the tank on one or another equipment).

However, products may differ significantly in price and properties. As a rule, mineral oil is cheaper than synthetics. This makes it difficult to decide what to buy. First of all, you need to use the kind of oil that is prescribed by the engine manufacturer.

If the operating instructions indicate that you need to pour oil with the TC-W3 standard, then any oil that meets this standard will do. In this case, it is not so important what to pour, mineral water or synthetics. As for the manufacturer, choose a brand that has a good reputation. At the same time, you need to be especially careful about fakes.

Please note that if the manual contains separate recommendations for oils, pouring products other than those prescribed in the instructions is strictly prohibited. For example, for “injection” imported engines It is often specifically stated that only fully synthetic oil that meets clearly defined standards can be filled.

The fact is that the engine in this case was initially designed to operate on just such a lubricant, and the use of another oil will lead to rapid failure of the unit. If we talk about simple equipment, especially those made during the USSR (mopeds, motorcycles, chainsaws, boat engines etc.), such units work quite successfully on the MS-20.

Moreover, any imported unit has every chance of coking and failing with this lubricant after just a few hours of operation. We also note that it is strictly forbidden to fill any two-stroke engines with gasoline or, even more so, “working off”.

Such lubricants contain a lot of excess for a 2-stroke ICE additives, during combustion they form a large amount of ash, etc. It is important to understand that ignoring these rules is usually the reason for the breakdown of not only imported, but also fairly durable domestic equipment.

What's the result?

As you can see, the above information allows us to conclude that the issue of choosing oil for a two-stroke engine must be approached with special responsibility.

The main thing is to carefully study the instruction manual. If the engine is relatively simple and the manufacturer allows the use different types oil, then in such a “two-stroke” it is quite possible to use both more expensive synthetics and simple mineral oil.

The only thing you need to make sure is that a particular lubricant meets the recommended standards. At the same time, the difference between mineral water and synthetics in practice will be insignificant, except that with synthetics the engine may start easier and wear out a little less. high speed. There may also be less coke and soot in the combustion chamber.

Let us also add that even mineral oil such a motor still exceeds its declared resource (subject to the use of suitable fuel and timely maintenance).

However, if the engine manufacturer recommends filling only with a specific synthetic oil, then it is no longer possible to fill in mineral oil, even if it also has required standard(eg TCW3). In this case, “mineral water” will still not fit the range important parameters, since the lubrication system of this motor It is simply not designed for the use of oils with a mineral oil base.

Read also

Engine oil viscosity, what is the difference between oils with a viscosity index of 5w40 and 5w30. Which lubricant is best to pour into the engine in winter and summer, tips and recommendations.

  • How to choose the right motor oil for your car engine. Oil base of the lubricant, marking and classification according to SAE, API and ACEA. Useful tips.