Proper lubrication for two-strokes

As summer approaches, boats are launched into the water and mopeds appear on the roads. The snow-free time is peak season for many tasks that require various small machines such as motor and clearing saws and grass trimmers. In these machines, two-stroke engines are common, as they have a relatively light and simple structure.

 The most essential difference for the user between a two-stroke and a four-stroke engine is the lubrication method. Four-stroke engines have a separate engine oil that is changed according to the maintenance schedule. It is important to regularly check the amount of engine oil. A properly functioning engine may consume a small amount of oil. However, a significant drop in the oil level is a sign of a problem.

In a two-stroke engine, oil is burned in the engine along with the fuel all the time while the engine is running. Therefore, the user must ensure to regularly add oil.

Fresh oil lubrication or self-mixing

More and more often, in two-stroke engines, lubricating oil is dispensed into the engine using a so-called fresh oil lubrication system. In this case, the oil is added to a separate tank and the automation dispenses oil to the engine as needed. This solution is commonly used in scooters and outboard motors.

In smaller machines such as chainsaws, this kind of system is usually not available, so the oil must be mixed with gasoline. The mixing ratio is typically about two percent, but it is advisable to check this on a machine-specific basis. Insufficient oil increases engine wear and poses a risk of damage. Conversely, too much oil increases smoke and engine dirt. Teboil gas stations also offer small engine gasoline, which already includes two-stroke oil.

Oils and engines are evolving.

One drawback of two-stroke engines is higher exhaust emissions compared to four-stroke engines. This is partly due to the engine's operating principle, where some unburned fuel enters the exhaust channel. Emissions are also increased by the fact that the oil used for lubrication burns in the engine. However, the increasing use of catalytic converters and fuel injection helps to reduce emissions.

The choice of two-stroke oil can also affect emissions. That is why we introduced the new Teboil 2T Power Mix oil to the market. It is a modern semi-synthetic oil that offers many ways better properties than traditional mineral-based two-stroke oil. In addition to protecting the engine against wear and corrosion, 2T Power Mix also burns cleaner. A clean engine maintains its efficiency and reliability when deposits do not interfere with the operation of the spark plug and piston rings. In addition, the catalyst maintains its performance better.

In addition to the new semi-synthetic 2T Power Mix, our range includes full synthetic 2T Bike and 2T Snow oils, which are also suitable for catalytic converter-equipped two-stroke engines. These full synthetic oils remain the best choice, especially for heavily loaded and high-performance two-stroke engines.

Different oil for outboard motor than for chainsaw.

We are often asked about the differences between various two-stroke oils in our lubricant advisory service. The most significant special case for two-stroke engines is outboard motors. In these engines, the motor is cooled by water drawn from the surrounding water, which keeps the operating temperature relatively low. Therefore, the oil must be designed to burn without ash formation at low temperatures. Teboil 2T Special Outboard is specifically designed for two-stroke outboard motors.

Another typical application with special requirements is two-stroke snowmobiles, which are also used in very cold temperatures. These snowmobiles often have a fresh oil lubrication system that requires the oil to have sufficient fluidity to function properly. Teboil 2T Snow oil is designed to flow well even in extreme cold temperatures. It can be used in other two-stroke vehicles as well, year-round.

Take care of maintenance

The maintenance need of two-stroke engines is quite low, but not completely nonexistent. Many maintenance tasks can also be performed by oneself, and often instructions for basic maintenance can be found in the device's user manual.

It is important to take care of the condition of the spark plug by replacing it according to the engine manufacturer's instructions. For the efficient operation of the engine, it is also essential to ensure clean air intake, which is guaranteed by maintaining the cleanliness of the air filter. Two-stroke engines do not have actual engine oil, so it does not need to be changed. However, many devices have gearbox oil, which should be changed according to the manufacturer's specified maintenance schedule. The operation of the engine also often involves throttle linkages and cables, the proper lubrication of which ensures precise operation.

With relatively little maintenance - and the use of suitable two-stroke oil for the intended purpose - two-stroke engines are reliable and durable power sources for many purposes.