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Two Stroke Diesel Engine

  • Geffers G
    • 331 posts
    June 9, 2026 2:35 AM PDT
    I've been involved with cars all my adult life and during teenage years, and whilst not a mechanic I have learned about engines and car components.  Therefore I was quite amazed recently to learn of a two stroke diesel engine, I had never heard of such a thing.  Was aware of two stroke engines but these were often attached to lawn mowers and small motorbikes.  I always thought diesels worked on the old 4 stroke system of suck, squeeze, bang, blow.
     
    My enlightenment occured watching a YouTube video and it mentioned the famous UK Deltic locomotive developed in the early days of changing from steam to Diesel. Seems the Deltic loco was powered by a two stroke diesel engine.  I knew this engine was loud, I knew too the engine had been developed for boats (minesweepers I think) but had no idea they were two stroke diesels.
     
    Complex design, I often wondered how engineers dreamt up the valve gear on steam locos and the design of the engine used in the Deltic loco is mind boggling.
     
    We take things for granted, amazing what goes in to the designing.
     
  • Web Diva
    • Moderator
    • 422 posts
    June 14, 2026 11:43 AM PDT

    Engines are fascinating and I love the mechanical terminology that goes with describing each part.  This is an area I'm not versed in, but I do find it all very interesting.  I'll take a look at your video, thank you for sharing!

  • Mark Ransome
    • 37 posts
    June 15, 2026 4:26 AM PDT

    I love engines too, when I had my first car at 17, a mini which was a bit of an old knacker, me and my Dad completely stripped down the engine in our little garage on the side of the house and completely refurbished it, it was cracking after that!🤩

    Two stroke deisels, just like two stroke petrol engines, they combine all four engine processes - intake, compression, power, and exhaust, into just two movements of the piston, the only main difference is that petrol versions need you to add two stroke oil to the petrol for lubrication, deisels are self lubricating because deisel is thicker than petrol, more oil like.


    This post was edited by Mark Ransome at June 15, 2026 5:49 AM PDT