Two-cycle engines use a mixture of oil & gasoline in a single fuel tank.
Four-cycle engines do not require mixing of oil & gasoline and have separate gasoline and oil tanks.
Here are some easy ways to tell if your engine is two-cycle or four-cycle:
- Look at the fuel cap. For a two-cycle engine, if it is the original fuel cap it will likely have a fuel and oil mix ratio ( 32:1 , 40:1 etc.) or gas can and oil can symbols on it.
- Look for stickers labeling the equipment (e.g., "Four Cycle" or "No Fuel Mixing").
- Look for an engine oil fill cap. Only four-cycle engines have a separate engine oil reservoir on the back or side, with another cap (usually yellow) for checking & filling the oil reservoir.
- The Operator's Manual will have engine fuel and oil information in it.
If you do not have the manual, please visit our online Operator's Manual Web site to download one for free.
NOTE: The terms "two-cycle" and "two-stroke" are interchangeable, as are "four-cycle" and four-stroke".
