How is gasoline used in four-stroke engines?

In four-stroke engines, gasoline is primarily utilized as a refined fuel that complies with Clean Air Act requirements. This is crucial as the Clean Air Act establishes regulations to reduce air pollution from various sources, including vehicles. Gasoline used in four-stroke engines is formulated not only to provide energy through combustion but also to meet environmental standards by minimizing harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

The gasoline’s formulation typically includes additives to improve combustion efficiency and reduce the formation of pollutants, ensuring better performance while adhering to the legal requirements aimed at protecting air quality. This focus on refining the fuel for cleaner combustion processes is essential in modern engine designs, particularly as regulatory measures become stricter.

In contrast, gasoline is not used as a lubricant, cooling agent, or hydraulic fluid in four-stroke engines. Engine lubricants serve to reduce friction and wear, cooling agents maintain optimal engine temperatures, and hydraulic fluids are used in systems that rely on fluid pressure, which are distinctly different from the role gasoline plays as an energy source in these engines.