Air-cooled engines use cooling fins to dissipate heat, making them suitable for applications where space is limited. They are reliable and durable, used in vehicles such as motorcycles, tractors, and airplanes. While they generate a lot of heat, they require less maintenance and are popular in the construction industry. 2-stroke engines use oil to cool the engine, while 4-stroke engines often require an external oil cooler.
An air-cooled engine uses cooling fins cast in its cylinder head to dissipate heat instead of using a liquid-filled radiator. By eliminating the radiator, an air-cooled engine can be used in applications where space restrictions prohibit the installation of a radiator. As the air-cooled engine generates heat, the cooling fins allow wind and air to blow heat away from the engine like a person blowing on a piece of food that is too hot to eat. Used in all types of vehicles, from airplanes, tractors, and sports cars to motorcycles and boats, the air-cooled engine has proven to be reliable and durable. In applications such as aircraft use, the air-cooled engine prevents the extreme cold found at high altitudes from causing icing problems, such as those that plague liquid-cooled aircraft engines.
Popular in motorcycles due to its low weight, the air-cooled engine is used in some of the most expensive motorcycles as well as the most affordable models. Although often criticized for the tremendous amount of heat transferred to riders’ legs when they sit still, an air-cooled engine remains the popular choice for many custom motorcycles around the world. Many manufacturers of touring-style motorcycles have chosen to supply liquid-cooled versions on higher-end motorcycles. However, the American motorcycle company Harley-Davidson continues to offer air-cooled engine configurations as the main engine package.
Much equipment used in the construction industry uses an air-cooled engine to provide power. This allows the equipment to operate in harsh climates without fear of freezing or overheating. By eliminating the radiator, water pump and coolant, much less maintenance is required to keep equipment running. Most non-liquid-cooled engines run at a reduced speed, which also reduces wear on internal engine components. One of the most notable exceptions to this rule is the chainsaw, which operates at a very high speed.
Air-cooled engines that run at high engine speeds are usually 2-stroke versions. This type of engine uses a mixture of gas and oil in the fuel tank, and the oil helps cool the engine. This type of setup also removes a large amount of oil in the engine crankcase. Oil retains engine heat and increases cooling difficulties in a 4-stroke engine. This is why many 4-stroke engines require an external oil cooler to help maintain proper temperatures.
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