A two stroke engine makes twice the rpms that a four stroke does.
And, oil has to be mixed with the gas.
There is a delicate balance of air, and fuel, that keeps it running, and lasting a long time.
When that balance gets off, you can use the choke, to provide a bit more fuel. I have a weedeater right now that runs great as long as the choke at about 1/3 on.
To make sure it gets enough air, you try to keep the air filter clean. The oily nature of the exhaust and fuel makes that difficult.
Not enough air, gets the burn too rich, making the engine bog down. Might even stop running. Too much air burns too lean, and the engine revs.
What happens when it runs out of fuel? For the last minute or so of available fuel, air bubbles, and the lack of liquid fuel throw off the air fuel mixture. It runs way too lean.
You have to be aware of this, or it will surprise you and you will think its going to blow up.
The enging revs beyond normal operating limits. The only reason it doesnt destroy itself is the presence, and remnants of the oil.
Our lives are like that.
I'm not sure how long a minute is, maybe it's ten or twenty years? Eventually we run out of fuel. It starts with small things like our skippy memory, shuffling our feet, change or loss of apetite. The warning signs are there.
Sometimes now, when my mind races, I feel like that weedeater that is running on air bubbles and is low on fuel.
There is much to learn. People to talk to, and check on. Old friends to call. Books to read. The need to spend time with our kids and grandkids.
And naps. I love a good nap. Even those seem like I'm wasting precious limited time.
So my mind races. This blog helps me create something and let the ideas and energy go somewhere worthwhile. It's self serving, and has good utility, as my old high school economic Teacher, Mr. Mcintosh, would say. To empty the mind, and know it's here if I ever want to come back and visit.
Hopefully, some other people can find and read and enjoy some of this too. Maybe it will help them sort through some things they are experiencing. Maybe they, too, can write things down, sketch a picture, or sing a song to leave something for later.
Let's call the Air, longevity, and the fuel, experiences and passion.
The fuel comes from our daily lives, and the people we are around. Learning new things, meeting new people, going places. helping others. Maybe even taking that Sunday nap.
The air? We can't as much about that. Our family history, and our own choices play a part. We can try to opertate within normal limits, not take crazy chances, and avoid stupid things.
When my mind races, I try to slow down, and pay attention. Listen for the signs, and not be surprised.
Maybe if I add more fuel?
It's a delicate balance.