How a 4-Stroke Car Engine Works
A 4-stroke car engine is a type of internal combustion engine that operates in four distinct strokes: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. The strokes are repeated in a continuous cycle, providing power to the vehicle.
## Intake Stroke
The intake stroke begins with the piston at the top of the cylinder. The intake valve opens, allowing air and fuel to enter the cylinder. The piston then moves down the cylinder, drawing in the air and fuel mixture.
## Compression Stroke
Once the piston reaches the bottom of the cylinder, the intake valve closes and the exhaust valve opens. The piston then moves back up the cylinder, compressing the air and fuel mixture. This compression increases the temperature and pressure of the mixture.
## Power Stroke
At the top of the compression stroke, the spark plug ignites the air and fuel mixture. This creates a rapid expansion of gases, driving the piston down the cylinder. The downward motion of the piston turns the crankshaft, which in turn powers the wheels of the vehicle.
## Exhaust Stroke
As the piston reaches the bottom of the power stroke, the exhaust valve opens and the intake valve closes. The piston then moves back up the cylinder, pushing the exhaust gases out of the cylinder. The exhaust gases are then expelled from the engine through the exhaust system.
## Valve Timing
The timing of the valves is critical to the proper operation of the engine. The intake valve must open and close at the correct time to allow the air and fuel mixture to enter the cylinder. The exhaust valve must also open and close at the correct time to allow the exhaust gases to exit the cylinder.
## Engine Efficiency
The efficiency of an engine is determined by how much of the energy in the fuel is converted into power. There are a number of factors that affect engine efficiency, including the compression ratio, the valve timing, and the ignition timing.
## Conclusion
The 4-stroke car engine is a complex machine that converts the energy in fuel into power. The strokes of the engine are repeated in a continuous cycle, providing power to the vehicle. The efficiency of the engine is determined by a number of factors, including the compression ratio, the valve timing, and the ignition timing.
