1. Intake Stroke:
* What happens: The piston moves downwards, creating a vacuum in the cylinder. This vacuum sucks in a mixture of air and fuel (in gasoline engines) or just air (in diesel engines) through the intake valve.
* Purpose: To draw in the fuel/air mixture that will be ignited.
2. Compression Stroke:
* What happens: The intake valve closes, and the piston moves upwards, compressing the fuel/air mixture.
* Purpose: To increase the pressure and temperature of the mixture, making it easier to ignite.
3. Power Stroke:
* What happens: The spark plug ignites the compressed fuel/air mixture (in gasoline engines), or the high pressure and temperature cause the diesel fuel to auto-ignite (in diesel engines). This creates a rapid expansion of gas, pushing the piston downwards.
* Purpose: This is the stroke where the engine produces power, turning the crankshaft and driving the vehicle.
4. Exhaust Stroke:
* What happens: The exhaust valve opens, and the piston moves upwards, pushing the burnt gases out of the cylinder through the exhaust valve.
* Purpose: To clear the cylinder of combustion products and prepare it for the next intake stroke.
In summary, the four strokes of a four-stroke engine work together to create a cycle of intake, compression, power, and exhaust, which converts fuel into mechanical energy.
Let me know if you'd like more details on any specific stroke or aspect of the four-stroke engine.
