Mechanical Technology

How The Car Engine Works

Today’s cars normally come with what is called a four strokes internal combustion engine. These types of engines use spark ignition, which can be likened to the compression ignition found in diesel engines. The four strokes are the following: fuel induction, fuel compression, ignition and power, and the release of exhaust gases.

Let us have a closer look at how these four strokes actually work:

1. Induction- through the downward movement of the piston that is found in the main cylinder creates a force, and the inlet port is opened (while the exhaust port is closed). Fuel pumps into the cylinder together with air pressure, and this is the induction process. When the piston arrives at the bottom dead centre, both inlet and exhausts ports close, and the pumped air and fuel remains in within the cylinder.
2. Compression- Fuel is compressed through the piston’s upward movement. Pressure is maintained, and fuel compression starts.
3. Ignition and power process – this is the third stroke that the engine must take in order to function properly. Both ports of the cylinder stay sealed and the piston does pretty much the same movement it does for the induction phase. At this time, all the fuel is concentrated at the upper end of the cylinder and it has a high temperature. The fuel receives a spark, and then the fuel turns into gas very quickly, which will in turn force the piston downwards and the necessary power is created, which will make the engine start properly.
4. Release of exhaust gases- this is the fourth stroke, which is the last cycle, where the exhaust port opens and burnt gas comes out through the cylinder. In the moment when all the fuel is consumed the port closes, and induction starts again its process.

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