Engine Operating Principles
FOUR STROKE PRINCIPLES
(OTTO CYCLE)
1. INDUCTION – piston moves
down the cylinder, inlet valve
open depression draws in
petrol and air.
2. COMPRESSION– piston
moves up the cylinder
compressing the air fuel
mixture, just before TDC
spark at the spark plug
ignites the charge.
3. POWER – Expansion of the
gases pushes the piston
down the cylinder.
4. EXHAUST – exhaust valve
opens the rising piston forces
the burnt gases out the
cylinder.
What is the firing order of the cylinders?
Four Stroke Diesel
Operation
Induction – Piston moves down the
cylinder, inlet valve opens and air
only drawn in.
Compression – Piston rises air heats
up air temperature rises
dramatically.
Power - Diesel fuel injected into the
hot air stream. There is a slight
delay then the diesel fuel ignites
creating pressure on the piston
forcing the piston down the
cylinder.
Exhaust – Piston rises exhaust valve
opens and exhaust gases are
pushed out the exhaust port to
atmosphere.
Two Stroke Cycle
(Petrol)
There is always a stroke ocuring
above and below the piston at
the same time.
Induction/Power Stroke – Piston
at TDC, pressure drop below
piston draws in air and fuel. At
the same time above the piston a
spark ignites the air fuel mixture
creating the power stroke.
Compression/Exhaust Stroke –
Piston moves down the cylinder
compressing air/fuel to the top
of the cylinder. As the air is
pushed through the transfer port
to the top of the chamber it
pushes the old exhaust gases out
through the exhaust port.
Cylinder Head
6 Cylinder Engine Burnt out Valve Seat
Piston Damage
Incorrect ignition timing Cam belt failure
