Did you know how a four-stroke internal combustion engine really works? Have you ever wondered how the various phases of this cycle work together to produce energy and power your vehicle? Discover the principle behind this ingenious motor and why each component plays an essential role in its efficiency.
Operating cycle
The four-stroke internal combustion engine operates according to a precise cycle. The 4-stroke engine includes :
- Admission
- Compression
- Combustion
- The exhaust
This cycle is repeated to keep the motor running. A diagram of the 4-stroke engine shows how each phase unfolds and synchronizes with the other components. Unlike a non-combustion engine, a four-stroke engine uses the explosion of the air-fuel mixture to generate power. As an engine tunerGasflow optimizes components, particularly the cylinder head, to improve the efficiency of each cycle, thereby enhancing overall engine performance.
How each beat works
Each stage of the 4-stroke cycle plays an essential role in engine operation.
- During intake, the air-fuel mixture enters the cylinder by opening the intake valve.
- Compression follows, where the piston rises and compresses this mixture, increasing its density and energy potential.
- Next comes combustion, where a spark from the spark plug ignites the compressed mixture, creating an explosion that pushes the piston down. This explosion converts chemical energy into mechanical energy.
- Finally, the exhaust system expels burnt gases from the cylinder when the piston rises and the exhaust valve opens.
This repeated sequence ensures continuous energy production, keeping the 4-stroke engine running smoothly and efficiently. The operation of the internal combustion engine is therefore based on this series of precise, synchronized cycles.
Importance of engine components
The components of a four-stroke internal combustion engine are important for its smooth operation.
The cylinder head houses the valves, the spark plug and sometimes the injectors.
The pistons, located in the cylinders, move up and down to perform the various phases of a 4-stroke engine’s cycle.
Intake valves control the supply of the air-fuel mixture, while exhaust valves manage the evacuation of burnt gases.
Spark plugs provide the spark needed to ignite the compressed mixture. The engine combustion chamber, located in the cylinder head, is where the mixture is burned.
Each component must operate in perfect synchronization to guarantee an optimal cycle. The crankshaft converts the linear movement of the pistons into rotation, enabling the power generated to be transmitted to the vehicle’s wheels. The quality and condition of these components directly influence engine performance and durability.
Cylinder head optimized for performance
As a cylinder head tuner, Gasflow enhances your engine’s performance by modifying and improving the cylinder head. A well-prepared cylinder head ensures better gas circulation and therefore better operation of your 4-stroke petrol engine. Working the intake and exhaust ducts, and adjusting seat and valve angles, results in more complete combustion and better evacuation of burnt gases. The result is increased power and improved engine response. Optimizing the cylinder head also reduces energy losses and improves fuel consumption. Thanks to precise techniques and in-depth expertise, we ensure that each cylinder head is tailored to the specific needs of each engine, maximizing its performance.
