The engine burns the fuel and converts it into mechanical energy to turn the wheels. The engine can be divided into two main sections: reciprocating and the rotary sections.
The reciprocating section of the engine consists of parts like the pistons, connecting rods, tappets, valves etc. while the rotary section consists of parts like the crankshaft, camshaft, ignition, timing gear etc.
Carburetor is the heart of the engine, which regulates the petrol and the air supply and prepares the mixture for burning.
Majority of internal combustion engine operates on the four-stroke principle. The first stroke or the movement of the piston from the top to bottom of the cylinder is called the” Induction” stroke. By the time the piston reaches the bottom of its first stroke, the top portion of the cylinder is filled with the mixture. When the piston moves up, the mixture is compressed. This is known as “Compression” stroke.
The compressed mixture is ignited by means of the spark plug. Hence, the explosion takes place causing rapid expansion of the mixture, which forces the piston to move downwards. This is known as the “Power” stroke.
The momentum of the piston caused by the power stroke causes the piston to rise up again in the cylinder, which finally throws the exhaust gases caused on account of the explosions of the mixture. This final movement of the piston is known as “Exhaust” stroke.
This is how the cycle of four-stroke operates.
Each cylinder has two valves: Inlet valves which intakes the mixture and exhaust valves, which throw out the exhaust.
The ignition of the mixture inside the cylinder creates tremendous heat. Hence, to prevent overheating, the engine has a cooling system.
Maintenance:
The engine needs to be tuned regularly by cleaning, adjusting parts .The cooling and lubricating systems also need equal attention to avoid major pre-matured repairs to the engine.
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