You are finally old enough to drive a car and you are at the Department of Motor Vehicles applying for a driver’s permit. You passed the written test, but before you will be issued a permit, you find out that you must answer correctly a few questions about how an internal combustion engine works in an automobile.
You start to panic then remember the information you learned at school from the Energy and Power module. Your driver’s license may still be a reality! You know how an engine works, including the parts, strokes, ignition, and fuel system. How will you answer these questions given to you?
Write an essay answering the following questions:
What are the four strokes of an internal combustion engine and what are their functions?
Explain the purpose of the ignition system and how to check the ignition system and compression of a small engine.
An internal combustion engine is a type of engine that uses the energy released from the combustion of fuel to create mechanical energy. The four strokes of an internal combustion engine are intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. The intake stroke begins when the piston moves downward, allowing the intake valve to open and allowing air and fuel to enter the cylinder. The compression stroke follows, where the piston moves upward, compressing the air and fuel mixture. The combustion stroke is when the spark plug ignites the air and fuel mixture, causing it to combust and expand, pushing the piston downward. The exhaust stroke is the final stroke, where the exhaust valve opens and the piston moves upward, pushing the exhaust gases out of the cylinder.
The purpose of the ignition system is to provide the spark needed to ignite the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The ignition system consists of a spark plug, distributor, and ignition coil. The spark plug is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture. The distributor is responsible for routing the spark to the correct cylinder. The ignition coil is responsible for creating the high voltage needed to create the spark.
To check the ignition system and compression of a small engine, the spark plug should be removed and inspected for signs of wear or damage. The spark plug should be replaced if it is worn or damaged. The compression of the engine should also be checked by using a compression gauge. The compression gauge should be attached to the spark plug hole and the engine should be cranked over several times to measure the compression. If the compression is low, the engine should be serviced.