Category

Engine

Four-stroke operation, pistons, crankshafts, valves, camshafts and engine layouts.

0 of 4 lessons done

Start here: The Four-Stroke Cycle

Learn it from the surface down 4 lessons

1
Surface
Get the idea0/1 done
What it is and why it exists, in plain language, with the whole system in view.
- The Four-Stroke CycleUp nextIntake, compression, power, exhaust: how a petrol engine breathes in, squeezes, burns and breathes out over two turns of the crankshaft — with the piston, valves, camshafts and spark all kept in step.Not started. 15 minutes. Includes an interactive lab.
2
Mechanism
See it work0/2 done
How the parts move and interact, usually with a live 3D laboratory.
- Pistons, Connecting Rods and the CrankshaftHow the slider-crank turns a straight push into rotation: piston, rings, wrist pin, connecting rod, crank throw, counterweights and flywheel — and why the piston does not move at a steady speed.Not started. 14 minutes. Includes an interactive lab.
- Valves, Camshafts and Valve TimingHow spinning cam lobes open poppet valves at precisely the right crank angles: lift, duration, overlap, half-speed drive and why the valves open and close away from the dead centres.Not started. 14 minutes. Includes an interactive lab.
3
Engineering
Go deeper0/1 done
The numbers, trade-offs and variants engineers design with.
- Engine Layouts: Inline, V and FlatWhy engines come as inline-fours, straight-sixes, V8s and boxers: how cylinder arrangement affects size, smoothness, firing order and where the engine fits in the car.Not started. 12 minutes.