Basic Engine Operation
The engines that are used in automobiles are called internal-combustion
engines. In an internal-combustion engine, fuel is burned inside the
engine to produce power. The internal-combustion engine produces
mechanical energy directly by burning fuel. In contrast, in an external-
combustion engine, fuel is burned outside the engine. A steam engine/
boiler is an example of an external-combustion engine. The boiler
burns fuel to produce steam, and then steam is sent to the engine to
produce power. In an automotive engine, fuel is sent directly to the engine,
where it’s burned inside to produce the power that’s used to run
a vehicle.
In this section of your study unit, we’ll look at some of the basic parts
of a gasoline engine and learn how these parts contribute to overall engine
operation. Once you have an understanding of the basic construction
of the engine, we’ll move on to discuss how an engine operates.
Note that this will just be a simple overview. In a later study unit, we’ll
look at the parts of an engine and their operation in much more detail.
Basic Construction of an Engine
The Four Stages of Engine Operation
Two-Stroke Engines and Four-Stroke Engines
Four-Stroke Engine Operation
