What is the correct order of the four piston strokes of a four-stroke engine?

The correct order of the four piston strokes in a four-stroke engine is intake, compression, power, and exhaust. This sequence is fundamental to how the engine operates efficiently and effectively.

During the intake stroke, the piston moves down the cylinder, creating a vacuum that draws in an air-fuel mixture through the open intake valve. This sets up the engine for combustion.

Next, in the compression stroke, the piston moves back up the cylinder, compressing the air-fuel mixture while the intake valve is closed. This compression is vital as it increases the mixture's temperature and pressure, making it more combustible.

Following compression, the power stroke occurs when the spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture. The resulting explosion forces the piston down, providing power to the crankshaft and ultimately driving the vehicle.

Finally, in the exhaust stroke, the piston moves back up the cylinder again with the exhaust valve open, pushing out the burned gases from the combustion process, making way for the next intake stroke to begin.

Understanding this order is crucial for anyone studying diesel technology, as it highlights the cyclical nature of engine operation and how each stroke serves a specific purpose in the combustion process.