2006-09-20 18:46:52 · 11 answers · asked by panther 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
I can't believe nobody can answer this very simple question...it is power from the battery (or a hand crank perhaps in much older engines) that provides the energy for the spark which initiates the first stroke.
Okay, okay, the first guy got it right...but I can't believe the librarian seems to think that spark plugs can produce a spark all on their own!
2006-09-20 19:48:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you crank the engine over, the carburetor/fuel injection gives you a correct flammable mix of gasoline and air. With a cold engine the mix is usually set rich. The act of cranking the engine pushes the piston up compressing the mixture. Since the compression happens quickly, the temperature rises during compression. A perfect compression at an 8:1 ratio will give a temperture around 600F. At the top of the stroke, the spark plug fires igniting the mixture pushing the the piston down. This action, through the crankshaft, pushes up other pistons to keep things going.
2006-09-21 02:00:02 · answer #2 · answered by Pretzels 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amazing bunch of answers. Some people have it partially right. The engine cannot start by itself. The question is valid in asking how does it begin to move in the first place to allow it to run.
Connected to the engine is a starter motor which is actually an electric motor which is powered by the battery. The connection between the starter and the engine is with gears. When the key is turned the starter motor extends its gear to mesh with the engine gear and spins which causes the motor to begin to turn over.
Once the engine begins to run on its own by a combustion mixture of fuel and air ignited by spark plugs, the starter motor disengages and the engine continues to run.
2006-09-21 11:31:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First Stroke OR Suction Stroke is the process of charging the mixture of Fuel+Air in suitable proportions as to form a combustible mass.This combustible mass when let in the cylinder it moves the piston from BDC to TDC there by completing one stroke. Dont get confused how does the fuel only can push the piston.
2006-09-21 02:18:45 · answer #4 · answered by Mechie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the combustion or explosion of gas/air mixture which is ignited by the spark plug in #1 cylinder which has the piston at top-dead centre is the initial mover,
the rest of the strokes; are intake, compression and exhaust,
each one of these strokes replenishes and simultaneously gives motion to all the pistons to move up and down in a sequence that keeps the crankshaft turning in a sort of perpetual motion until electrical power is cut to the plugs
2006-09-22 16:54:36 · answer #5 · answered by Gent 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rhsaunders got it right ! rotation + suction + compression + spark (or in the case of diesel -spontaneous combustion initiated with a glow plug) gets it going
2006-09-21 03:01:56 · answer #6 · answered by herbissimus_ m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its simple, when you turn the key or press a button for ignition spark plugs in side the engine produce sparks which produce the first stroke.
2006-09-21 01:53:31 · answer #7 · answered by Librarian 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Combustion!!!.
2006-09-21 01:50:30 · answer #8 · answered by 3DDD 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The starting mechanism. Hand crank, pull cord, or an electric motor.
2006-09-21 01:49:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A kick starter, self starter or push start
2006-09-21 02:16:32 · answer #10 · answered by evertalall 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋