-Upward movement of piston in the cylinder (compression stroke)

compresses the gases into the combustion chamber at the top of

piston.
-Downward movement of piston (power stroke) turns crankshaft
and creates power for engine
-Compression is usually lost in 1 of 3 places:
- the fit of the piston in the cylinder
- a bad head gasket
- valves that close improperly
-Consists of the fuel tank, fuel lines, carburetor, and intake system
-As piston moves down cylinder on intake stroke, a vacuum is created
that pulls through the intake valve and through the carburetor
-As air is drawn in, it passes through restrictions in throat of carburetor
called venturi and creates a low pressure area that makes air come
through more rapidly
-Valves are opened and closed by a lobed rod called a camshaft. It is
timed to open and close valves at a precisely correct time.
-To prevent the engine from running too fast, a governor is attached to
carburetor that slows engine when a certain speed is reached.
-When fuel mixture has entered the combustion chamber and been
compressed, a spark must occur for fuel to ignite
-Most small gas engines have an ignition system called a magneto in
which a spark is created by electrical current generated by process
called electrical induction. A low-voltage current is generated when
a strong magnet located in flywheel passes very close to armature
coil.
-Spark plug consists of 2 parts:
-Center electrode that runs length of middle of plug
-Ground electrode that’s grounded to the block of the engine
A small engine can fire and ignite fuel mixture
over 2,000 times per minute.

Heat generated by combustion can be as much

as 3,000 degrees F

Fins on flywheel serve as a fan to move air

across and around engine
It’s essential oil is circulated to all internal parts within the
crankcase.
Oil serves 4 purposes:
1.) lubricates moving parts
2.) cleans engine
3.) movement of liquid oil helps to cool interior of engine
4.) oil helps to seal gap between rings and cylinder wall