Reciprocating Engine Theory and Overhaul – “Mr. C.

Gonzalez Class”
Section B - Four-stroke Engines Study Questions 11-20
Name: Student #: Date:
Instructions: Start by reading Chapter 1, pages 1-39 to 1-41, please print answers clearly and use references or 10
points will be deducted from your grade.

11.Why does the intake valve open on the exhaust stroke?

1-39 The intake valve opens slightly before the exhaust stroke ends to allow for the scavenging effect

12.What is valve lead?

1-39 The number of crankshaft degrees that a valve opens before the piston reaches dead center is called
valve lead

13.What is valve lag?

1-39 The number of degrees that a valve remains open after the piston passes dead center is called valve
lag.

14.Valve overlap is defined as;

1-39 The number of degrees during which both the intake and exhaust valves are open is called valve
overlap.

15.When does intake valve lag occur?

1-39 At the beginning of the compression stroke, the intake valve remains open for a few degrees to
ensure the maximum amount of fuel and air enters
the combustion chamber.

16. Why does the piston reduce speed at both TDC and BDC?
1-39 when the crankshaft is near TDC or BDC, it moves less per degree of rotation than if it were mid-
travel. Additionally, piston velocity is highest at the 90 degree point and lowest at top and bottom dead
center positions. The reduction in speed at both TDC and BDC provides a smoother transition when the
piston changes its direction of travel.

17.What produces the power impulses in an engine?

1-41 The more cylinders, the closer an engine's power impulses occur during each rotation of the
crankshaft. The more closely spaced the power impulses, the smoother the engine runs, especially at low
speeds.

18.When does, the piston have the highest velocity of travel?

1-39 The piston typically reaches its highest velocity of travel at the midpoint of its stroke, where the
acceleration due to the combustion force is at its peak.

19.What is the purpose of maintaining a specific firing order?

1-39 An engine's firing order is the sequence that ignition events occur in the cylinders and is designed
to maintain balance and reduce vibration.

20. What is crucial for efficient engine performance?

1-41 expansion ratio.