INTAKE STROKE The intake valve is open, and as

the piston descends, the air-fuel

mixture is drawn into the cylinder
by suction..
COMPRESSION STROKE Both valves are now closed, and
the piston compresses the air-
fuel combination into a
considerably smaller volume in
preparation for ignition.
COMBUSTION STROKE When both valves are closed, the
spark plug (seen between the
intake and exhaust valves) fires,
igniting the gasoline.
EXHAUST STROKE As the piston rises, the exhaust
valve opens, enabling the wasted
exhaust gasses to be pushed out
of the engine.