Which stroke comes after the intake stroke in a four-stroke engine cycle?

In a four-stroke engine cycle, the sequence of operations is critical for the engine to function effectively. After the intake stroke, where the engine draws in a mixture of air and fuel, the next phase is the compression stroke. During this stroke, the piston moves upward in the cylinder and compresses the air-fuel mixture into a smaller volume. This compression prepares the mixture for ignition, which is essential for maximizing the efficiency and power of the engine during the subsequent power stroke.

The compression stroke is crucial because compressing the air-fuel mixture raises its temperature and pressure, making it more combustible. This ensures a more powerful explosion once the spark plug ignites the compressed mixture, leading to a strong power stroke. Understanding this sequence is fundamental for anyone working with small engines, as it emphasizes the importance of each stroke in the four-stroke cycle.