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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-four-stroke-sequence

What is the correct four-stroke engine sequence?

Intake, compression, power, exhaust.

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  1. Compression, exhaust, intake, power
  2. Intake, compression, power, exhaust ✔
  3. Power, intake, exhaust, compression

Why: The cylinder draws in fuel and air, compresses it, burns it for power, then pushes out the exhaust. The cycle repeats many times each minute.

Huh, didn't know that: One complete cycle takes two revolutions of the crankshaft.

The dad joke
The engine remembered its four steps because it had good cycle memory.
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References

Answer: Intake, compression, power, exhaust. The cylinder draws in fuel and air, compresses it, burns it for power, then pushes out the exhaust. The cycle repeats many times each minute.

  1. Aerospace Dimensions Module 2: Aircraft Systems and Airports akwg.cap.gov/media/cms/Module_2__Aircraft_Systems_and_Airp_1A4CD2C6AF085_eae81.pdf
    the airplane engine has four cycles, intake, compression, power, and exhaust
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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