1 GIF Let’s slow the bang inside your engine to see the split-second that moves your car. 2 GIF Matt Mikka took a small 3-hor...
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![Engine slow mo GIF vid01 04 fire to fire TEXT how 56 4K High speed camera explains Engine COMBUSTION (12 GIFs)](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-04-fire_to_fire-TEXT_how.gif?w=400)
Let’s slow the bang inside your engine to see the split-second that moves your car.
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid02-02-engine_show.gif?w=400)
Matt Mikka took a small 3-horsepower flathead engine…
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid02-01-real_plexi.gif?w=500)
…then hand built a glass head…
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid02-30-str-on.gif?w=376)
…and used a ultra high-speed camera to capture awesome footage.
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-10-Rub_Acetylene.gif?w=450)
Seeing the process at 4K
(4,000 Frames per Second)
Is pure eye-candy.
(4,000 Frames per Second)
Is pure eye-candy.
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-01-real_time.gif?w=400)
So let’s fire this baby up and learn the basics.
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-50-piston_dark.gif?w=503)
Most people understand that gas lights and the explosion turns the tires.
Here’s what you’re looking at…
Here’s what you’re looking at…
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-40-text_piston.gif?w=582)
FOUR-stroke Engine
This simply means, 1 full cycle has 4 steps.
This simply means, 1 full cycle has 4 steps.
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-42-fast_to_slow.gif?w=480)
Step 1
Intake valve opens – letting air and fuel into the chamber while the piston is moving DOWN
Step 2
Piston moves UP – this compresses the fuel
Step 3
BOOM – fuel is ignited, forcing the piston DOWN
Step 4
Exhaust valve opens – finally the piston moves back UP which forces the exhaust out
Intake valve opens – letting air and fuel into the chamber while the piston is moving DOWN
Step 2
Piston moves UP – this compresses the fuel
Step 3
BOOM – fuel is ignited, forcing the piston DOWN
Step 4
Exhaust valve opens – finally the piston moves back UP which forces the exhaust out
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid02-03-spin_around.gif?w=350)
Now let’s change up the fuel from Regular Gasoline to clear Rubbing Alcohol.
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-alc_only_close.gif?w=400)
LESS BOOM
This shows combustion in a “Lean state”.
Too much Air too little flammable fuel.
This shows combustion in a “Lean state”.
Too much Air too little flammable fuel.
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-06-remove_exhaust.gif?w=400)
Rubbing Alcohol – unburned gas leaving the port
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-13-Real-AL-dirty.gif?w=480)
Compare the GIF Above/Below
This shows combustion in a “Rich state”.
Why
Because this time Acetylene – colorless gas – is used for a big BOOM
This shows combustion in a “Rich state”.
Why
Because this time Acetylene – colorless gas – is used for a big BOOM
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-11-Acetylene-ONLY.gif?w=450)
Lean state = Less power but better Miles-per-gallon
Rich state = More power but a lot more pollution
Which one do you think Dragster engines use?
Obviously, more BANG.
Now for the car guys/gals???
Which one burns HOTTER???
Rich state = More power but a lot more pollution
Which one do you think Dragster engines use?
Obviously, more BANG.
Now for the car guys/gals???
Which one burns HOTTER???
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![](https://thechive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Engine_slow_mo-GIF-vid01-02-gas_prt1.gif?w=400)
For everyone else, just here for the basics;
I hope this gave you a basic once-over on how engine combustion works.
Thanks for taking the time to give ‘er a read. -Rick
I hope this gave you a basic once-over on how engine combustion works.
Thanks for taking the time to give ‘er a read. -Rick
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Check-out Matt Mikka’s full video ABOVE.