Automotive Information Stroke Cycle Flash Card Set 109312

Card 1 of 10
Intake Stroke

The four-stroke piston cycle of internal combustion engines starts with the piston at top of the cylinder head (top dead center or TDC) during the intake stroke. The piston moves downward in the cylinder creating a vacuum that pulls an air-fuel mix into the combustion chamber through the now open intake valve.

top dead

If the piston is at the top of the cylinder head it is at __________ center.