Air Intake and Compression Process
The intake valve opens and allows air into the engine, which is compressed by the piston. Then the air is compressed more than what can be done in gasoline engines, raising the temperature. This matters because when air gets compressed, it gets hot, so the fuel itself ignites when injected right into the cylinder.
Fuel Injection and Combustion Cycle
It injects a fine mist of diesel fuel into the combustion chamber at high pressure in stages after the compression cycle. The heat of the compressed air causes the reaction to take place, where fuel is mixed with air, so it lights automatically and explodes in a controlled manner. When this occurs, it causes an explosion that pushes the piston down, which provides the power needed to activate the crankshaft. That is how the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber of the engine to ignite and use that to push the vehicle forward.
Exhaust and Power Generation
Once combustion is complete, the exhaust gases must be released from the engine. The exhaust valve opens, and the piston moves upward to push the gases through the exhaust system. This cycle continues, drawing in air (and fuel), then compressing, combusting, and exhausting. This process is very efficient, which is one of the reasons diesel engines are known for their durability and fuel economy.
