Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): what is a, combustion cycles, crank shaft

Question
what is the crank shaft and cam shaft and what if i have too
howls in the one that pushes the volves and one is bigger than the other what one to I go by.

Answer
Hi Patrick,

Engines of all types, car, lawnmower, roto-tiller, etc. etc., utilize a system encompassing the four-stroke cycle of combustion.  Thereby four different piston strokes happen; 1. Intake, 2.Compression, 3.Power and 4. Exhaust.  

With the completeion of each of these cycles you have two complete rotations of the Crankshaft.

The Camshaft on the other hand, guides (pushes) the Valves up and down as these various combustion cycles are occuring.

If there's too little or, an over amount of compression, then you risk damage to the cylinders, pistons, rings, valves, valve seats, valve guides.

This over compression situation can also result in knocking or pinging you hear.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Howard