Learning piston engine basics

Not exactly what you seem to have in mind, but for the operation of
piston engines, the engine management columns by John Deakin at
www.avweb.com are a must-read.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

INTAKE STROKE: The piston goesdown, creating a vacuum in the cylinder
which draws gas through open intake valve into the space above the
piston.

COMPRESSION STROKE: The piston comes up with both valves closed,
highly compressing the gas into the space left between thetop of the
piston and cylinder head.

POWER STROKE: At this point the magneto sends high tension current to
the spark plug, firing or exploding the compressed gas and driving the
piston down.

EXHAUST STROKE: Exhaust valve opens and theupward stroke of the piston
forces out all of the burnt gases, thus completing the power cycle.

I'm not sure you answered the question...

" I understand the basic concepts, but
some of the terms I read, like journals and bosses, etc., are a bit
beyond me and I'd like to get a little bit better knowledge of the
concepts."