The cylinder continually reciprocates due to the pilot lines being internally connected to the cylinder lines. The reciprocating motion is started by turning on the air supply to the valve. The motion is then stopped by turning off this air supply.

The reciprocating motion is started by supplying air to the valve, allowing pressure at P₁ to extend the cylinder. Exhaust back pressure on P₂ plus magnetic detent action prevents the spool from shifting. When the cylinder reaches the end-of-stroke position, pressure at P₂ drops to zero and the pressure at P₁ builds and overrides the force of the magnetic detent. The spool shifts to the opposite position, reversing flow to the cylinder and causing P₂ to start to pressurize as P₁ starts to exhaust. The cylinder continues to reciprocate in this manner until supply pressure is removed from the valve.

To start the sequential operation of the cylinders, an initiating pilot signal is applied to the right side of Valve "A". This momentary signal shifts Valve "A" and extends Cylinder "B". When "B" is fully extended, pressure builds in the pilot lines to "A" and "C", shifting both of them. This action retracts Cylinder "B" and extends Cylinder "D". When Cylinder "B" is fully retracted, pressure in the pilot line going to Valve "C" builds causing Cylinder "D" to retract.

As pressure flows through valve "G", it shifts valve "H" and at the same time is metered into air chamber "J" and actuating chamber "F" through flow control "K". Once chambers "J" and "F" are fully pressurized and overcome the magnetic detent setting, valve "G" shifts to the opposite position. This action also shifts valve "H", causing the cylinder to retract and air pressure to build in chambers "M" and "E" through flow control "L". Once chambers "M" and "E" are fully pressurized and overcome the magnetic detent setting, valve "G" shifts back, as does valve "H", starting the cycle again.

Flow control valves "K" and "L" adjust the time delay. Maximum time delay depends upon the size of air chambers "M" and "J" plus the adjustability/sensitivity of flow controls "K" and "L". For the most accurate time control, it is best to have the Magna-Cycle^® valve operate a piloted valve as shown. This keeps system pressure fluctuations caused by variations in the work load on the cylinder from affecting the timing cycle.