Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of an engine in a vehicle?
What is the primary function of an engine in a vehicle?
What is the combustion chamber in an engine?
What is the combustion chamber in an engine?
What is the ideal condition for complete combustion in an engine?
What is the ideal condition for complete combustion in an engine?
What percentage of the released energy is converted to useful power in an engine?
What percentage of the released energy is converted to useful power in an engine?
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Why do automotive engines have more than one cylinder?
Why do automotive engines have more than one cylinder?
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What is the purpose of valves in an engine?
What is the purpose of valves in an engine?
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What happens when a valve is said to be seated or closed?
What happens when a valve is said to be seated or closed?
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What happens when a valve is pushed off its seat?
What happens when a valve is pushed off its seat?
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Study Notes
Engine Fundamentals
- An engine provides rotating power to drive the wheels through the transmission and driving axles.
Internal Combustion Engines
- Classified as internal combustion because the combustion or burning of fuel takes place inside the engine.
- Engines, both gasoline and diesel, require construction to withstand high temperatures and pressures created by burning vaporized fuel mixed with air.
Combustion Chamber
- The space between the piston at the top of its travel and the cylinder head.
- An enclosed area where the air/fuel mixture is burned.
Complete Combustion
- Requires the right amount of fuel mixed with the right amount of air.
- Mixture must be compressed in a sealed container, then ignited by the right amount of heat at the right time.
- Nearly all fuel that enters a cylinder is burned when these conditions exist.
Engine Efficiency
- About 30 percent of released energy is converted to useful power that moves the vehicle.
- Automotive engines have more than one cylinder to increase power.
Cylinder Requirements
- Each cylinder should receive the same amount of air, fuel, and heat for efficient engine operation.
- Cylinders require a way to allow heat, fuel, and air in and burnt air/fuel mixture out.
Valves
- Fitted to engines to meet cylinder requirements.
- At least two valves at the top of each cylinder: intake valve and exhaust valve.
- Valves are accurately machined plugs that fit into machined openings.
- Valve is said to be seated or closed when it rests in its opening or seat.
- Valve opens when pushed off its seat.
Camshaft Operation
- Rotating camshaft, driven by the crankshaft, opens and closes intake and exhaust valves.
- Cams are raised sections of a shaft with high spots called lobes.
- Cam lobes are oval shaped.
- Lobe placement on the shaft determines when the valve will open.
- Height and shape of the lobe determines how far the valve will open and how long it will remain open in relation to piston movement.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of car engines, including the combustion process and engine construction. Learn about the internal combustion engine and its components. Ideal for automotive enthusiasts and students.
