Untitled Quiz

Car Engine Parts

• A car engine is a complex machine converting heat energy from burning gas into the force turning the wheels.
• The engine's structure is robust, consisting of a lower cylinder block and a detachable upper cylinder head.
• The cylinder head houses passages allowing air-fuel mixture to enter cylinders and exhaust gases to escape.
• The crankshaft converts the reciprocating (up and down) motion of the pistons into rotary motion.
• The camshaft, often in or above the head, opens and closes the valves.
• The engine includes components like the intake manifold, exhaust manifold, water pump, pressure relief valve, oil filter, and oil pump.
• The engine block is the main body, containing vital parts like pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, and valves.

How a Car Engine Works

• The internal combustion engine works by igniting a fuel-air mixture in a cylinder.
• The engine consists of cylinders, pistons, fuel injectors, and spark plugs.
• These parts work together to burn fuel and release expanding gases, pushing pistons down.
• Each combustion results in a miniature explosion, propelling the piston and activating the crankshaft.
• The process repeats throughout the engine's operation, resulting in a consistent power supply.
• The energy produced turns the crankshaft, driving the wheels through a connected system of gears.

Four-Stroke Cycle

• The four-stroke cycle is the standard operation in most modern gasoline engines.
• The four strokes are intake, compression, power, and exhaust.
• The intake stroke draws in the air-fuel mixture.
• The compression stroke compresses the mixture.
• The power stroke ignites the mixture, pushing the piston down.
• The exhaust stroke expels the burned gases.

Diesel vs. Gasoline Engines

• Both diesel and gasoline engines use similar structures, but differ in how they ignite the fuel-air mixture.
• Gasoline engines use spark plugs to ignite the mixture, while diesel engines rely on extreme compression for ignition.
• Diesel engines have a higher compression ratio than gasoline engines.
• Diesel engines are typically more fuel-efficient.
• Diesel engines typically don't include throttle bodies, controlling intake air directly using fuel injection alone.
• Diesel braking happens differently than in gasoline engines, relying on the compression stroke and exhaust-valve operation.

Engine Parts

• Engine Block: The main body housing internal parts.
• Crankshaft: Converts piston movement to rotational motion.
• Connecting Rod: Transfers piston movement to the crankshaft.
• Piston: The moving part within the cylinder that drives the crankshaft.
• Flywheel: Transfers power from the crankshaft to the transmission.
• Cylinder Head: The upper part containing valves and other components.
• Engine Valves: Control the flow of exhaust and intake gases.
• Valve Springs: Support and operate the valves.
• Camshaft: Controls the opening and closing of the valves.
• Head Gasket: Seals the cylinder head and block.
• Fuel Pump: Delivers fuel at appropriate pressures to the injector.
• Oil Pump: Provides engine lubrication.
• Timing Chain or Belt: Synchronizes the camshaft and crankshaft rotation.
• Oil Pan: Collectors for engine oil.
• Oil Filter: Removes contaminants from the oil.
• Thermostat: Regulates coolant temperature.
• Radiator: Cools coolant.
• Starter: Cranks the engine.
• Intake Manifold: Conducts air into the engine.
• Throttle Body: Controls air intake in gasoline engines.
• Oil Dipstick: Measures oil level.
• Fuel Injector: Sprays fuel into the combustion chamber.
• Spark Plug: Produces the spark to ignite the fuel mixture.
• Ignition Coil: Steps up voltage for the spark plug.
• Alternator: Generates electricity for the car's systems.
• Exhaust Manifold: Collects and directs exhaust gases.
• Air Filter: Removes contaminants from the air.
• Fuel Filter: Removes contaminants from the fuel.
• Distributor: Directs the spark to the spark plugs (in older ignition systems).
• Car Battery: Provides electrical power to start the engine and other systems.

Additional Information

• A typical internal combustion engine has ~200 parts.
• Engine type can be identified using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).