A car engine is an engineering marvel that converts fuel into mechanical energy, propelling the vehicle forward. It is the car’s power source. Most cars on the road today run on gasoline or diesel and are referred to as internal combustion engines, while a new generation of electric and hybrid engines are becoming popular.
Understanding how a car engine works involves exploring its numerous components and their various functions.
- Rocker Cover:
A rocker cover or valve cover is a crucial part of an internal combustion engine that protects the engine’s moving parts and prevents oil leaks.
- Rocker Cover Gasket:
A rocker cover gasket, also known as a valve cover gasket, is a seal that joins the engine’s rocker cover to the engine.
- Rocker Arm:
A rocker arm is a lever in an internal combustion engine that transfers motion from the camshaft or pushrod to the valve stem.
- Valve Spring:
A valve spring is a coil spring that controls the valve train in an engine by holding the valve in the closed position and maintaining contact between the cam and the camshaft.
- Cylinder Head:
The cylinder head is a crucial part of an engine that covers the top of the cylinders and forms the roof of the combustion chamber.
- Cylinder Head Gasket:
A head gasket is a seal between the cylinder head and the engine block of a car that performs several vital functions.
- Cylinder:
A cylinder is a chamber in an engine where fuel is burned to generate power for a vehicle.
- Valves:
Engine valves control the flow of air and fuel into the combustion chamber and the release of exhaust gases.
- Spark Plug:
A spark plug is a part of an internal combustion engine that ignites the air-fuel mixture to start, accelerate, and shift gears.
- Cylinder Block:
A cylinder block, also known as an engine block, is a key component of an internal combustion engine that houses the cylinders, pistons, and crankshaft bearings.
- Ignition Distributor:
An ignition distributor is a mechanical and electrical device that directs electricity from the ignition coil to each spark plug in the correct order and at the correct time.
- Fuel Pump:
A fuel pump is a device that moves fuel from the fuel tank to a vehicle's engine.
- Piston:
A piston is a moving part of an engine that converts the force of expanding gas into mechanical energy.
- Timing Cover:
A timing cover is a part of an engine that protects the timing belt, timing chain, or cam belt from dirt, debris, and other road grime.
- Connecting Rod:
A connecting rod, also known as a conrod, is a vital component of an engine that connects the piston to the crankshaft.
- Ring Gear:
A ring gear is a gear wheel that performs multiple functions in an engine.
- Camshaft:
A camshaft is a mechanical component in an internal combustion engine that converts rotational motion into reciprocating motion.
- Flywheel:
A flywheel is a heavy, circular, disc-shaped component in an engine that stores rotational kinetic energy and helps the engine run smoothly.
- Crankshaft:
A crankshaft is a rotating shaft in an engine that converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion.
- Oil Pan Gasket:
A gasket is a sealing material located in the engine crankcase that prevents oil leaks.
- Timing Chain:
A timing chain, also known as a timing chain, is a component of a vehicle's engine that connects the camshaft to the crankshaft.
- Oil Pump:
An oil pump is a vital part of an engine that circulates pressurized oil to lubricate and cool the engine's moving parts.
- Oil Pan:
An oil pan is a metal pan attached to the bottom of an engine that contains oil to lubricate, clean, and cool the engine's moving parts.
- Oil Pump Filter:
An oil pump filter is a wire mesh filter that prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine's oil pump.
