A vehicle engine is made up of various parts and elements essential elements capable of working together to generate energy capable of moving the vehicle in question. Each part of the engine logically has a specific function that contributes to performance, efficiency and durability. We will therefore indicate the most important elements and their final objective.
1. engine block
This is the main engine structurewhere most of the internal parts are housed, such as cylinders, pistons or bearings, among others. It is usually made of cast iron or aluminum alloy. The engine block is essential for the structural integrity of the engine and for containing fluids, such as oil and coolant.
2. Cylinders
These are the compartments where combustion occurs. Pressure is generated in each cylinder that drives the piston downward, generating the energy needed to move the car. Motors may have different numbers of this element and must be perfectly aligned to ensure efficient operation.
3. Pistons
Pistons move up and down in the cylinders, transforming combustion energy into mechanical motion. This movement drives the crankshaftwhich is connected by the connecting rods. Its downward movement generates the work that moves the car.
4. Cranks
These are the parts that connect the pistons to the crankshaft, transmitting the linear movement of the pistons to a rotational movement of the crankshaft. Likewise, they are designed to withstand high forces and they must be very resistant to wear.
5. Crankshaft
It converts the linear motion of the pistons into a rotational motion which ultimately drives the wheels of the car. It’s a key part of the engineand is composed of a series of springs or elbows which transform the movement of the pistons into a constant rotation.
6. Valves
The valves They allow the entry of air -and fuel- to the cylinder and to the exhaust gas outlet. They are essential to the engine’s combustion cycle. There are two types: those of admissionwhich will allow the entry of the air and fuel mixture, and those of exhaustwhich will allow the burnt gases to leave the cylinder after the combustion process. They are controlled by the camshaft, which will regulate their opening and closing.
7. Camshaft
The camshaft controls the opening and closing of valves intake and exhaust, synchronizing these movements with the combustion cycle. Likewise, it is a long rod with “lobes” or bolts that drive the valves. It is usually synchronized with the crankshaft using a timing belt or chain.
8. Distribution system
It synchronizes the movement of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring that the valves open and close at the precise moment in the combustion cycle. Generally, this system is composed of a timing belt or chain and the gears that connect the crankshaft to the camshaft.
9. ignition system
Produces the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, thereby triggering the combustion process. It is made up of spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor and other electrical components that generate the necessary spark. The “spark” moment must occur at the precise moment for efficient combustion.
10. Spark plugs
They are responsible for igniting the mixture of air and fuel in the cylinders, generate the spark necessary to start combustion. These elements are located at the top of the cylinders and are essential for the proper functioning of the engine.
11. Sump
The crankcase collects the engine oil and stored at the bottom of itmaking sure it flows to moving parts to lubricate them and keep engine parts well lubricated.
12. Refrigeration system
The cooling system keeps the engine at a proper operating temperature, avoid overheating. It is made up of the radiator, thermostat, coolant hoses and water pump. The coolant circulates through the “heart of the car,” absorbing the heat generated by combustion and releasing it through the radiator.
13. Lubrication system
This system, as its name suggests, lubricates moving engine parts to reduce friction and wear: includes oil pump, oil passages and filter. Oil circulates through these components to keep engine parts well-oiled and running without excessive friction.
14. Intake and exhaust manifolds
intake manifold distributes the air and fuel mixture to the cylinders and directs them to the exhaust system effectively to maximize engine performance.
15. Compressors
Increases the amount of air entering the engine, allowing a greater amount of fuel and, therefore, more power. The turbo is driven by the exhaust gases and compresses the air before it enters the exhaust, while the compressors are mechanically driven from the crankshaft.
