Car Engine Mechanics
The internal combustion engine is the lifeblood of a car, so its important for a mechanic to understand its component parts and how they work together. In this article, well explore the fundamental car engine mechanics. Well look at the various components in a car engine and how they interact to produce power, including piston and cylinder assemblies, crankshafts, internal combustion engines, fuel delivery systems, cooling systems, lubrication systems, and more.
Piston and Cylinder Assembly
At the heart of any gasoline engine is the piston and cylinder assembly. The piston is responsible for transferring the energy of the expanding gases resulting from the combustion process to the drive shaft, while the cylinder provides the sealed space within which the combustion process takes place. Pistons are typically constructed from cast iron or forged aluminum, while cylinders are made from cast aluminum or steel. Pistons are connected to the crankshaft via a connecting rod, which converts the up-and-down motion of the piston into a rotating motion.
Crankshaft
The camshaft is connected to the crankshaft, which acts as the output shaft of the engine. The crankshaft is connected to the driveshaft, which transmits the power to the driven wheel(s). The crankshaft is designed to accommodate the up-and-down motion of the pistons, and converts it into a rotational motion.
Internal Combustion Engine
The internal combustion engine is the most commonly used engine for cars. It is based on the principle of energy being released from a fuel that is ignited by a spark. During the combustion process, a series of small explosions occur inside the cylinder, pushing the piston down and rotating the crankshaft.
Fuel Delivery Systems
The fuel injection system is responsible for delivering the fuel to the engine. The fuel is typically injected into the cylinder in either liquid or gaseous form. Fuel delivery systems vary in complexity, but they all have one thing in common: they must accurately meter fuel into the cylinders in the right proportions.
Cooling Systems
The cooling system is responsible for cooling the engine components during operation. The cooling system consists of a water pump, radiator, thermostat, and hoses. The water pump pumps coolant through the engine, where it is heated by the engines heat, and then on to the radiator where it is cooled. The thermostat regulates the temperature of the coolant, ensuring that the engine does not overheat.
Lubrication Systems
The lubrication system is designed to provide lubrication to the engines moving parts. It consists of a pump, a filter, and several pipes. The pump circulates oil throughout the engine, where it coats the moving components, reducing friction and wear. The filter traps any dirt or debris that may be present in the oil and prevents it from entering the engine.
Ignition Systems
The ignition system is responsible for ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder. It consists of a distributor, spark plugs, and spark plug wires. The distributor is responsible for routing high-voltage current to the spark plugs in the right order, and delivering a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture. The spark plugs and spark plug wires deliver the current to each cylinder when necessary.
Exhaust Systems
The exhaust system is responsible for removing exhaust gases and other emissions from the engine. The exhaust system consists of a system of pipes and mufflers, designed to route the exhaust gases away from the engine and reduce engine noise.
These are just some of the fundamental car engine mechanics that automotive technicians must understand in order to properly maintain and diagnose engine problems. Understanding the function and mechanical properties of these components will help provide a better understanding of how an internal combustion engine functions.
