Engine is like the heart of an automobile. It generates power required for the operation of a vehicle. In this article, we will discuss the basic components of an automobile’s engine.
Cylinder
It is the most basic part of an engine. An engine cannot be made without it. It provides space for the movement of piston. It is generally made up if high grade cast iron. A cylinder is contained in a cylinder block. This block also contains water jackets for cooling purpose.
Piston
Piston is a cylindrical structure in the cylinder. One end is made fit against the walls of the cylinder. Piston is connected to the connecting rod that connects crankshaft. The movement of piston creates pressure differences for intake and exhaust of charge. Piston action compresses the charge and generates power during the power stroke.
Compression rings
Compression rings are placed in gaps of the piston near the piston head. They close the piston against the cylinder walls firmly so that gases do not leak and necessary pressure is maintained. This particularly is important during the compression stroke when the charge is compressed.
Flywheel
Engine is not a continuously power producing component. It provides power only during the power stroke. The other three strokes do not generate any power. The power stored during the power stroke is stored in the flywheel which is used to power the piston operations during the idle strokes. The back surface of a flywheel is used as pressure surface for the clutch plate.
Crankcase
Crankcase holds lubricating oil reservoir, oil pump, oil filter, and ignition components like spark plug and ignition coils. The upper part of the case is connected to the cylinder block.
Crankshaft
A crankshaft is an important part of the engine. It is connected with the piston via a connecting rod. It is responsible for conversion of reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion of the flywheel.
Top dead center (TDC) and Bottom dead center (BDC)
In the cylinder, during a stroke, when the piston is at the topmost position, it is said to be at Top dead center. In a similar fashion, when a piston is at the lowermost portion of a cylinder, the piston is said to be at the Bottom dead center.
Scavenging
It refers to the removal of exhaust and flue gases from the cylinder so that fresh charge can be introduced into the cylinder. Sometimes, pumps and compressors have to be employed to force the gases out of the cylinder.
