Anatomy of a Car Engine

A car engine is a complex machine that converts the chemical energy of gasoline into mechanical energy that powers the car. The engine is made up of many different parts, each of which plays a vital role in the engine’s operation.

Engine Block

The engine block is the main structural component of the engine. It houses the cylinders, which are the chambers in which the pistons move up and down. The engine block also contains the crankshaft, which converts the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotary motion.

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head is mounted on top of the engine block and forms the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is where the air-fuel mixture is ignited and burned.

Pistons

The pistons are cylindrical-shaped components that move up and down within the cylinders. The pistons compress the air-fuel mixture and then push it down toward the crankshaft.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft is a long, rotating shaft that is mounted in the engine block. The pistons connect to the crankshaft through connecting rods. As the pistons move up and down, they turn the crankshaft, which in turn powers the wheels of the car.

Camshaft

The camshaft is a shaft that runs along the top of the engine block. It has a series of lobes that open and close the valves in the cylinder head.

Valves

The valves are located in the cylinder head and control the flow of air and fuel into and out of the combustion chamber.

Intake Manifold

The intake manifold is a passageway that delivers the air-fuel mixture from the carburetor or fuel injector to the cylinders.

Exhaust Manifold

The exhaust manifold is a passageway that carries the exhaust gases from the cylinders to the catalytic converter.

Turbocharger

A turbocharger is a device that uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which in turn compresses the air-fuel mixture. This increases the engine’s power and efficiency.