Basic Car Engine Parts Diagram

Cylinder

The cylinder is a metal tube in which the piston moves up and down. The cylinder is sealed at the top by the cylinder head and at the bottom by the crankcase. The cylinder is lubricated by oil that is sprayed onto the cylinder walls.

Piston

The piston is a metal disk that moves up and down inside the cylinder. The piston is connected to the crankshaft by the connecting rod. The piston compresses the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder and then forces the mixture out of the cylinder through the exhaust valve.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft is a metal shaft that is connected to the pistons by the connecting rods. The crankshaft converts the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotational motion. The crankshaft is supported by the main bearings.

Connecting Rod

The connecting rod is a metal rod that connects the piston to the crankshaft. The connecting rod allows the piston to move up and down inside the cylinder while the crankshaft rotates.

Camshaft

The camshaft is a metal shaft that is located in the cylinder head. The camshaft has lobes that open and close the valves in the cylinder head. The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft.

Valve

The valve is a metal disk that opens and closes a port in the cylinder head. The valve allows air and fuel to enter the cylinder and exhaust gases to exit the cylinder.

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head is a metal casting that is bolted to the top of the cylinder block. The cylinder head contains the valves, camshaft, and spark plugs.

Crankcase

The crankcase is the lower part of the engine block. The crankcase contains the crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons.

Oil Pan

The oil pan is a metal pan that is attached to the bottom of the crankcase. The oil pan holds the engine oil.

Intake Manifold

The intake manifold is a metal tube that carries air and fuel from the carburetor or fuel injector to the cylinders.

Exhaust Manifold

The exhaust manifold is a metal tube that carries exhaust gases from the cylinders to the catalytic converter and muffler.

Turbocharger

The turbocharger is a device that uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine. The turbine then drives a compressor that forces more air into the cylinders. This increases the power output of the engine.

Supercharger

The supercharger is a device that uses a belt to drive a compressor that forces more air into the cylinders. This increases the power output of the engine.

EGR Valve

The EGR valve is a valve that allows some exhaust gases to be recirculated back into the intake manifold. This helps to reduce the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions.

PCV Valve

The PCV valve is a valve that allows crankcase gases to be recirculated back into the intake manifold. This helps to reduce the emission of hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO).