How to Build a Toy Car Engine
Materials
- 1/4-inch wood dowel
- 1/2-inch wood dowel
- 1/4-inch wooden balls
- 1/2-inch wooden balls
- Popsicle sticks
- Rubber bands
- Glue
Instructions
Step 1: Build the Frame
The frame of the engine will be made from the 1/4-inch wood dowel. Cut two pieces of dowel to the same length, about 6 inches. Glue the two pieces together perpendicularly to form a “T” shape.
Step 2: Build the Pistons
The pistons will be made from the 1/2-inch wooden balls. Cut two pieces of 1/4-inch wood dowel to a length of about 2 inches. Glue the wooden balls to the ends of the dowels.
Step 3: Build the Crankshaft
The crankshaft will be made from the 1/2-inch wood dowel. Cut a piece of dowel to a length of about 4 inches. Drill two holes in the dowel, one near each end. The holes should be large enough to fit the 1/4-inch wooden balls.
Step 4: Assemble the Engine
Assemble the engine by inserting the pistons into the holes in the crankshaft. The pistons should be able to move up and down freely. Place the frame over the crankshaft and secure it with rubber bands.
Step 5: Add the Connecting Rods
The connecting rods will be made from Popsicle sticks. Cut two Popsicle sticks to a length of about 3 inches. Glue one end of each Popsicle stick to a piston. Glue the other end of each Popsicle stick to the crankshaft.
Step 6: Add the Flywheel
The flywheel will be made from a 1/2-inch wooden ball. Drill a hole in the center of the ball large enough to fit the crankshaft. Place the ball on the crankshaft and secure it with a rubber band.
Step 7: Test the Engine
To test the engine, simply turn the flywheel. The pistons should move up and down, and the crankshaft should rotate.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now built a toy car engine. This is a great project for kids of all ages, and it’s a fun way to learn about the basics of engineering.
