Major Parts of a Car Engine

Cylinder Block

The cylinder block is the main structural component of an engine. It houses the cylinders, which are the chambers in which the pistons move up and down. The cylinder block also contains the cooling passages and oil galleries that lubricate the engine.

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head sits on top of the cylinder block and forms the combustion chamber. It contains the valves that control the flow of air and fuel into and out of the cylinders. The cylinder head also contains the spark plugs that ignite the air-fuel mixture.

Pistons

The pistons are cylindrical-shaped components that move up and down within the cylinders. They are connected to the crankshaft by connecting rods. As the crankshaft rotates, the pistons move up and down, compressing the air-fuel mixture and expelling the exhaust gases.

Connecting Rods

The connecting rods connect the pistons to the crankshaft. They transmit the force of the pistons’ movement to the crankshaft, which converts it into rotary motion.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft is a rotating shaft that converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotary motion. It is supported by bearings and is connected to the flywheel, which stores energy and helps to smooth out the engine’s operation.

Flywheel

The flywheel is a heavy wheel that is attached to the crankshaft. It stores energy and helps to smooth out the engine’s operation by reducing fluctuations in speed.

Camshaft

The camshaft is a shaft that controls the opening and closing of the valves. It is driven by the crankshaft and rotates at half the speed of the crankshaft.

Valves

The valves are located in the cylinder head and control the flow of air and fuel into and out of the cylinders. They are opened and closed by the camshaft.

Oil Pump

The oil pump circulates oil throughout the engine to lubricate the moving parts. It is driven by the crankshaft and is located in the oil pan.

Water Pump

The water pump circulates coolant through the engine to keep it cool. It is driven by the crankshaft and is located in the timing chain cover.

Fuel Injector

The fuel injector sprays fuel into the cylinders. It is controlled by the engine’s computer and is located in the intake manifold.

Spark Plug

The spark plug provides the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. It is located in the cylinder head.

Alternator

The alternator generates electricity to power the vehicle’s electrical system. It is driven by the crankshaft and is located on the front of the engine.

Starter

The starter motor cranks the engine to start it. It is located on the side of the engine and is powered by the vehicle’s battery.