What are the main parts of a car engine?

A car engine is a complex machine with many different parts. However, the main parts of a car engine can be broken down into four main categories: the cylinder block, the cylinder head, the crankshaft, and the camshaft.

The cylinder block

The cylinder block is the main structural component of the engine. It is made of cast iron or aluminum and houses the cylinders, which are the chambers in which the pistons move up and down. The cylinder block also contains the water jackets, which circulate coolant around the cylinders to keep them cool.

The cylinder head

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

The crankshaft

The crankshaft is a long, rotating shaft that converts the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotary motion. The crankshaft is connected to the wheels of the car through the transmission.

The camshaft

The camshaft is a shaft that controls the timing of the valves. It is driven by the crankshaft and opens and closes the valves at the appropriate times to allow air and fuel to enter the cylinders and exhaust gases to escape.

In addition to these main parts, a car engine also contains a number of other components, such as the oil pump, the water pump, and the alternator. These components work together to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently.