14 Major Car Engine Parts And Their Function in Detail

The car engine is like the heart of a vehicle. Humans need movement through breathing by heart, and cars need the engine. Additionally, this part of a car converts heat into the burning gas that operates the alloy wheels. The cylinder block and cylinder head are one of the two significant components of the car engine.  However, the cylinder block provides space for several engine components like cylinders, pistons, and crankshaft.

However, the cylinder head contains several valve passages, such as intake and exhaust valves. Moreover, these valves allow the air-fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber and regulate the exhaust mechanism. 

In addition, cars like Ford or Ferrari work on the principle of internal combustion engines.  Moreover, these engines mix the air and fuel inside the cylinder to move and operate the vehicle. In addition, the engines consist of pistons that move up and down in metal tubes called cylinders. These actually move the engine crankshaft just like your legs operate the wheels of a cycle. 

Car engines have varying types of engine cylinders, typically ranging from two to twelve. Furthermore, this article will highlight the main parts of the car engine and explain how it works. So, keep examining the article until the end. 

How Does A Car Engine Work?

The human body converts food into energy to move.  Additionally, the car engine converts gasoline into power for the movement of a vehicle. Inside the ICE, the air-fuel mixture burns inside the cylinder. Moreover, the engine comprises a fixed cylinder and a piston.  Eventually, the combustion gases operate the piston, which in turn moves the crankshaft. 

If the explosion forms in a tiny space, such as a piston, a large amount of expanding gas will emerge. The car engine generates hundreds of explosions this way. 

 Car engines operate on a four-stroke combustion cycle, which comprises intake, compression, power, and stroke.

 Intake Stroke

This stroke has an open inlet valve and a closed outlet valve. Negative pressure forms in the cylinder as the piston moves downward and the expanding volume increases. 

Compression Stroke 

The compression chamber compresses the air-fuel mixture for ignition. The engine’s inlet and outlet valves are closed, and the pistons move upward. 

Power Stroke

The firing mechanism takes place in the spark plugs. The combustion stroke forces the piston down and rotates the crankfast, helping the vehicle move forward.  In addition, the piston moves downward in the cylinder bore from the top dead corner to the bottom dead corner (BDC). Additionally, the inlet and outlet valves are closed.

Exhaust Stroke

The cylinder bore moves up from the piston from the TDC to the BDC. The motion generated by the power stroke keeps the crankshaft from rotating. However, the outlet valve is opened, and the inlet valve is closed.  Moreover, the exhaust gases are moved out of the cylinder, and the piston is ready to begin the intake stroke. 

The gas, after the burning, goes to the catalytic converter.  Additionally, the gas gets clean and goes to the muffler afterward. The clean gas leaves the vehicle through the part called the tailpipe. Gasoline engines convert 20% percent of the fuel into mechanical energy. 15 % percent of the energy is used to move wheels.

List Of Car Engine Parts With Diagram

The main parts of the car engine are presented in the diagram below.  Moreover, the car engine diagram can be observed to understand each component separately. It can help to know the exact location of each. 

The diagram consists of the engine block, combustion chamber, cylinder head, camshaft, crankshaft, cylinder head, cylinder block, pistons, pushrods/lifters, valves, water pump, oil pans, spark plugs, intercooler, intake pipe, distributor, fuel pressure regulator, and valve cover.

However, below is an extensive listing of car engine parts names.  Moreover, many people think of the engine as a single component, but it’s actually made up of different parts working together. 

Engine Block

It is the outer structure of the car engine.  Moreover, it consists of all the engine parts that combine to make the bottom engine structure. An engine block is made of iron and aluminum alloy and provides a path for water and fuel for cooling and lubrication.  Additionally, the engine block consists of a crankshaft, camshaft, and between four and twelve cylinders, depending on the vehicle. It consists of a line known as an in-line, flat, or V-shaped engine.

Furthermore, modern cars have aluminum alloy engines known for their strength and durability. The oil pan is located on the base of the engine.  Moreover, the oil pump draws the oil out from there and lubricates and transfers oil to the various moving parts of the vehicle.

Common Symptoms of Bad Engine Block

                                               

Piston

The piston is another essential part of the car engine that pushes the crankshaft. It does so by the pressure generated by the piston.  The internal combustion engine shapes the engine.  Moreover, the connecting rod associates the piston with the crankshaft. However, the connecting rod is attached to the piston by a short tube called a wrist pin.  Moreover, all these parts are called the piston assembly. 

The piston rings cover the gap between the piston and the cylinder wall.  Additionally, the pistons on the engine turn at a speed of 1300 rpm when moving up and 2600 rpm when moving down.  Furthermore, this prevents oil penetration into the combustion chamber.

Common Symptoms For Bad Piston

                                                     

Crankshaft

The internal combustion engine’s crankshaft supports it and converts linear motion into rotary motion.  Moreover, below the engine block lies the crankcase, which houses the crankshaft.

 The oversized bearings connect the crankshaft to the engine.  In addition, one is connected to the flywheel and the other is connected to the clutch.  Moreover, the rotational power of the crankshaft transmits to the gearbox and to the drive shafts attached to the wheels. It improves the car’s ability to move.

Causes Of Poor Crankshaft

                                                       

Camshaft

It is one of the simple components of the car engine.  Additionally, the camshaft consists of the cam lobes, which open when the piston moves. The cam lobes are responsible for opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves in relation to the motion of the piston.  Moreover, they are above the engine cylinders and connected to the crankshaft, which moves the piston up and down.

Symptoms Of Bad Camshaft

                                          

Connecting Rod

The connecting rod interlinks the piston and crankshaft.  Moreover, the small end is linked to the piston, and the bigger end is attached to the crankshaft. Additionally, the connecting rod cap secures the bearing and crankshaft.  Additionally, the connecting rod transmits compressive and tensile forces. 

The connecting rods have drilled passages that allow oil to flow from the big end up on the piston.  Moreover, the oil is sprayed on the cylinder wall to reduce areas of high pressure.

Timing Belt

As the name suggests, the timing belt makes sure that all engine parts are working together for proper efficiency and performance. It coordinates the engine combustion cycle by connecting the crankshaft and camshaft.  Additionally, modern timing belts are made up of solid materials like synthetic rubber. Moreover, the belt has reinforced cords made of tough fiber like Kevlar or Polyester.  Furthermore, the auto experts suggest replacing timing belts after every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. 

Symptoms Of Bad Timing Belt

                                                                                

Spark Plugs 

The spark plugs are located above each cylinder. They ignite the combustion process by mixing the air and fuel mixture. They convert the high-voltage electricity into a spark.  Moreover, the spark plug is made up of a metal sleeve with a ceramic insulator inside it. The center electrode is connected to the engine coil by the wire.  Additionally, the center electrode sticks out and creates a gap with the ground electrode.  Finally, the electricity jumps from this gap, creating a spark. 

However, the spark plugs can get dirty over time . It can cause problems like the engine not starting correctly. 

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head is on top of the engine block and forms the combustion chamber.  Additionally, it covers airflow and fuel delivery and contains various parts like valves and spark plugs. There are two significant types of cylinder heads: iron and aluminum. Cast iron is tough, cheap, and heavy. However, aluminum is lighter and better at cooling. The major problems lie in the engine overheating due to coolant leakage or a bad gasket. 

Symptoms Of Bad Cylinder Head

The Oil Pan

Engine oil properly lubricates the parts for reliable functioning.  In addition, the pump pushes the oil through a filter, which then moves to all parts of the engine. The process begins again after it is completion.  Moreover, the pan is usually made of steel or aluminum. It typically holds four to six liters of oil, depending upon the type of engine. The drain plug can be detached to drain the oil present at the bottom. 

Symptoms Of A Bad Oil Pan

Engine Valve

They are the gates in the car engine that allow gases to enter and exit.  The explosion process takes place here.  Morever, the valves move by the cam lobes of the rotating camshaft.  Additionally, the engine valve consists of rocker arms, push rods, and valve springs.

Symptoms Of Engine Valve 

Combustion Chamber

The combustion chamber burns the air-fuel mixture and produces high-pressure gases. The piston touches the spark plug, and the energy released is used to move the engine.  However, a smaller combustion chamber produces a high compression ratio with more power. The changes in the size of a piston head change the size of a combustion chamber. 

Can you imagine what would happen if the oil went into the combustion chamber? If so, blue-grey-colored gases would emerge from the engine.  Additionally, worn valves can cause the oil to enter the cylinder and generate blue-tinted exhaust fumes in the morning.

FlyWheel

The flywheel of a car engine is made of cast iron and steel. It performs several vital functions. Firstly, it smoothes the irregular pulses of energy generated during combustion.  Secondly, it provides a moment for the compression stroke of the pistons. It maintains the engine balance and keeps the engine moving and the crankshaft rotating. It also minimizes noise and reduces friction.

Symptoms Of Bad FlyWheel

Water Pump

The water pump is one of the significant parts of cars, trucks, and SUVS engines. In addition, it provides water coolant to the car’s engine block to prevent overheating of the engine. Moreover, modern water pumps are so robust that they will fail after many years. The water pump uses special blades and spinning forces to the pipes and hoses of the car’s engine system. 

Causes Of Bad Engine Coolant

Turbocharger And Supercharger

Both these charges are used to increase the power of the engine for the compression stroke. Additionally, the turbocharger uses the exhaust gasses to spin the turbine.  Additionally, superchargers get power directly from the engine. The turbochargers extract more power from the smaller engine. However, superchargers have simple design in comparison to turbochargers.

Signs Of A Bad Turbocharger

Symptoms of A Bad Supercharger

Oil Pan Drain Bolt

The oil pan drain bolt is the metal bolt at the lower end of the oil pan.  Additionally, it is sometimes called the oil pan drain plug and is used to drain the engine.  However, if you notice an oil leak from the pan, the oil gasket should be replaced. 

Common Signs Of A Poor Oil Pans Drain Bolt 

Why Choose Pakwheels When Buying Car Engine Parts In Pakistan?

PakWheels is one of the best platforms for buying car engine parts in Pakistan.  Our car engine parts range between 1000 to 1,250,000.  Moreover, we have varying car models with their engines for sale at affordable prices.  In addition,  we have 100k+ satisfied clients with delivery across major cities, including Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Furthermore, 

Final Note

In short, car owners should implement some essential car engine maintenance tips to ensure reliable functioning. Additionally, there are varying car models with different types of engines. Therefore, one should know the kind of engine before buying it. Furthermore, this can also help them make reliable decisions about maintenance and upgrades. Moreover,  it also improves the lifespan of your vehicle and enhances its performance. 

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