A car engine is a marvel of engineering that converts fuel into
mechanical energy, ultimately propelling the vehicle forward. It
is the power source for the car. Most cars on the road today
run on petrol or diesel and are referred to as internal
combustion engines, while a new breed of electric and hybrid
engines is starting to become mainstream.
Understanding how a car engine works involves exploring its
numerous components and their various functions.
1. Rocker Arm Cover/Valve Cover:
A rocker arm or valve cover is a crucial part of
an internal combustion engine that protects
the engine’s moving parts and prevents oil
leaks.
2. Rocker Cover/Valve Cover Gasket:
A rocker cover gasket, also known as a valve
cover gasket, is a seal that joins the engine’s
rocker cover to the engine.
3. Rocker Arm:
A rocker arm is a lever in an internal
combustion engine that transfers motion
from the camshaft or push-rod to the valve
stem.
4. Valve Spring:
A valve spring is a coil spring that controls the
valve train in an engine by keeping the valve
in a closed position and maintaining contact
between the cam and the tappet.
5. Cylinder Head:
A cylinder head is a crucial part of an engine
that covers the top of the cylinders and forms
the roof of the combustion chamber.
6. Cylinder Head Gasket:
A head gasket is a seal between the cylinder
head and engine block of a car’s engine that
performs several vital functions.
7. Cylinder:
A cylinder is a chamber in an engine where
the piston travels up and down.
8. Valves:
Engine valves control the flow of air and fuel
into the combustion chamber and the release
of exhaust gases.
9. Spark Plug:
A spark plug is a part of an internal
combustion engine that ignites the fuel-air
mixture to start, accelerate, and change gears.
10. Cylinder Block:
A cylinder block, also known as an engine
block, is a key component of an internal
combustion or the main body of the engine
that houses the cylinders, pistons, and
crankshaft bearings.
11. Ignition Distributor:
An ignition distributor is a mechanical and
electrical device that directs or distributes
electricity from the ignition coil to each spark
plug in the correct order and at the right time.
12. Fuel Pump:
A fuel pump is a device that moves or pump
fuel from the fuel tank to the engine in a
vehicle.
13. Piston:
A piston is a moving part of an engine that
converts the force of burned air-fuel mixture
into mechanical energy.
14. Timing Cover:
A timing cover is part of an engine that
protects the timing belt, timing chain, or cam
belt from dirt, debris, and other road gunk.
15. Connecting Rod:
A connecting rod, also known as a con rod, is
a vital component of an engine that connects
the piston to the crankshaft.
16. Camshaft:
A camshaft is a mechanical component in an
internal combustion engine that is responsible
for opening the valves.
17. Flywheel:
A flywheel is a heavy, circular disc-shaped
component in an engine that stores rotational
kinetic energy and transmit the power from
the engine to the transmission.
18. Crankshaft:
A crankshaft is a rotating shaft in an engine
that converts the pistons’ reciprocating
motion into rotational motion.
19. Crankcase Gasket:
A crankcase gasket is a sealing material that’s
located in the crankcase of an engine and
prevents oil leaks.
20. Distribution Chain/Timing Chain:
A distribution chain, also known as a timing
chain, is a component of a vehicle’s engine
that connects the camshaft to the crankshaft.
21. Oil Pump:
An oil pump is a vital part of an engine that
circulates pressurized oil to lubricate and cool
the engine’s moving parts.
22. Oil Pan:
An oil pan is a metal pan attached to the
bottom of an engine that holds oil to lubricate,
clean, and cool the engine’s moving parts.
23. Oil Pump Strainer:
An oil pump strainer is a filter made of wire
mesh that prevents dirt and debris from
entering an engine’s oil pump.