Component identification

Component Identification

Engine Components Overview

• There are several major components in an engine, each playing a crucial role in its operation.
• The engine block, pistons, valves, fuel injector, crankshaft, and cylinder head are among the primary components.

Engine Block

• The engine block, or cylinder block, forms the core structure of the engine.
• It houses key components such as the cylinders, crankshaft, and often the cam shafts.

Pistons

• Pistons play a crucial role in generating power.
• They move up and down inside the cylinders, forcing energy generated by ignited fuel into motion.

Valves

• Valves control the flow of the air/fuel mixture and the exhaust gases in and out of the cylinders.
• Intake valves allow air (and sometimes fuel) into the cylinders, and exhaust valves allow waste gases to exit.

Fuel Injectors

• Fuel injectors deliver precisely timed sprays of diesel fuel into the cylinder.
• The injector’s fine mist allows for better mix of fuel with air, achieving more complete and efficient combustion.

Crankshaft

• The crankshaft transforms the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion.
• This rotational motion is sent to the transmission and ultimately turns the wheels of the vehicle.

Cylinder Head

• The cylinder head forms the top of the combustion chamber.
• It contains the combustion chambers, valves, and spark plugs in a petrol engine (diesel engines ignite fuel by compression rather than a spark).
• The cylinder head can be a single unit covering all cylinders (‘single overhead cam’ or SOHC layout), or can be separated per cylinder (‘double overhead cam’ or DOHC).

Gudgeon Pin (Wrist Pin)

• The gudgeon pin (wrist pin) connects the piston to the connecting rod, allowing piston movement while transmitting the force of combustion from the piston to the connecting rod.

Connecting Rod

• The connecting rod translates the vertical movement of the pistons into rotational movement for the crankshaft.
• It connects the piston to the crankshaft via the gudgeon pin and crankpin, respectively.

Turbocharger

• A turbocharger is often present in diesel engines to increase efficiency and power output by compressing the intake air.
• It utilizes wasted energy from exhaust gases to spin a turbine that compresses intake air before it enters the cylinder, allowing more air (and therefore more fuel) to be admitted.