Introduction to Auto Engines
Most automobile engines are based on a four stroke internal combustion engine model. However, there are several other configurations of combustion engines that are used in automobiles, including the Wankel rotary engine or electric engines and even steam engines. Understanding how your engine works will help you take care of your vehicle better, as well as troubleshoot any problems before they start.
The Four Stroke Process
The four-stroke process consists of the intake, compression, power and exhaust strokes. The intake stroke takes the oxygen/fuel mixture into the cylinder from the intake port as the piston travels down. The compression stroke compresses the oxygen/fuel mixture as the piston travels up with all ports closed. The power stroke starts with a bang as the spark plug sends an electrical current through the mixture propelling the piston down and powering the vehicle and four-stroke process. The exhaust stroke begins as the piston travels back up expelling the burnt gases through the open exhaust port.
Parts of the Engine
The engine is composed of parts that support the four-stroke process and converts fuel into a usable energy. The block of the engine is composed of the engine crankshaft, which is connected to the pistons by connecting rods. When the piston travels down the crankshaft is turned and produces power to the rest of the power train. The crankcase or block of the engine encloses the crankshaft to support it with bearings called main bearings. The crankcase is also sprayed with oil to keep all metal-to-metal pieces from fusing together from the heat of the engine.
Engine Head
The head of the engine is composed of valves – valve springs and seals in case of an OHC (overhead Camshaft) a cam. The head controls how much oxygen/fuel is burnt in the cylinders and the exhaust. Where the crankcase is the muscle of the engine the heads are the lungs and heart making it possible for it to move. There are many parts with different configurations to auto engines, but they all support the four-stroke process in some way.