How a Car Engine Works

Introduction

• Presenter: Jake O'Neal, creator of Animagraffs
• Subject: Mechanics of a Car Engine
• Focus: Single piston (powerhouse) to the overall system

Four Stroke Cycle

1. Intake
   • Piston descends
   • Air-fuel mixture sucked into the cylinder
   • Intake valves open
2. Compression
   • Piston ascends
   • Fuel and air mixture compressed
   • All valves closed
3. Power Stroke
   • Electrical spark ignites the compressed mixture
   • Combustion forces the piston down
   • Connecting rod transfers power to the crankshaft
4. Exhaust
   • Piston ascends again
   • Spent mixture pushed out through exhaust valves and port

Connecting Multiple Pistons

• Pistons fire in sequence for smooth power delivery (firing order: 1-3-4-2)
• Camshafts: Specially shaped cams push spring-loaded valves open
• Cam Gears & Timing Belt/Chain: Links everything to the crankshaft
• Crankshaft: Translates piston power; has counterweights for balanced revolutions
• RPM: Revolutions per minute of the crankshaft
• Engine Block: Holds crankshaft and cylinders
• Cylinder Head: Holds valves, ports, cams, etc.
• Flywheel: Geared part for transmission connection and starter
• Cylinder Configurations: Single row, V-shaped, etc.

Supporting Systems

Air Intake

• Air filter → intake manifold → mixes with fuel → sucked into cylinders

Fuel System

• Fuel Pump: Carries gas from tank to engine
• Fuel Injectors: Emit precisely timed fuel spray into intake port

Cooling System

• Coolant Channels: Around cylinders and through heads
• Anti-freeze: Prevents freezing and regulates temperature
• Radiator: Cools hot coolant through small tubes and fins
• Water Pump: Maintains coolant flow and pressure
• Thermostat: Regulates coolant temperature by routing it

Electrical System

• Spark Plug: Delivers electrical spark for combustion
• Coil Pack: Provides current to spark plugs, directed by ECM
• ECM (Engine Control Module): Manages core engine functions
• Alternator: Converts mechanical energy to electricity for battery and other systems
• Battery: Powers the starter for engine start

Oil System

• Motor Oil: Lubricates, cleans, prevents corrosion, improves sealing, and cools engine
• Piston Rings: Keep oil out of combustion
• Oil Galleries: Channels for oil to reach engine parts
• Oil Pump: Keeps oil pressurized
• Oil Pan: Stores oil when not in use
• Oil Filter: Cleans oil contaminants

Exhaust System

• Exhaust Manifold: Collects gases from cylinders
• Catalytic Converter: Captures toxic chemicals
• Muffler: Reduces exhaust noise

Full Model

• Overview of functioning engine with all discussed systems