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Understanding Car Engine Mechanics

Aug 23, 2024

How a Car Engine Works

Introduction

  • Presented by Jake O'Neal, creator of Animagraffs.
  • Focus on a single piston and the four-stroke cycle.

The Four-Stroke Cycle

  1. Intake
    • Piston descends, drawing air-fuel mixture into the cylinder through the intake port with both valves open.
  2. Compression
    • All valves closed, the piston rises, compressing the mixture for combustion.
  3. Power Stroke
    • Electrical spark ignites the compressed mixture, forcing the piston down.
    • Connecting rod transfers power to the crankshaft.
  4. Exhaust
    • Piston returns, pushing out spent gases through open exhaust valves.

Connecting Multiple Pistons

  • Pistons fire in a specific order (1-3-4-2) for smooth power delivery.
  • Camshafts: Push spring-loaded valves open sequentially.
  • Crankshaft: Converts piston power into usable energy with counterweights for balance.
  • RPM: Revolutions per minute of the crankshaft.

Engine Components

  • Engine Block: Houses crankshaft and cylinders.
  • Cylinder Head: Contains valves, ports, and cams.
  • Flywheel: Connects crankshaft to transmission and starter.
  • Engine configurations: e.g., 4 cylinders in a row, V-shaped (6 or 8 cylinders).

Supporting Systems

Air Intake

  • Air enters through an air filter, mixes with fuel in the intake manifold, then into cylinders via intake ports.

Fuel

  • Fuel Pump: Transfers gas from tank to engine.
  • Fuel Injectors: Deliver precisely timed gas sprays into intake ports.

Cooling

  • Essential to prevent overheating.
  • Coolant Channels: Circulate anti-freeze around cylinders and heads.
  • Radiator: Cools hot coolant via air flow.
  • Water Pump: Maintains coolant flow; Thermostat regulates temperature.

Electrical System

  • Spark Plug: Ignites fuel-air mixture.
  • Coil Pack: Supplies electrical current to spark plugs.
  • ECM: Controls spark timing, valve timing, air-fuel ratios.
  • Alternator: Generates electricity; charges battery and powers electrical systems.
  • Battery: Starts engine.

Oil

  • Purpose: Lubricates, cleans, prevents corrosion, improves sealing, and cools engine parts.
  • Piston Rings: Keep oil from combustion.
  • Oil Galleries: Distribute oil throughout the engine.
  • Oil Pump: Maintains pressure and circulates oil.
  • Oil Filter: Keeps oil clean.

Exhaust

  • Exhaust Manifold: Collects gases from cylinders.
  • Catalytic Converter: Reduces toxic emissions.
  • Muffler: Lowers exhaust noise.

Conclusion

  • Overview of the full functioning engine and its basic systems.

Full transcript