Fundamentals of Engine Mechanics

Aug 22, 2024

Engine Fundamentals

Definition of Engine

  • An engine is a machine designed to convert one form of energy into mechanical energy.
  • Heat engines burn fuel to create heat, which is then used to do work.

Types of Engines

  1. Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
    • Burns fuel inside the engine cylinder.
  2. External Combustion Engine (ECE)
    • Burns fuel outside the cylinder.

Importance

  • The engine is considered the heart of an automobile.

Main Parts of an Internal Combustion Engine

  1. Cylinder Block

    • Basic framework of the engine.
    • Consists of:
      • Cylinder for piston movement.
      • Ports for valves.
      • Passages for cooling water.
    • Made of gray cast iron or aluminum.
  2. Cylinder Head

    • Joins with the cylinder block.
    • Contains:
      • Combustion chamber.
      • Valve guides and seats.
      • Cooling passages.
    • Types:
      • Loop flow type.
      • Offset cross flow type.
      • Inline cross flow type.
  3. Crankcase

    • Lower part of the cylinder block.
    • Supports crankshaft and maintains alignment.
  4. Oil Pan

    • Bottom half of the crankcase.
    • Stores and circulates lubricating oil.
    • Contains a drain plug for oil replacement.
  5. Manifolds

    • Set of pipes for air-fuel mixture and exhaust gases.
    • Typically made of cast iron.
  6. Gaskets

    • Provide tight joints between surfaces (e.g., cylinder head and block).
    • Materials: cork, asbestos, rubber.
  7. Cylinder Liners

    • Prevent cylinder wear and can be replaced.
    • Types:
      • Dry liners.
      • Wet liners.
  8. Pistons

    • Convert pressure energy into mechanical power.
    • Move up and down within the cylinder.
    • Made of cast iron or aluminum alloy.
    • Piston clearance allows lubricant space.
  9. Piston Rings

    • Maintain a seal between piston and cylinder wall.
    • Types:
      • Compression rings.
      • Oil control rings.
  10. Connecting Rod

    • Connects piston to crankshaft.
    • Converts reciprocating motion to rotary motion.
  11. Piston Pin

    • Also known as wrist pin; connects the rod and piston.
    • Types:
      • Set screw type.
      • Semi-floating type.
      • Fully floating type.
  12. Crankshaft

    • Converts piston motion into rotational motion.
    • Made of heat-treated alloy steel.
  13. Camshaft

    • Controls valve openings.
    • Driven by the crankshaft with half the speed.
    • Types of drive mechanisms:
      • Gear drive.
      • Chain drive.
      • Belt drive.
  14. Flywheel

    • Attaches to the crankshaft's rear end.
    • Helps maintain constant speed.
  15. Engine Valves

    • Control air-fuel mixture and exhaust gases.
    • Fit on valve seats in a closed position.

Conclusion

  • Understanding the parts and functions of an internal combustion engine is vital for automotive knowledge.
  • For further study, check the link in the description for a downloadable PDF.