What are the four major systems of an engine?
3 Answers
The four major systems of an engine: cooling system, ignition system, lubrication system, and fuel supply system. Cooling system: The function of the cooling system is to dissipate the heat absorbed by the heated parts in time to ensure that the engine works at the most suitable temperature. Ignition system: In a gasoline engine, the combustible mixture in the cylinder is ignited by an electric spark. For this purpose, a spark plug is installed on the cylinder head of the gasoline engine, and the head of the spark plug extends into the combustion chamber. Fuel supply system: The function of the gasoline engine fuel supply system is to prepare a certain amount and concentration of the mixture according to the requirements of the engine, supply it into the cylinder, and discharge the exhaust gas after combustion from the cylinder into the atmosphere. Lubrication system: The function of the lubrication system is to deliver a certain amount of clean lubricating oil to the surface of the relatively moving parts to achieve liquid friction, reduce friction resistance, and reduce the wear of the parts. The following methods can be used for daily engine maintenance: Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil should be selected according to the additional devices of the intake and exhaust systems and the conditions of use; for diesel engines, CB--CD grade diesel engine oil should be selected according to the mechanical load, and the selection standard should not be lower than the requirements specified by the manufacturer; Change the oil and filter regularly. The oil quality of any quality grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, the performance will deteriorate, which will bring various problems to the engine. To avoid failures, the oil should be changed regularly according to the conditions of use, and the oil volume should be moderate; When the oil passes through the fine holes of the filter, the solid particles and sticky substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter is blocked and the oil cannot pass through the filter element, the filter element will burst or the safety valve will open, and the oil will pass through the bypass valve, still bringing the dirt back to the lubrication part, causing engine wear and aggravating internal pollution; Clean the crankcase regularly. During the operation of the engine, high-pressure unburned gas, acid, water, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides in the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston ring and the cylinder wall, and mix with the metal powder generated by the wear of the parts to form sludge. When the amount is small, it is suspended in the oil; when the amount is large, it precipitates from the oil, blocking the filter and oil holes, making it difficult to lubricate the engine and causing wear. Use a radiator cleaner to clean the radiator regularly. Removing rust and scale can not only ensure the normal operation of the engine but also extend the overall life of the radiator and the engine.
In the field of automotive repair, I've been working for over thirty years, and I know the four major engine systems inside out. The fuel system supplies fuel to the engine, much like the human digestive system, pumping gasoline into the combustion chamber; if the fuel injector gets clogged, the car won't run. The cooling system prevents the engine from overheating by dissipating heat with water or coolant—a radiator failure during summer highway driving can easily lead to engine seizure. The lubrication system uses engine oil to lubricate mechanical parts—without enough oil, wear increases, and pistons can seize. The ignition system provides the spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture, and if the spark plugs age, the car becomes hard to start. I've repaired many cars, and common issues like ignition coil failure causing engine misfires require timely spark plug replacement. With proper maintenance—changing the oil and checking filters every 5,000 kilometers—you can save money and extend the engine's lifespan. These four systems are interdependent; if one fails, the whole engine shuts down. Car owners should pay attention to minor issues to avoid costly repairs later.
I've only been driving for a few years, but I've gained quite some insights into the four major engine systems. The fuel system delivers gasoline and affects fuel consumption performance; the cooling system dissipates heat to prevent overheating—if the fan stops, the car will overheat. The lubrication system relies on engine oil to lubricate all components, and when the oil light comes on, it must be checked immediately. The ignition system starts the engine, and spark plug carbon buildup can cause delayed ignition. Last month, my car had lubrication issues—there was loud noise upon starting, but it returned to normal after an oil change. I learned to add coolant myself, which isn't costly but adds a lot to safety. Before long highway drives, I make it a habit to check the coolant level and oil quantity. I've shared on car enthusiast apps that regular maintenance of these systems can prevent breakdowns—now, I use phone reminders for bi-annual checkups. Simple upkeep makes daily driving much smoother.
