What Does Inline Engine Mean?
1 Answers
An inline engine refers to an engine where all cylinders are arranged side by side in a single plane. It features a simple cylinder block and crankshaft structure, uses a single cylinder head, and has advantages such as lower manufacturing costs, high stability, good low-speed torque characteristics, and lower fuel consumption, making it widely used. The downside is relatively lower power output. Inline engines are commonly abbreviated as 'L'; for example, L4 stands for an inline 4-cylinder engine. The inline layout is currently one of the most widely used cylinder arrangements, especially in engines with displacements below 2.5 liters. In this layout, all cylinders are aligned at the same angle and arranged in a single plane, resembling a straight line of cylinders standing in a column. Engines with an inline cylinder configuration are more compact in size, allowing for more flexible layouts and easier installation of superchargers and similar devices.