What is an automobile engine composed of?
3 Answers
An automobile engine is composed of five major systems and two main mechanisms. The five systems are the fuel supply system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, and starting system. The two mechanisms are the crank connecting rod mechanism and the valve train mechanism. The automobile engine is the device that provides power for the vehicle, determining its power, fuel economy, stability, and environmental performance. The working principle of the engine is as follows: 1. Mixing air and gasoline in a certain proportion to form a combustible mixture; 2. The intake stroke draws the mixture into the cylinder, where it is compressed, ignited, and burned to generate thermal energy; 3. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas acts on the top of the piston, driving the piston to perform reciprocating linear motion, and mechanical power is output externally through the connecting rod, crankshaft, and flywheel mechanism.
I've been repairing car engines for over a decade, and they're actually composed of several core components. The engine block is that big iron piece housing the cylinders and pistons. When the pistons move up and down, they drive the crankshaft to rotate via connecting rods, thus transferring power to the wheels. The valve system is crucial, controlled by the camshaft to open and close, allowing air and fuel to enter through the intake manifold and expelling exhaust gases through the exhaust manifold after combustion. For ignition, gasoline engines have spark plugs responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture. The external support systems are equally important, such as the cooling system which includes the water pump, radiator, and fan, using coolant to prevent overheating; the lubrication system relies on the oil pump to supply oil and lubricate all moving parts, reducing wear. Common issues like worn piston rings causing oil burning are frequent, and I always remind car owners to regularly check oil and coolant levels, not to overlook belt aging problems. These minor maintenance tasks can extend the engine's lifespan by several years.
Having tinkered with cars for many years, I'm quite familiar with engine construction. It mainly consists of power-generating components like the engine block, cylinders, pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft. When the pistons move inside the cylinders, they drive the crankshaft to rotate via the connecting rods. The camshaft and valves manage the airflow in and out, while the spark plug ignites the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. For cooling, there's the radiator and coolant circulation to prevent overheating damage; lubrication is handled by engine oil pumped from the oil pan to lubricate moving parts. Once, my car overheated and broke down, and I discovered the coolant was leaking. Since then, I've developed the good habit of checking fluids monthly. Understanding these structures makes driving more reassuring and helps avoid being overcharged by repair shops—like spending hundreds on a timing belt replacement, which can be done cheaper with proper preparation.
