Basic Engine Parts Flashcards
What are the different ways cylinders are arranged in an engine
Inline
v
Flat
What is the core of the engine
The cylinder
What is the flat arrangement of cylinders also known as
Horizontally opposed or boxer
Describe the inline cylinder arrangement
Cylinders are arranged in a line in a single bank
Describe the V cylinder arrangement
Cylinders are arranged in two banks set at an angle to one another
Describe the flat (horizontally opposed or boxer) cylinder arrangement
Cylinders are arranged in two banks on opposite sides of the engine
What does the spark plug do?
Supplies the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture so that combustion can occur
What is so important about the spark created by the spark plug
It must happen at just the right moment for things to work properly
What is the purpose of the intake and exhaust valves?
To open at the proper time to let in air and fuel to let out exhaust
When do the intake and exhaust valves close and why?
Close during the compression and combustion so that the combustion chamber is sealed
What is a piston?
A cylindrical piece of metal that moves up and down inside of a cylinder
What do piston rings do?
Provide a sliding seal between the outer edge of the piston and the inner edge of the cylinder
What are the two purposes of the piston rings?
Prevent the fuel/air mixture and exhaust in the combustion chamber from leaking into the sump during compression and combustion
Keep oil in the sump from leaking into the combustion area where it would be burned and lost
What does the connecting rod do? Describe it.
Connects the pistons to the crankshaft. It can rotate at both ends so that its angle can change as the piston moves and the crankshaft rotates
What does the crankshaft do?
Turns the piston’s up and down motion into circular motion just like a crank on a jack-in-the-box does
