Basic Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is an internal combustion engine?
Heat engine that converts chemical energy in a fuel into mechanical energy
What is the function of the cylinder in an internal combustion engine?
A round hole through the block, bored to receive a piston
What does the cylinder block provide for vehicles using internal combustion?
The powerhouse for the vehicle
What is a cylinder head?
A part located on top of the engine block housing components like intake and exhaust valves, springs, lifters, and the combustion chamber
What components are situated in the cylinder head?
- Inlet and outlet ports of the cylinders
- Valve control
- Oil ducts for lubricating the valve train
- Coolant ducts
- Spark plugs (on petrol engines)
- Injection valves (on petrol engines with direct injection)
- Injection nozzles and glow plugs (on diesel engines)
What is the role of the piston in an internal combustion engine?
A cylindrical component that slides back and forth in the cylinder bore due to combustion forces
What are the purposes of piston rings?
- Prevent fuel/air mixture and exhaust from leaking into the sump
- Keep oil in the sump from leaking into the combustion area
What connects the piston to the connecting rod?
Wrist pin
What is the function of a valve in an internal combustion engine?
A device to close and open a passage, allowing fuel into the cylinder and sealing the combustion space when closed
What occurs in the combustion chamber?
The fuel/air mix is burned and compression and combustion take place
What does a connecting rod do?
Connects the piston to the crankshaft and converts reciprocating motion into rotational motion
What is the purpose of the crankshaft?
Converts linear energy into rotational energy, driving the car’s wheels
What is the function of the camshaft?
Controls the input of fuel and the expulsion of exhaust fumes
What are the main subsystems of an engine?
- Ignition System
- Cooling System
- Air Intake System
- Starting System
- Lubrication System
- Fuel System
- Exhaust System
- Electrical System
What does the ignition system produce?
A high-voltage electrical charge
What are the three basic types of automotive ignition systems?
- Distributor-based
- Distributor-less
- Coil-on-plug (COP)
How does the cooling system function?
Sends a liquid coolant through passages in the engine block and heads to remove heat
What is the function of the air intake system?
Allows air to reach the engine, providing oxygen for combustion
What are the two types of air intake systems?
- Normally aspirated
- Force induction (turbocharged or supercharged)
What is the role of the starting system?
Consists of an electric starter motor and starter solenoid to initiate the combustion process
What is the purpose of the lubrication system?
Ensures every moving part in the engine gets oil for easy movement
What does the fuel system do?
Pumps fuel from the tank and mixes it with air for the proper air/fuel mixture
What are the three common ways that fuel is delivered?
- Carburetion
- Port fuel injection
- Direct fuel injection
What is the function of the exhaust system?
Carries waste gases away from the engine and minimizes noise, smoke, and pollution
