In the first part of this post, we discussed the engine types and the essence of a cylinder block. This final and concluding part will list other essential components of your car’s engine, how the stroke cycle works, and when to change oil and air filters. Let’s get started!

Combustion Chamber

The combustion chamber is where the power is generated. The combustion chamber consists of the cylinder, cylinder head, and piston. The fuel, pressure, air, and electricity combine to cause a small explosion that powers the car’s pistons, causing the vehicle to move.

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head rests upon the engine’s cylinders. There are small holes on the head to allow combustion at the chamber’s top.

Piston

The Pistons move up and down the cylinder. The ignition in the combustion chamber causes the piston to move down, affecting the crankshaft’s movement. The piston is attached to the crankshaft with a connecting rod. There are two varieties of piston rings; Compression and oil rings. They perform different functions. The compression rings provide a strong seal for the combustion chamber, while the oil rings prevent oil leakages from the crankcase into the combustion chamber. It returns excess oil through the cylinder walls and back into the crankcase.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft converts the upward and downward motion of the piston into a rotational motion that allows your vehicle to move. You will find the crankshaft in the engine block near the bottom. The crankshaft is connected to rubber belts joined to the camshaft and powers the other car parts.

The crankshaft is covered inside a crankcase which protects it and the con rod from external objects. An oil pan is located close to the bottom of the crankcase. It provides oil to the crankshaft, connecting rod, and cylinder walls to lubricate the motion of the piston’s stroke.

Camshaft

The camshaft works hand-in-hand with the crankshaft to ensure that the intake and exhaust valves open and close at the right time for the engine’s optimal performance. There are usually egg-shaped lobes that control the timing of the opening and closing of these valves.

Valves

The intake valves are responsible for bringing air and fuel into the combustion chamber to power the engine. The fumes created after combustion goes out of the combustion chamber through the exhaust valves.

Fuel injectors

Fuel injectors supply fuel to the combustion chambers to create the combustion needed to move the pistons. Carburetors performed this function before.

How the Four-stroke cycle works

1. Intake cycle: The piston sucks in air from the intake valve, and the fuel injector supplies fuel for combustion.
2. Compression stroke: The valves close, and the crankshaft moves the piston up, combining the air and fuel.
3. Combustion stroke: After the piston reaches up, combustion occurs when the spark plug sparks, igniting the fuel-air mixture. The resulting explosion moves the piston downward again.
4. Exhaust stroke: The exhaust valve opens up and lets the exhaust out of the cylinder.

When to change your oil and air filters

The oil keeps your engine running smoothly. The oil filter prevents dirt from accumulating within the oil. We recommend changing the oil filter whenever you change the oil. You can also seek advice from your car service center.

The air filter catches debris and can help improve the performance of your engine. We recommend replacing it after covering up to 15,000 miles.

This information provides you with more knowledge about your engine and helps you make a more informed decision during car maintenance.