Engine components 1

Engine Components Introduction

After completing this topic, you will be able to identify the components in the engine and
understand the function of each component.

Block

The engine block (1) is typically a machined gray iron casting that houses the variety of interacting
components required to make an engine operate. Components such as the crankshaft, camshaft,
pistons, connecting rods and cylinder heads are kept in precise operating alignment by the engine
block.

The block also acts as a conduit for the coolant and lubricating oil for the engine and provides a
place for attaching external components like the water pump, alternator, turbocharger, fuel pump,
intake and exhaust manifolds, oil and fuel filters.

Block - What it Does

The block provides three main functions:

1. Cooling – Water passages within the block supply a flow of coolant around each cylinder bore
through the flame face and into the cylinder head.

2. Lubrication – Oil passages drilled throughout the block provide oil to lubricate all parts of the
engine.

3. Stability – Blocks maintain their shape and size under a variety of temperatures and loads.

Cylinder Head - What it Does

On smaller in-line engines, the cylinder head is a single casting that attaches to the top of the
cylinder block. V-engines and some larger in-line engines use two cylinder heads or multiple
cylinder heads. Large engines typically have one head per cylinder.

The cylinder head contains the valves and valve train, and has more moving parts than any other
component of the engine.

The head performs the following functions:

Forms the top sealing surface for the combustion chamberDissipates heat as coolant travels
through internal water passagesDirects inlet air and exhaust gases in and out of the combustion
chamberSupports the valves and injectors, and sometimes the camshaft

The cylinder head has to be stiff enough to create a seal between the block and head using a head
gasket and high tensile strength bolts. Together, the head and seal must withstand high pressures
and very high temperatures.

Cylinders - What They Do

Cylinders (1) are cylindrical holes in the engine block which have four basic functions:

1. House the pistons and form the combustion chamber.

2. Transfer heat away from the moving piston and ring assembly.

3. Provide a precision contour surface for the piston and ring assembly.

4. Lubricate the piston rings and control the oil film between the cylinder bore and piston skirt.

Cylinders are numbered from the front of the engine to the back. The front of the engine is opposite
the flywheel end. The number one cylinder is the front-most cylinder in the block.

Engine Configuration
Engines in which all of the cylinders are lined up in a row are called in-line. Engines where the
cylinders form two rows or “banks” are called V-type.

Cylinders - Liner and Parent Bore Designs

There are two types of cylinder designs used in gas and diesel engines. Medium and large engines
use liners, which are machined separately and pressed into the block. Liners, known as sleeves in
the automotive world, are normally machined from gray iron castings. Higher compression ratios
and heat from newer engines have resulted in some liners being machined from stronger steel
castings. Liners can be replaced during engine overhaul without machining the block. This extends
the life of the engine block.

Smaller engines, including most automotive and some diesel engines, use a linerless or parent
bore design whereby the cylinders are machined into the engine block casting. When necessary
during overhaul, the cylinders in the block can be bored oversize requiring larger pistons and rings.
Normally, this can only be done once or twice due to the thickness of the material in the block
casting.