Components of an Automobile Engine
Camshaft
In four-stroke engines, the camshaft is responsible for the timely operation of the valves, helping to perform different processes during the engine cycle. It is driven by the engine crankshaft. It operates by converting rotational motion into linear motion to control intake and exhaust valves. It can be located within the engine block or cylinder head. Each camshaft includes lobes that make contact with valve lifters, pushing them to open or close valves. The number of lobes corresponds to the engine’s valve count, ensuring precise operations. Camshafts can be made of hardened steel or cast iron, chosen based on engine requirements.
Crankshaft
The crankshaft transforms the reciprocating movement of the piston into rotational motion. It works according to the upward and downward movement of the piston. The crankshaft is located inside the engine block. It has many crankpins and cranks. The engine connecting rod is connected to the crankshafts through these crankpins and cranks. A 2-stroke engine completes a power cycle after one revolution of the crankshaft, while a 4-stroke engine completes a power cycle after completing two revolutions of the crankshaft.
Harmonic Balancer
It is a device that absorbs and dampens the vibrations produced by the crankshaft, connecting the crankshaft to the engine’s frame. This helps reduce wear and tear on the engine’s components, as well as reduce noise levels and smooth out engine operation. The harmonic balancer also helps keep the timing belt or chain in sync, as it controls the crankshaft’s speed of rotation.
The crankshaft does not ride directly on the cast iron block crankshaft supports, but rides on special bearing material. The connecting rods also have bearings inserted between the crankshaft and the connecting rods. The bearing material is a soft alloy of metals that provides a replaceable wear surface and prevents galling between two similar metals. Each bearing is split into halves to allow assembly of the engine. The crankshaft is drilled with oil passages that allow the engine to feed oil to each of the crankshaft bearings and connection rod bearings and up into the connecting rod itself.
Cylinder Valves
The inlet and outlet valves install on the cylinder head, and cams are installed on these valves. The cylinder head blocks the nozzle, which permits the fuel suction or discharge and needs reciprocating movement.