Types of engines
In most cases, the opposing cylinders in an engine are arranged in a 'V' shape hence the terms V6, V8, etc. We will break that down in a simpler manner.
V8
This type of engine has eight opposing cylinders and is common in heavy-duty engines. Each side has four cylinders that run concurrently.
V6
Just like the V8, this one has six opposing cylinders and is common for sports cars and mid-size Service Utility Vehicles.
Flat 4
The flat 4 is most common in Subaru models and the classic Volkswagen Beetles. The four cylinders are arranged in a flat, opposing configuration.
V twin
This has a two-cylinder arrangement and is common in motorbikes.
Engine system
Contrary to common beliefs, using higher octane fuel (V-power) in an engine designed for lower octane is simply burning fuel with very minimal results and may actually affect the engine's life.
Here is why. The fuel injectors will spray fuel into the cylinder at a precisely timed moment and for an engine not designed for high octane, there will be less combustion resulting in a lower fuel mileage.
Air
The engine needs oxygen to make the combustion complete. This is air filtered from outside the hood through the air filter through the air intake manifold. The ratio of gas to oxygen an engine needs to run is around 1:14.
Oil
The main purpose of oil whether synthetic or normal is to lubricate the moving parts. However, the oils also prevent corrosion and cool the engine by carrying heat away from the moving parts.
Oil filter
The oil filter helps remove unwanted material from the engine oil. Basically, it filters dirt from the oil that is on the oil pan that holds the engine oil.
Oil pump
Its main core role is to keep the engine oil properly pressurised and flowing through the engine.
Battery
Its main purpose is to supply power for starting the car and also other electrical systems.
Alternator
It basically works like a generator, converting the engine's mechanical energy into electricity to charge the battery while the engine is running.
Starter
It cranks the engine to start the combustion (ignition) process and then goes off until the car is started again.
Thermostat
Since the combustion process produces heat, engines have a thermostat that helps regulate coolant temperature by either routing coolant back through the engine or to the radiator for further cooling.
Radiator and fan
These two work hand in hand. The radiator has a series of metal tubes and fins. When the hot coolant returns from the engine block, it passes through these tubes. Air flowing through the radiator cools the coolant in preparation for another cycle through the engine via the water pump and it goes on and on as far as the engine is running.
Exhaust system
For any engine to breathe, it needs an exhaust to remove the waste from the engine. This starts from the exhaust manifold that collects gases from multiple cylinders into one pipe.
The gases are then taken through the catalytic converter which helps reduce toxic chemicals in engine exhaust and proceed to the muffler which basically reduces the engine exhaust noise.
Next week on Motor Review, we will delve into the engines of hybrid vehicles and how they work.
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