How a gasoline engine works

A gasoline engine works on the principle of combustion. A fuel/air mixture is introduced into a cylinder, the cylinder is closed off and the piston is thrust upward to create compression. A spark is introduced to ignite the mixture to create combustion to thrust the piston downward in the engine block.  There are a number of pistons inside an engine depending on the design 4 to12 cylinders usually. The pistons are connected to a crankshaft through a connecting rod. Pistons fire consecutively to rotate the crankshaft inside the engine block. The oil pump pushes oil through the oil filter and then supplies oil to vital engine parts including the crank and camshaft, cylinder walls and piston rings, valve train, cam lifters and the timing gears or chain. Motor oil is used to lubricate and cool internal engine parts. Oil is pumped up through the engine, then returns to the bottom of the engine and is gathered in the oil pan.

The cylinder head bolts to the top of the engine block and allows air/fuel and exhaust into and out of the cylinder block. The cylinder head also has the ability to hold the air/fuel mixture charge inside the cylinder as it combusts, forcing the piston downward. The cylinder head is connect to the engine block with head bolts using a head gasket. A camshaft is used to open and close intake and exhaust ports by using valve train components, these components vary depending on the type of valve train your engine is designed with. Most valve train systems or either over head cam systems, which consist of a camshaft and lifter, over a valve that is held closed by a spring and regular valve train systems which consist of a camshaft, lifter, push rod, rocker arm and a valve spring to hold the valve closed.

Gasoline Engine

There are four main sections to the internal combustion engine.

1. engine block: (short block) note: a long block includes cylinder heads.

a. main engine block
b. crankshaft
c. pistons
d. piston rings
e. connecting rod pin
f. connecting rod
g. camshaft (in over head valve engines)
h. lifters (in over head valve engines)
i. oil pump
j. oil pump drive
k. oil pump pick up
l. gaskets and seals
m. freeze plugs
n. oil pan
o. assorted bolts

2. cylinder heads

a. main head cylinder body
b. intake and exhaust valves
c. valve keepers
d. valve spring
e. valve spring retainer
f.  valve stem seal

3. Air/fuel intake system

a. intake manifold
b. fuel injector
c. fuel injection system
d. air filter

4. Exhaust system

a. exhaust manifold
b. catalytic converter
c. muffler

Proper maintenance is crucial to long and optimum performance for every internal combustion engine. Follow your manufacturer recommended service schedules. Engine repair is expensive so protect yourself by servicing your car regularly. (Note: When having your car serviced always request to inspect the worn or broken parts at the time the work order is placed.)

Common problems:

1. regular maintenance is neglected and premature engine failure can result.

2. overheated, causing premature engine failure

Also see:

How to check - service engine soon light or check engine light
How to check engine miss
How gas engines work
How hybrid engines work
How to check for low power
How to check for over heating
How to replace spark plugs