Table of Contents
Inline Engine Introduction:
The inline engine is a very simple and traditional engine design. In inline engines, the cylinders are oriented and mounted straight. Therefore, it is also called direct drive or I-drive.
These engines have a simple design and working principle. It is compact in size and requires very little installation space.
The term “inline engine” is commonly used for aircraft engines. In vehicles, the term “inline engine” is used to refer to a straight engine (an engine with one bank of cylinders). However, in aircraft, the term “inline” can also be used to denote an engine that does not have a straight configuration, such as a horizontally opposed W or V engine.
This type of engine has multiple cylinders, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 cylinders. However, the largest engine manufacturers refer to their inline 4 engines as inline 4 engines. This engine is designated by the letters L4 or I4.
So it is easy to manufacture. Lower cost than V-shaped or horizontal engines. In this design, the engine camshaft is usually attached to the cylinder block in a pushrod and pushrod design. Manufacturers place engine valves in blocks next to the pistons or inside the cylinder head.
The main advantage of inline engines is that they are better balanced than V engines due to their uniform weight distribution. However, the V engine produces more torque than the inline engine at lower speeds.
Pros:
- This engine has a simple design.
- They have a simpler design than the V-engine.
- Inline engines are easy to operate.
- They are less expensive and smaller in size than V motors.
- Inline engines have a very compact design.
- It is small and lightweight.
- It consists of one cylinder head and one exhaust manifold.
- Moving parts are less compared to the V engine.
- This means that it discharges less energy than a V engine.
- They need very low manufacturing and maintenance costs.
- This engine is more balanced than the V engines due to its uniform weight distribution.
Cons:
- They have a higher center of gravity than other types like the H4. Not as stiff as V6 and V8 engines.
- Inline engines have cooling and overheating issues.
- This requires a large nose that causes problems with bumper-to-bumper movement.
Applications/Uses of Inline Engine
- These engines are most commonly used in airplanes and aircraft.
- Inline engines are used in motorcycles.