The engine block is part of an internal combustion engine that contains the cylinders, pistons, and other components of the engine. The engine block is also called the cylinder block.
In earlier vehicle engines the engine block contained only one cylinder block connected to another crankcase. On the other hand, in the latest engine, the crankcase is also integrated into the cylinder block.
The engine block also has an oil duct and a coolant duct. The cylinder head completes the top of the cylinder block. The crankcase is connected to the base of the cylinder block. Many other engine components are mounted in or on the engine block. These blocks also have a separate crankcase for the crankshaft used in stationary engines, marine engines, and large engines. This separate aluminum crankcase helps reduce weight and is a quick and inexpensive replacement.
When the engine wears, it changes to an oval shape. The piston ring releases gas. This leak of gas from the piston ring is called blow-by. These gases reduce engine efficiency. The surface treatment of the cylinder wall also affects the seal ring.
This cylindrical wall provides a very smooth surface. A special whetstone creates a small groove in the cylinder wall to catch the oil. These grooves help lubricate the piston skirt and piston ring.
In the past, gray cast iron or cast iron was used to make cylinder blocks. The processing of these materials was very easy.
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Importance of Engine Block
The internal combustion engine (IC) is the most commonly used engine type. Internal combustion engines are used in a wide variety of vehicles, including buses, motorcycles, tractors, automobiles, and many other vehicles. These types of engines are made up of various components, including the engine block. The engine block is also called the cylinder block. The cylinder block is the most important component that provides safety to many other internal parts of the engine. This article mainly discusses various aspects of the cylinder block.
Functions of Engine Block
The engine block is the structure that contains the cylinders and other components of the internal combustion engine.
The design of the cylinder block depends on the function and type of engine model manufactured. This includes coolant channels, cylinder liners, and cylinder walls.
The water-cooled engine has many passages around cylinders, spark plugs, and valves. The L-head engine block has different openings for valves and valve connections. The base of the cylinder block also supports the oil pan and crankshaft. At maximum engines, the bushing serves to support the camshaft. This bushing is fixed to the bore of the cylinder block. In the L-head in-line engine, the exhaust manifold and intake manifold are connected to the sides of the cylinder block.
In the L-head engine, the intake manifold and exhaust manifold are attached to the cylinder head. Other components (fuel pump, ignition distribution, clutch housing, flywheel, timing gear, water pump, etc.) are connected to the cylinder block. The name
cylinder head means that it is mounted on the head or top of the cylinder block.
Many other components are connected to the block via gaskets. This gasket provides an excellent seal to prevent gas, oil, or water leaks. Some other components are connected to bolts and the rest are connected to nuts and studs. The engine block is designed to withstand a variety of loads and temperatures to maintain engine lubricity and stability. This block has many oil passages for circulating the oil in the engine.
The block also has water channels to cool the engine and control the optimum operating temperature. Circulating water helps the engine operate at normal operating temperatures, stops unnecessary deformation and expansion, and ultimately prevents the malfunction of related moving parts.
Parts/Components of Cylinder Block
- Cylinders
- Oil filter
- Water pump mounting
- Core plugs
- Head studs
- Crankcase
- Deck
- Oil passages and galleries
- Coolant passages
- Bosses
- Crankcase
Check the below image for more detail.
Different Types of Engine Blocks
- Inline engine cylinder block
- V Engine Cylinder
- Opposed engine cylinder block