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Glossary Terms : Engine |
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diesel engine
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An engine that burns diesel fuel instead of gasoline. The diesel oil is injected directly into the combustion chamber, where it's ignited by the heat caused by intense compression, rather than by a spark from a spark plug. |
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engine block
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The cast iron metal block in which the cylinders are bored (cut) and the engine components reside. Also called the cylinder block. |
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engine flywheel
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A spinning plate located at the end of the crankshaft that engages the clutch disk, causing the engine and the transmission to turn at the same rate of speed. The flywheel is also designed to dampen engine vibration caused by the firing of pistons. |
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engine management computer
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This computer works in conjunction with numerous electronic sensing devices to manage the operations of the car. Using data from these devices, it precisely controls the operation of the engine by metering the correct fuel/air mixture and timing the spark for the prevailing conditions. |
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inline engine
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An engine in which the cylinders occur in a single row with the crankshaft running along the bottom. |
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internal combustion engine (ice)
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An engine that works on power released by vapourized fuel and air burning inside the engine itself, rather than on an outside source of combustion as, for example, a steam engine does. |
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transverse engine
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An engine that's mounted between the drive wheels, often found on front-wheel drive cars. See also transaxle. |
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v-type engine
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An engine in which the cylinders occur in two rows set at an angle to each other, with the crankshaft running through the point of the V. The most popular engine of this type is the 8-cylinder V-8 engine. V-12, V-6 and V4 engines are also available. |
