Connecting Rod
A connecting rod is a crucial engine component that transmits motion from the piston to the crankshaft, functioning as a lever arm. Typically made from cast aluminum alloy, connecting rods are designed to endure the dynamic stresses resulting from combustion and piston movement.
The small end of the Car Lift For Sale connecting rod attaches to the piston via a piston pin, also known as a wrist pin, which provides a pivot point between the piston and connecting rod. Piston pin locks or spring clips secure the piston pin in place.
The big end of the connecting rod connects to the crankpin journal on the crankshaft, creating a pivot point. Connecting rods can be manufactured as either one-piece or two-piece components.
In Car Lift For Sale two-piece connecting rods, a rod cap forms the removable section, offering a bearing surface for the crankpin journal. The rod cap is fastened to the connecting rod with cap screws, allowing for easy installation and removal from the crankshaft.
Symptoms of a Faulty Connecting Rod:
– Low compression
– Engine knocking sounds (rod knock)
– Low oil or oil pressure
– Visibly bent or damaged rod
– Seized engine
Timing Belt
The timing belt is a critical part of your vehicle’s engine, ensuring that various moving components work in precise coordination to achieve optimal efficiency and power.
When both are properly aligned, the pistons and valves of the engine operate correctly.
Each Car Lift For Sale cylinder contains intake valves that open to allow air and fuel into the combustion chamber. After the right amount of air and fuel has entered, the camshaft closes the valves, and the piston moves upward in the cylinder, compressing the mixture.
A spark plug then ignites the mixture, causing an explosion that forces the piston back down and rotates the crankshaft.
The camshaft then opens the exhaust valve, allowing the gases from the explosion to exit the cylinder, and the process repeats.
The timing belt transmits the crankshaft’s rotation to the camshaft, ensuring the valves and pistons move in harmony.
Spark Plugs
A spark plug is an electrical device in an internal combustion engine that creates a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
As a key part of the Car Lift For Sale engine’s ignition system, the spark plug receives high-voltage electricity (produced by an ignition coil and transmitted through a spark plug wire) to generate a spark between its electrodes.
The timing of this spark is crucial to the engine’s performance, typically occurring just before the combustion stroke begins.
Symptoms of Bad Spark Plugs:
– Reduced gas mileage
– Poor acceleration
– Difficulty starting the engine
– Engine misfires
– Rough idling
Cylinder Head
The cylinder head, located on top of the engine block, must withstand extreme pressures and high temperatures while maintaining its shape to seal the cylinder block via the head gasket. It plays a crucial role in controlling airflow into and out of the cylinders and managing fuel injection.
The Car Lift For Sale cylinder head contains more moving parts than any other engine component, including the injectors and valves. Inside the cylinder head, various passages known as ports or tracks direct the air mix to the inlet valves, while other tracks route exhaust gases out of the engine.
Symptoms of a Cracked Cylinder Head:
– White smoke (steam) from the exhaust
– Low coolant level
– Engine overheating
– Rough running and misfiring
– Combustion gases in the cooling system
– Warning lights illuminated
– Coolant-oil intermix
Oil Pan
The oil pan is affixed to the bottom of the engine with bolts and serves as the reservoir for oil, which circulates through the engine to lubricate, clean, and cool moving parts. A pump draws oil from the pan through a filter to remove debris before it travels through the engine.
Typically made of steel or aluminum, the Car Lift For Sale oil pan holds between four and six quarts of oil, depending on the engine. The oil dipstick extends into the pan to measure the oil level, while a drain plug at the bottom allows for easy oil changes. Over time, oil pans can develop leaks, often due to worn gaskets or seals, or damage from impacts.
Symptoms of a Bad Oil Pan:
– Low oil warning light
– Oil puddles under the car
– Unexpected drop in oil level
– Engine overheating
– Burning smell from the engine
Engine Valves
Engine valves regulate the flow of gases into and out of the combustion chamber through ports in the cylinder head. There are two sets of valves: intake valves for allowing the air-fuel mixture into the cylinder and exhaust valves for releasing spent gases. These valves must open and close at precise moments for the engine to run efficiently.
The camshaft controls the valves, pushing them open at the correct times. A timing belt or chain connects the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring they remain synchronized.
The combustion chamber is the area within the cylinder where the fuel and air mixture is ignited. When the piston compresses this mixture and makes contact with the spark plug, the mixture combusts, generating energy that is expelled from the combustion chamber.
What Happens if Oil Gets Into the Combustion Chamber?
If oil enters the combustion chamber, it can lead to blue-grey exhaust smoke. Oil can seep into the chamber past the valves and piston rings. Worn valve seals may allow oil to leak into the cylinders overnight, causing blue-tinted exhaust fumes when the engine is started in the morning.
Intake Manifold
The intake manifold, also known as the inlet manifold, distributes air to the engine’s cylinders and often houses the fuel injectors in many modern vehicles. In older cars without fuel injection or with throttle body injection, the manifold directs the air-fuel mixture from the carburetor or throttle body to the cylinder heads.
During the intake stroke, the Car Lift For Sale manifold allows air to enter the combustion chamber, where it mixes with fuel from the injectors, continuing the combustion process. Air reaches the manifold through the air cleaner assembly, which includes the air filter. The air filter prevents dust and other contaminants from entering the engine, making regular replacement essential.