Types And Functions of A Cylinder Block

The cylinder block, also called the engine block, is used to maintain the stability and lubrication of the engine when subjected to various temperatures and loads. At the same time, they send oil through multiple oil passages to all parts of the engine, lubricating all vital parts. It extends upward from the center line of the crankshaft main support to where it joins the cylinder head and it must be of the highest quality, which means its making materials must be high-quality.

Cylinder block types

Cylinder blocks are classified on the basis of configuration of the engine cylinder. There are three main types of cylinder block. Following are the detailed information about them.

Opposed engine cylinder orboxer engine cylinder

Horizontally opposed engines are basically flat-pressure V-engines. In this cylinder block, two rows of two cylinders are positioned opposite each other. This design is also known as the pancake engine. This requires very little headroom so that the engine compartment can be very compact. V engines use this 4-cylinder arrangement. It is air-cooled and mounted in the rear of the car. The engine block is also used in Porsche and Subaru and some other premium engines.

Inline engine cylinder

In an inline engine block, a series of cylinders are arranged in such a way that they run in a line. Vehicles fitted with such engines work smoothly; that's why they are mainly used where high speeds are required.

V engine cylinder

The V engine cylinder is a popular engine cylinder type that is widely used today. In this configuration, the engines are arranged in two rows. These two rows set an angle to each other. The angle V is kept small, typically 15° to 20°, because the larger the angle, the more difficult it is to balance the engine. This type of engine is difficult to balance because of the counterweight on the crankshaft. The crankshaft has only two cranks, and connecting rods from opposing cylinders are attached to the same crank pin in two rows. Every two connecting rods are attached to a crank pin. There are different types of V-type engines, V16, V8 for heavy vehicle and V4 for small motorcycles.

Cylinder block functions

One of the greatest functions of the cylinder block is that it encloses the piston, connecting rod and crankshaft. Their work takes place on the block. Meanwhile, the cylinder block supports the components of the engine, including auxiliary equipment such as air-conditioning compressors, alternators, intake and exhaust manifolds, and other equipment. Moreover, the cylinder block has lubricating circulation parts such as oil pan, oil pump, oil filter, etc. At the same time, the cylinder block plays a vital role in the cooling circuit.