Diesel engines are capable of lasting for a very long time if you take proper care of them. Understanding how a diesel engine operates makes troubleshooting problems much more straightforward. To gain a better understanding of how these machines run, it helps to know the most important parts of a diesel engine and what essential functions they provide to your vehicle or equipment.
Cylinder Block
The cylinder block is traditionally a single piece of metal made from cast iron. This block serves as vital housing to many other essential parts of the engine, which would literally and figuratively fall apart without it. Your engine’s cylinder block provides support for water coolant, oil passages, and, naturally, the cylinders. The diesel engine relies on the cylinder block for structure and support for the camshaft bearings and crankshaft.
Crankshaft
The crankshaft is a piece of forged steel that works to convert the linear motion of the engine’s pistons into a rotational movement. The uneven shape of the crankshaft connects to crankpins and connecting rods that help keep the pistons moving. In certain engines, the crankshaft’s form creates a counterbalance of weight to keep the engine running.
Manufacturers need to be careful when creating crankshafts and ensure they can withstand the high amounts of pressure engines expose them to. A crankshaft may often experience nearly 20,000 pounds of pressure, depending on the size of the engine.
Pistons and Piston Rings
Pistons are one of the most important parts of a diesel engine because without those pistons pumping, your engine doesn’t have the energy to get things moving. Compared to heavier parts of the engine, such as the cylinder block, many manufacturers make pistons out of more lightweight metals like aluminum.
Pistons work by taking in gases throughout the engine’s combustion process. The pistons’ rotational movement helps convert these gases into mechanical energy through pressurization. Denser oxygen helps create larger explosions during the combustion process, so the more pressure your pistons can produce, the more horsepower your engine is capable of.
If pistons move at an angle and contact parts of the cylinder they’re not supposed to contact, the pistons and engine may sustain damage. Piston rings work to support the piston as it moves and keep it moving along the proper path. Multiple rings work to prevent this and keep pressurized combustion from interacting with the oil throughout the process.
Connecting Rod
The connecting rod is a piece of sturdy metal that connects the piston to the diesel engine’s crankshaft. Many connecting rods have boring marks to help connect pieces and guide oil through the cylinders. Connecting rods help keep things moving and lubricate the diesel engine at the same time.
Cylinder Sleeve
The cylinder sleeve is the circular hole through which the pistons slide in and out. These sleeves guide parts of the engine and work to redistribute gas and fuel throughout the engine without overloading anything. Most engines have wet and dry sleeves, with the former receiving coating from the engine coolant to prevent overheating.
Head Gasket
The head gasket is one of the most important parts of the diesel engine and lies between the engine block and the cylinder heads. Your engine’s head gasket works like a shield to prevent liquids from getting onto your cylinders, as their getting wet may result in your engine struggling or even failing to start.
Because they are so important, head gaskets are one of the more unfortunate pieces to repair. However, these parts are often commonly damaged due to warping from extreme exposure to both hot and cold temperatures in the engine.
Flywheel
The flywheel is on one end of the crankshaft and typically comprises a primary and secondary wheel. Together, this flywheel serves many valuable purposes to keep your engine running smoothly. The flywheel uses inertia and helps reduce strong vibrations in your engine by counterbalancing the movement of the crankshaft and pistons. Using similar movements, flywheels have the added function of minimizing the sound of the engine. While diesel engines still have a loud, distinctive sound, the flywheel does help reduce the overall noise.
Cylinder Heads
One of the essential mechanics of a diesel engine is the proper combination between fuel and air throughout the combustion process. Cylinder heads are on top of the engine block and act as shields to keep the mixture of fuel and air out of the combustion chamber.
The cylinder heads are a vital part of preventing the engines from overheating by guiding the coolant to meet the heat created by the engine upon starting it up. If the temperature is safe, the cylinder heads allow it to pass through and keep the engine running at a regular temperature.
Blower
The diesel engine’s blower is a fundamental part of the air intake system that helps keep things moving in your machine. The blower reduces incoming fresh air when sending it through the combustion process. In many engines, the blower may work in tandem with a turbocharger or supercharger. Aside from providing proper ventilation throughout the engine, the blower also helps remove potential gasoline vapors.
Crankcase and Oil Pan
The crankcase remains at the bottom of the crankshaft and cylinder block. This protective piece helps protect the crankshaft and helps counterbalance any shift in weight from moving parts. One of the main functions of the crankcase is to direct any returning oil down into your engine’s oil pan. Particularly large engines may have larger oil pans or multiple pans that split off to store oil runoff in different areas. By saving and collecting the oil, the crankcase prevents leaks and stops the oil from getting onto other moving parts of the engine, which may result in overall damage and a loss of performance in your engine.
When you’re looking for essential parts for your diesel engine, it’s important to know how these parts work. Now that you know, you can find replacement pieces, big and small, in a CAT platinum overhaul kit. For additional information on diesel engines and overhaul kits, contact a helpful member of our staff with any specific questions, comments, or concerns. ATL Diesel is here to help you with all your truck, boat, and construction needs.
