Lever, activated by the camshaft, that drives the inlet and exhaust valves to open them.
piston
Metal moving part in the cylinder and attached to the connecting rod; it compresses the air/fuel mixture, then receives the thrust from the burned gases.
air conditioner compressor
Component of the air-conditioning system circulating coolant, which cools the air in the passenger compartment when it is hot outside.
flywheel
Disk connected to the crankshaft, which uses the kinetic energy produced at combustion to regulate the crankshaft rotation during the rest of the cycle.
engine block
Main engine casing, which encloses the cylinders.
exhaust manifold
Set of pipes at the exit of the cylinders, capturing the combustion gases to conduct them to the exhaust pipe.
exhaust valve
Part that opens to allow the burned gases to escape.
spark plug cable
Electric wire carrying the high-voltage current from the distributor to the spark plugs, which produce sparks igniting the explosion.
cylinder head cover
Part of the engine covering the cylinder heads, where the fuel is burned.
vacuum diaphragm
Device connected to the distributor cap specifying the precise moment ignition must be produced relative to the engine’s rotation speed.
distributor cap
Unit supplying the electric current necessary for producing sparks that ignite the fuel in the engine.
oil drain plug
Plug closing the hole at the bottom of the oil pan through which used oil is evacuated.
oil pan gasket
Packing providing the seal between the oil pan and the engine block.
fan belt
Rubberized bands mounted on a pulley and linked to the engine, driving the fan and the alternator.
crankshaft
Shaft consisting of a series of cranks, which convert the alternate rectilinear motion of the piston/connecting-rod assembly into a continuous circular motion.
pulley
Part attached to a shaft, whose rotational movement it transmits by means of a belt.
cooling fan
Mechanism with blades blowing air across the radiator in order to cool the liquid it contains.
connecting rod
Articulated shank powered by the gas explosion; it transmits the thrust from the piston to the crankshaft.
alternator
Current generator driven by the engine, which recharges the battery to supply the electric system.
piston skirt
Side surface of a piston guiding it along the inside of the cylinder.
piston ring
Circular ring mounted on the piston providing a seal between it and the cylinder.
combustion chamber
Part of the cylinder in which the pressurized air/fuel mixture is ignited and burned.
inlet valve
Part that opens to let the air/fuel mixture into the cylinder.
camshaft
Axle driven by a belt, a chain or gears connected to the crankshaft, controlling the opening and closing of the valves.
timing belt
Strap connecting the crankshaft to the camshaft.
valve spring
Spring that brings the valve back into the closed position.
intake manifold
Passages through which the air/fuel mixture enters the cylinder.
fuel injector
Device pulverizing the fuel in the combustion chamber.
