Understanding the terminology used when discussing cars is crucial, whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or just starting to learn about automobiles. Knowing the names of car parts not only enhances your understanding but also improves communication when discussing repairs, upgrades, or maintenance. This guide breaks down some essential Car Part Names that every automotive enthusiast should be familiar with.
Power Valve
Located in carburetors, particularly four-barrel Holley carburetors, the power valve is a critical component in managing fuel delivery. It enriches the air-fuel mixture when the engine is under heavy load, providing extra power during acceleration or when climbing hills.
Return Spring
The return spring is a safety-critical component of the throttle system. Its function is to automatically close the throttle when the driver releases the accelerator pedal. This ensures that the engine returns to idle and prevents the throttle from sticking open, which could lead to dangerous situations.
Closed Chamber
In engine cylinder heads, the closed chamber refers to the combustion chamber design where the area directly above the piston is enclosed or “closed.” This design is crucial for efficient combustion as it promotes better swirl and squish of the air-fuel mixture, leading to improved power and fuel economy.
30 Over
“30 over” is a technical term commonly used in engine rebuilding. It specifies that the engine cylinder bore has been enlarged by thirty-thousandths of an inch (0.030 inches) from its original diameter. This is typically done to repair cylinders that are worn or damaged.
Deck
The deck of an engine block is the top surface where the cylinder heads are mounted. This surface must be perfectly flat and smooth to ensure a proper seal with the cylinder head gasket, preventing leaks of coolant or combustion gases.
Hemi
“Hemi” is short for hemispherical and denotes a type of combustion chamber design. Hemi engines are characterized by a dome-shaped combustion chamber and valves that are positioned on opposite sides of the chamber. This design allows for larger valves and a more direct airflow, contributing to high power output.
Runner
In the intake manifold, runners are individual passages that channel the air-fuel mixture from the plenum to each cylinder’s intake valve. The design and length of runners play a significant role in engine performance, influencing factors like torque and horsepower at different engine speeds.
CCV Valve
The CCV (Closed Crankcase Ventilation) valve, also known as a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve in some contexts, is essential for engine emissions and longevity. It vents crankcase gases, which are a byproduct of combustion, back into the intake manifold to be re-burned. This prevents harmful emissions from escaping into the atmosphere and helps maintain engine oil cleanliness.
EGR
EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. The EGR system is another emission control technology that reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. It works by recirculating a portion of the engine’s exhaust gas back into the intake manifold. This dilutes the incoming air-fuel mixture and lowers combustion temperatures, reducing NOx formation.
COP
COP, or Coil-Over-Plug, refers to a modern ignition system where each spark plug has its own dedicated ignition coil mounted directly above it. This eliminates the need for a distributor and spark plug wires, providing a more efficient and reliable spark, leading to improved engine performance and reduced maintenance.
Throttle Body Fuel Injection vs. Multi-Port Fuel Injection
Understanding the difference between Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI) and Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) is key to grasping fuel delivery systems.
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Throttle Body Fuel Injection: Similar to a carburetor, TBI uses one or two injectors located in the throttle body to spray fuel into the incoming air stream before it enters the intake manifold. It’s a simpler system but provides less precise fuel distribution to individual cylinders.
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Multi-Port Fuel Injection: MPFI is a more advanced system where each cylinder has its own fuel injector located in the intake runner, very close to the intake valve. This allows for much more precise control of fuel delivery to each cylinder, resulting in better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and improved engine performance compared to TBI.
In conclusion, familiarizing yourself with these car part names is a significant step in deepening your automotive knowledge. Whether you are discussing engine mechanics or troubleshooting issues, having a solid grasp of this terminology will prove invaluable.
