33 Car Engine Parts and Functions with Pictures

Published: 4 Aug 2025

A car engine is like the heart of your vehicle. Inside the engine are many parts that work together to produce power. In this article, we’ll go over the most common engine parts and explain their functions in clear and simple words.

Main Parts of The Car Engine with Diagram

1. Engine Block

The engine block is the base of your engine. It holds all the other parts inside. It’s strong and heavy because it deals with high pressure and heat.

2. Cylinder Head

The cylinder head is positioned directly above the engine block. It closes the top of the cylinder and holds parts like the valves and the spark plug.

3. Piston

Pistons go up and down in the engine cylinders. It helps burn fuel and turns that energy into motion.

4. Piston Rings

Piston rings are small metal rings around the piston. They stop oil leaks and keep pressure inside the cylinder.

5. Gudgeon pin

It connects the piston and the connecting rod. It allows the piston to move smoothly as it goes up and down.

6. Camshaft

It controls the air and fuel flow in and out of the engine by opening and closing engine valves.

7. Crankshaft

The crankshaft turns the pistons’ up-and-down motion into a spinning motion. This helps the wheels turn.

8. Flywheel

The flywheel is a heavy wheel that keeps the engine spinning smoothly between power strokes.

9. Spark Plug

It sparks the fuel and air mix inside the cylinder to power the engine

10. Connecting Rod

This rod connects the piston to the crankshaft. It moves up and down with the piston.

11. Combustion Chamber

This is where fuel burns inside the engine. It creates the power that moves your car.

12. Engine Valves

Valves control how air and fuel go into and out of the engine. They open and close at the right time.

13. Timing Chain / Timing Belt

These parts keep the camshaft and crankshaft working together. They make sure everything happens at the right time.

14. Intake Manifold

The intake manifold carries air or an air-fuel mixture to the cylinders.

15. Exhaust Manifold

The exhaust manifold carries burned gases from the engine to the exhaust pipe.

16. Camshaft pulley

The camshaft pulley is used to rotate the camshaft using a timing belt.

17. Oil filter

The oil filter cleans the engine oil. It removes dirt and small metal bits to keep the engine safe.

18. Water pump

The water pump moves coolant through the engine to prevent overheating.

19. Timing belt drive pulley

This pulley helps the timing belt move the camshaft and crankshaft together.

20. Oil Pan Drain Bolt

This bolt is at the base of the oil pan. It lets you drain old engine oil.

21. Turbocharger and supercharger

These boost the engine power. They push more air into the engine so it burns more fuel and gives you more speed.

22. Starter Motor

The starter motor turns the engine on. It gets the engine moving when you turn the key or press the start button.

23. Cam

The cam is part of the camshaft. It pushes on the valves to open them.

24. Fuel Tank

The fuel tank holds gasoline or diesel for the engine.

25. Sensor

Sensors help the engine work better. They check things like temperature, speed, and fuel.

26. Radiator

The radiator cools the engine. It uses coolant and air to lower the engine’s temperature.

27. Fan

The fan assists in moving air through the radiator. It keeps the engine cool.

28. Poppet Valves

They control air and fuel flow into the engine and remove exhaust.

29. Rocker Arm

The rocker arm helps move the engine’s valves. It connects the camshaft to the valves.

30. Catalyst Converter

The catalytic converter cleans exhaust gases. It reduces pollution before the gases leave the car.

31. Distributor o ring

This small ring stops oil from leaking where the distributor is connected.

32. Cylinder headcover

The cylinder head cover is placed over the cylinder head. It keeps oil inside and protects parts like the camshaft.

33. Rubber grommet

Rubber grommets protect wires and hoses as they pass through metal parts.

Conclusion

Engines may look complicated, but each part plays a simple and important role. From the tiniest spark plug to the strongest engine block, every piece works together to make your car run. Now that you know the names and functions of these engine parts, you’ll better understand how your car works and why regular maintenance is so vital.

FAQs

What components start an engine?

Engine starts with the help of the starter, ignition, battery, and fuel system. The spark plug ignites the fuel-air mix, beginning this combustion.

What are the materials of engine components?

Engine parts are made from strong, heat-resistant materials like cast iron, aluminum alloys, steel, and rubber. Each material suits the part’s role and heat tolerance.

What is the main function of an engine?

An engine converts fuel into mechanical energy to power the vehicle. It does this through controlled combustion inside its cylinders.

What does a camshaft do?

The camshaft controls when valves open and close to manage air, fuel, and exhaust.

What is the main body of an engine called?

The engine block is the main body. It holds the cylinders and forms the base structure of the entire engine.