Engine block

Figure 1. A 6-cylinder straight engine block. Note the small vertical channels for coolant to flow through in between the piston chambers.

An engine block is the heavy solid-cast part of a vehicle's reciprocating engine that houses the cylinders and their components (pistons, spark plugs, etc) and is an important component for the car. They must be built strong and sturdy - commonly made of cast iron - as failure of the engine block results in failure of the entire vehicle. Since they must be built out of such a heavy, sturdy material they comprise a significant portion of the vehicle's weight.

The waste heat form the car's internal combustion engine goes into the fluid flowing through channels in the engine block while the car is operating. This means that the block must be kept cool by use of the radiator and coolant to avoid overheating and maintain efficient operation of the vehicle.

For Further Reading

• Reciprocating engine
• Pistons
• Spark plugs
• Internal combustion engine
• Or explore a random page