This website uses various technologies including cookies for personalization, website usage and performance measurement, and targeted advertising. Information about your site visit may be stored by or shared with third parties as described in our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse, you agree with our collection and disclosure of your information.
Cookie Settings
This website uses various technologies including cookies for personalization, website usage and performance measurement, and targeted advertising. Information about your site visit may be stored by or shared with third parties as described in our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse, you agree with our collection and disclosure of your information.
Strictly Necessary
This website uses various technologies including cookies for personalization, website usage and performance measurement, and targeted advertising. Information about your site visit may be stored by or shared with third parties as described in our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse, you agree with our collection and disclosure of your information.
This website uses various technologies including cookies for personalization, website usage and performance measurement, and targeted advertising. Information about your site visit may be stored by or shared with third parties as described in our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse, you agree with our collection and disclosure of your information.
NO MINIMUM ORDER - SAME DAY SHIPPING
One or more installed browser plugins are blocking URL parameters. To properly calculate savings, or to checkout, you must disable it before you continue. Please click HERE after you disabled it to retest, or HERE for an instructional video
It goes without saying that your semi-truck's engine is one of the most important systems in the vehicle. Without a properly running engine, your vehicle won't start or run properly. That's why it's important to make sure you know as much as possible about each of the components that make up your engine system. To help you learn a little more about what goes into making your commercial vehicle's engine run, our experts have put together the following article for you to read through.
Read on to learn more about your semi-truck's engine!
How Does A Semi-Truck Engine Work?
Diesel engines use a complex system of parts designed to move commercial trucks without much effort on the part of the driver. Though diesel engines have evolved a lot over the years, the basic principles of the way they operate are basically the same.
To start, there is a piston that compresses the air in the cylinder, which makes it extraordinarily hot. After the air is heated to its capacity, a series of fuel injectors atomize the fuel which is then injected into the hot cylinder. The hot air then ignites the fuel, which develops the energy it needs to begin the combustion process. When the air/fuel mixture combusts, the pistons move down, which moves the crankshaft – a system that sends power to each of the wheels. The crankshaft turns the linear motion of the pistons into a rotational motion that is then transferred to the load.
What Parts Make Up A Semi-Truck Engine?
There is a full list of components that make up your commercial truck's engine system. Each of these parts plays an important role in making sure you can safely and comfortably drive your vehicle on and off the highway. Parts of your commercial truck's engine include:
1. Engine Block: The engine block is responsible for housing the pistons.
2. Combustion Chamber: The combustion chamber is where fuel, air, electricity, and pressure ignite and start the pistons moving.
3. Cylinder Head: The cylinder head houses the intake and outtake valves, spark plugs, and fuel injectors. They also create a space at the top of the chamber where combustion occurs.
4. Pistons: Pistons move up and down, giving the truck the power to move. They are also made to help seal the combustion chamber while preventing oil leaks.
5. Crankshaft: The crankshaft is connected to the drivetrain, which helps transfer power to the wheels.
6. Camshaft: Connected by a timing chain, the camshaft works with the crankshaft to open and close the intake and outtake valves.
7. Timing Chain: The camshaft and crankshaft are connected by a timing belt designed to make sure each of the engine's actions are in sync and occur at the proper intervals.
8. Valvetrain: The valvetrain controls the movement of the intake and outtake valves.
9. Valves: Intake valves work to transfer air and fuel levels to the combustion chamber. Outtake valves move the exhaust that's created in the combustion chamber.
10. Rocker Arms: Rocker arms work with the camshaft to let air into an out of the chamber.
11. Fuel Injectors: Fuel injectors move fuel into the cylinders.
12. Spark Plugs: During the combustion process, the spark plug ignites the compressed fuel that begins the explosion that pushes the piston down.
What Are The Two Types Of Diesel Engine?
There are two types of diesel engines in use today: two-stroke and four-stroke. Most diesel engines are made using the same kind of 4-stroke combustion cycle that you'd see with gasoline engines. However, diesel engines compress air at extremely high levels, which causes the air to heat up to extreme levels.
How Do I Know If My Engine's Bad?
Knowing ahead of time some of the complications that can mean you have an improperly working engine is the perfect way to make sure you avoid costly repairs and downtime. Here are a few ways to determine whether you need new engine parts.
1. Oil consumption is higher than normal: This means you likely have a leak somewhere in the system. Since low oil levels can lead to corrosion, it's important to make sure your oil levels are correct at all times.
2. Your fuel economy is declining: Poor gas mileage can be the result of damaged fuel injectors. Bad fuel injectors can cause excess fuel to leak into the chamber which will lead to any number of engine problems.
3. You are hearing engine knocking sounds: If you are experiencing engine knocking, it may be an indication that there is oil contamination or combustion timing issues.
4. You are experiencing substandard engine braking: If you've noticed your engine brake is not slowing down your truck as fast as you're used to, then your engine is likely having problems that will need to be resolved.
5. There is a distinct loss of power: A failing diesel engine won't have the power to tow heavy loads or to get to top speeds. Most likely, the cause of this problem is a loss of cylinder compression. This can happen when piston rings, valves, or head gaskets wear out.
6. You are having trouble getting your truck to start: If you are having problems starting your truck, it's possible that you are experiencing a loss in compression. When components in the combustion chamber are damaged or worn, the engine will not achieve necessary compression and will not start.
If you are experiencing any of the problems listed above, you will want to make sure you bring your truck into a qualified mechanic to properly diagnose and fix the problem.
Read More About Commercial Truck Diesel Engines
Have you been researching diesel engines and the components that help make sure your vehicle runs smoothly? If so, then you have arrived at the perfect place! For those that have been looking up diesel engines, our team of experts have written the following articles. Click on any of the links below to read more about engine parts!
If you've been hunting for the perfect engine parts for your semi-truck, then look no further. To make sure you have access to the parts you need, we have a full catalogue of components for you to choose from. No matter what parts you are looking for, you won't have any trouble finding them in our massive inventory. Shop now for heavy-duty engine parts!
