In this article, we seek to explain, for the sake of curiosity and in some cases necessity, certain components of the truck engine, so that the driver can learn more about the vehicle he or she drives.

This type of knowledge proves to be efficient in avoiding trouble and ensuring greater safety for truck drivers, who most of the time spend many days traveling and away from mechanic shops.

See which parts require the most attention and which are most likely to fail during long trips.

How does the engine work?

Not only gasoline or flex, truck engines usually operate only with Diesel Oil. In this way, they work by injecting this fuel and compressed air directly into the combustion chamber, where, after the strong compression exerted by the cylinder, the explosion occurs that makes the engine work.

Furthermore, as a way of controlling pollutant gas emissions (Read more about emissions by clicking here), newer diesel-cycle engines also have electronic injection, a mechanism capable of providing the correct amount of gas-fuel.

A truck engine generally has four to six cylinders arranged in a line to optimize space. Each cylinder has a piston, which is moved by internal combustion and in turn makes the wheels move.

Diesel engines are excellent for heavy vehicles, especially when these vehicles are used to transport cargo, as diesel-cycle engines tend to be more durable, efficient and have lower maintenance costs.

Axles

The heavy weight of trucks, often loaded with tons of cargo, requires an efficient axle system to divide the engine’s traction between the wheels. The axle is made up of two or more tubes, with the sole purpose of transmitting the driving force to the car’s wheels, so that the higher the engine’s rotation in relation to the axle’s rotation, the greater the truck’s torque will be.

The axles then vary their speed according to the engine’s rotation. The lower the rotation, the greater the speed generated.

Engine components

Every part of a truck engine is essential for its proper functioning, after all, if it weren’t, it wouldn’t be there. Check out the main parts of a truck engine and understand a little more about this automobile that is so widely used in everyday life.

Engine block

In short, this is the part where the cylinders are located, and some say that this is the main part of the entire engine. Its size varies according to the number of cylinders, and corresponds to the entire engine casing.

It also has spaces large enough for the rest of the components to work freely. Due to the high temperatures in the area, the engine block material can be found in either aluminum or cast iron.

Crankcase

The engine oil is found in the crankcase, which is responsible for lubricating all the parts that are in constant friction, thus reducing their temperature. The crankcase is located in the lower part of the block, and is pumped from there to the other parts of the engine.

Cylinder head

The opposite of the crankcase, the cylinder head is located in the upper part of the engine block. Its function: to control the amount of air-fuel mixture that will go into the cylinders through the intake and exhaust valves, which will assist the process.

The cylinder head, as well as its bolts, are predominantly made of cast iron, and can reach such high temperatures that the cooling system is required to cool it down. (Read more about the cooling system by clicking here)

Cylinder

Deepening in on this component mentioned at the beginning, the cylinder is easily located in the block because it has an opening at one of its ends. The correct air-fuel mixture (controlled by the cylinder head) passes through it, which will cause combustion, pushing the cylinder down and causing work on the pistons.

Another important component, still related to the cylinders, is the so-called cylinder liner, responsible for cooling the cylinders (which also operate at high temperatures) and preventing their wear.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft is responsible for transmitting the work produced by the pistons to the wheels. It is a highly flexible component, rotating almost freely in its space.

Its appearance simulates a large spiral, and like the crankcase, it is also located at the bottom of the block.

Tips for preventive maintenance of truck engines

To ensure the safety of truck drivers and other drivers on the road, it is essential that engine maintenance is up to date. In general, it is good to perform preventive maintenance on various components of the entire truck, such as the brakes, electrical system, clutch, suspension, tires, lighting, etc. But here we will focus only on preventive maintenance related to the engine. (You can read more about preventive maintenance by clicking here).

The main tips for preventive maintenance on truck engines are as follows:

Follow the manual

Although many people think it is silly to read a car manual, it is there where you can find the most accurate information about the vehicle, including information and curiosities that you do not yet know. To avoid driving with doubts, try to read the manual.

Pay attention to the oil level

The crankcase will not work if the engine does not have enough oil for lubrication. Try to constantly check the engine oil level; it is a quick process that can prevent major problems.

Fuel up with quality

Bad or adulterated fuel seriously damages the engine (Read more about this by clicking here). Always make sure that when you fill up your truck, you fill the tank with quality diesel, at certified and safe gas stations.

Replacing parts and fluids

Some components and fluids have a shorter lifespan than others. For this reason, truck owners need to take care of the correct dates to replace engine components and fluids before they become obsolete.

Good examples are the engine oil itself and the fuel filter, which if not changed at the correct time, can damage the car’s engine.

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