Diesel engines have many components necessary to make the engine run efficiently.
Here at ConEquip Parts we get calls for everything from injector nozzles to crankshafts and everything in between.
Here is a look at important systems of a diesel engine.
1)Fuel systems
2)Lubrication systems
3)Air intake systems
4)Exhaust systems
5)Cooling systems
6)Electrical systems
Fuel System
In an engine, fuel reaches the cylinder bore by way of the fuel tank, then goes to the water separator, to the feed pump, on to the filter, then the injection pump, to the injector nozzle, and finally to the cylinders.
The fuel tank stores the fuel. It's usually made of sheet metal. Most fuel tanks have a fuel gauge to check the fuel level and a drain plug to drain fuel.
The water separator is used for separating dirt and water from the fuel.
The feed pump is used to feed fuel to the filter and injection pump.
The injection pump regulates the pressure of the fuel.
The injector nozzle injects fuel into the combustion chamber.
Lubrication System
The lubrication system reduces the wear and prevents seizure of rubbing surfaces. It also reduces the power needed to overcome frictional resistance. The lubrication system also removes heat from the piston and other parts and separates piston rings and cylinders. Finally, the lubrication system removes foreign material from the engine.
Parts are lubricated by oil which is stored in the oil sump, from where an oil pump takes the oil through a strainer and delivers it through a filter. Oil then flows to the main bearings.
After lubricating the main bearings, some of the oil falls back to the sump, some is splashed to the cylinder walls, and the remaining oil goes through a hole to the crankpin.
From the crankpin, the oil travels to the piston pin through a hole in the connecting rod where it lubricates the piston rings. For lubricating camshaft and timing gears, the oil is led through the separate oil line from the oil gallery.
The valve tappets are lubricated by connecting the main oil gallery to the tappet guide surfaces through drilled holes.
Oil Cooler
The oil cooler does just that, cool oil - we know, duh. Higher temperatures will reduce the viscosity of oil, which causes a harmful oil film to form between moving parts.
Intake System
Air flows into the cylinder bore through the air cleaner, then to the turbo charger, off to the intake manifold, then the inlet port, to the inlet valve, ending up in the cylinder bore.
The air cleaner prevents dust from entering the cylinder bore. Filters generally have pores on the surface. A filter set contains outer and safety filters in heavy diesel engines for better filtration.
The turbocharger is a very important part in an engine that compresses air from the air filter. Turbochargers have two impellers fixed on the same shaft. These impellers are driven by exhaust air.
The air sucked in by the air filter is compressed before entering the cylinder bore, which results in high efficiency. The shaft will rotate at the speed of approximately 100,000 rpm which helps extend the life of the engine.
The intake manifold is a pipe that transports air from the turbo charger to the inlet port.
The inlet valve allows air into the cylinder bore. A camshaft controls the opening and closing of the valve.
Exhaust gases flow through the cylinder bore, to the exhaust valve, to the exhaust port, to the exhaust manifold, then the turbocharger, exiting through the muffler which reduces the noise of the process.
Cooling System
Obviously, engines heat up so it is imperative to keep the engine from over heating. There is an optimal operating temperature, and the cooling system will keep the engine in that range.
Excessive heat can damage vital components including cylinders, the cylinder head, pistons, and valves.
There are two ways to cool an engine - with water and with air.
Every cylinder in an engine is surrounded by water jackets. The water in the jackets absorb heat from the cylinders. The heated water conducted through the radiator helps cool the water.
There are three types of water cooling systems - direct or non-direct, thermosiphon, and forced circulation.
Electrical System
The electrical system of an engine include the starting motor, alternator, and the battery.
The starter motor is used for rotating the flywheel. A starter motor receives power supply from the battery. The pinion of the starter motor engages with the teeth of a flywheel ring and rotates, which then rotates the crankshaft.
This rotation of crankshaft leads to the movement of pistons in the cylinders. The piston will suck air and fuel into the combustion chamber, which causes the engine to start.
After reaching a specific rpm, the starter motor withdraws its pinion from the flywheel.
The alternator is fixed on the engine and includes a pulley. The belt is used to drive the shaft of the alternator. The main job of the alternator is to charge the batteries. In general, two batteries, each with a 12 volt capacity, are used.
If you need parts for your diesel engine, be sure to give ConEquip Parts a call.
