Engine rebuilding introduction

There are many different basic types of internal combustion engine, such as V-8, straight 6, V-6, or 4-cylinder engines.

Although every vehicle and engine combination is different in detail, there are fundamental similarities between all internal combustion engines. The methods used to rebuild all types of engines are also very similar.

At the heart of all the different designs of internal combustion engines is a cylinder block. The type of block will determine whether it will have one or more cylinder heads. Inside the block is an array of pistons that are attached to a crankshaft by connecting rods. The crankshaft will be connected to one or more camshafts by a timing set which is a system of gears and a chain or belt. The camshaft determines how and when the various parts of the valve train assembly will open and close.

The process involves:

• disconnecting the engine from most of its peripherals and from the vehicle chassis;
• removing the engine;
• disassembling it;
• inspecting, cleaning, and possibly refurbishing the component parts;
• test-fitting the newly machined parts;
• then reassembling and reinstalling the engine back in the vehicle;
• and starting it up again.