If your car is experiencing mechanical problems, then you are likely worried that the engine has failed. In order to troubleshoot your car's problem, you should learn some basic information about each part of your car's motor. This is important so that you will:

• know when mechanical problems start
• be able to identify the parts under your car's hood
• be able to speak intelligently with your automobile mechanic about problems

Here is a listing of all of the parts of your car's engine and their most common issues:

Cylinders and Pistons

Inside the main part of the engine, known as the "block," are located some hollow metal cylinders. Inside of the cylinders are pistons. There is one piston located in each cylinder. Automobile motors have four, six, or eights pistons and cylinders. For example, a motor with four cylinders and four pistons is known as a four cylinder motor.

The pistons are forced up and down by the explosion caused when the air and gas mixture in your car is repeatedly lit by the car's spark plugs.

If your car has a problem with the pistons or cylinders, then you will hear a very loud, metal-on-metal sound when you turn your car on. This is a sign of engine failure. You should turn off the vehicle immediately to lessen the potential damage.

Spark Plugs

There is one spark plug located near each of your car's motor's pistons. The spark plug receives a regularly spaced charge from the car's distributor. The spark ignites the gasoline that moves the pistons in the cylinders.

Spark plugs often fail, and when this happens you will notice that your car seems to be "missing" power with a very regular rhythm. 

Crankshaft

The crankshaft of your car's motor is used to convert the linear motion of the motor's pistons into rotational motion that is then used the rotate the car's axles.

When there is a problem with your car's crankshaft, the motor will not run or will make loud clunking noises.

Connecting Rod

The connecting rod, sometimes referred to as simply the "engine rod," is a metal part which connects the pistons with the crankshaft. The engine rod can become bent when there is a problem with a piston, or if there isn't enough oil in the sump.

If the engine rod is bent, then you will hear a regularly spaced thunking noise coming from your car's engine.

Sump

The sump is a rectangular metal box connected to the bottom of your car's engine. The sump is filled with oil that is used to lubricate the crankshaft. This allows the crankshaft to move freely.

The oil pan is located on the bottom of the sump and is removed when the oil is changed. If you see any oil below your car, then your oil pan or sump are the likely cause.

Final Thoughts

While you do not need to be able to rebuild an automotive engine on the weekends, it is important for all car owners to understand the basics of how their car's engines work, and the various parts which comprise them. If you have additional questions about automotive engine repair, then you should contact a licensed automotive repair shop like Joe Troegner Auto Service in your city or town.