80 ENGINE COMPONENT AND LOCATION Cylinder Block 1. Cylinder Block 2. Block Stiffener Plate W2033309 The cylinder block is made of cast iron. For increased cylinder block rigidity and noise and vibration reduction, a steel stiffener plate attaches to the bottom. The main and piston lubricating channels are drilled longitudinally through the block. These are plugged at the front of the block. The main channel opens into a cast-in channel that supplies oil to the timing gears. The piston cooling channel is covered by the timing gear cover. Main bearing caps are made of nodular cast iron machined together with the cylinder block.
Cast alignment slots in the block and tabs on the caps ensure proper alignment at installation. Each cap is marked with its location beginning with No. 1 at the front. Cap Nos. 4 and 7 are unique and are not numbered. The block includes cylinder liners that contact the coolant directly (wet liners). The casting shape follows the contours of the cylinders to increase rigidity and reduce noise.