151 Engine Service and Repair Technician Handbook Cylinder Block Components The cylinder block houses the cylinders, and the piston and crankshaft assemblies. Cylinder – The cylinder is a relatively large hole bored into the block providing a hollow chamber in which the piston operates. Piston – The piston and piston rings fit snugly inside the cylinder, effectively creating a seal. The piston is able to move up and down inside the cylinder, allowing the air-fuel mixture to enter the cylinder as the piston moves downward, and allowing exhaust gases to exit as it moves upward.
Combustion Chamber – The combustion chamber refers to the sealed portion of the cylinder above the piston where combustion takes place. Connecting Rod – The connecting rod attaches the piston to the crankshaft. Crankshaft – The crankshaft converts the up-and-down motion of the piston into rotary motion. This is accomplished by attaching the connecting rod off- center to the crankshaft. Technical Training 9