A thrown rod is usually the result of metal fatigue, insufficient lubrication or over-revving of an engine. When gasoline combusts in a cylinder, it drives the piston head downward, pushing the connecting rod and turning the crankshaft. If the metal is weakened, the connecting rod between the head and crankshaft may break. Poor lubrication can cause friction, and over-revving may produce more force than the connecting rod can handle.Know More
Throwing a rod is usually a catastrophic engine failure. In many cases, it occurs while the piston is on the downstroke and can force the broken end of the rod into vital engine components. If it occurs while the piston is moving upward, it can force the piston head into the top of the cylinder with enough force to fuse the two pieces together. In either case, the engine must usually be replaced.
Keeping an engine properly lubricated is one way to help prevent this kind of damage. Low oil pressure can result in not enough oil inside the piston to keep the bearings of the piston head lubricated. Coupled with the metal fatigue present in a high-mileage engine, a lack of oil can be the final trigger that causes an engine to suffer a thrown rod.Learn More
The function of a car engine is to convert fuel into mechanical motion, which makes it possible for the car to move. It transforms chemical energy from the fuel into mechanical energy through an internal combustion process.Full Answer >
As the piston in an engine moves down, a mixture of fuel and air gets drawn into the cylinder, which causes compression. This compression is ignited by the spark plugs, causing the exhaust valve to open to allow the burned fuel mixture to be sent to the exhaust system. An internal combustion engine needs a gasoline-to-air mixture of around 14.7 parts air to one part gasoline (by weight) in order to run efficiently.Full Answer >
Reasons for a smoking engine include a clogged air filter, blocked manifold, oil leaking on to the exhaust system, leaking head gasket or a cracked cylinder head. Regardless of the reason, it is important to visit a mechanic if a car engine starts to smoke, or permanent damage can happen.Full Answer >
The average car engine (not including the transmission) weighs around 350 pounds, or 158 kilograms. To give an example of typical weights, a small car engine and transmission weighs around 333 pounds (151 kilograms) anda large car engine with transmission weighs around 600 pounds (272 kilograms).Full Answer >