What’s the first thing you think of when it comes to getting your car from Point A to Point B? Many different components come into play getting your car down the road, but the heart of most cars and trucks is the power plant. Let’s take a look at the two basic types of internal combustion engines.
Gasoline Engines
Gasoline engines — by far the most common type of internal combustion engine on the road today — come in fuel-injected or carbureted versions. Many cars began using fuel injection in the 1970s, and most manufacturers picked up on the technology in full-force by the mid-1980s. Fuel injectors, through electronic inputs, control the mix of air and gasoline sprayed into the cylinder.
Most older cars use carburetors to create the air and gasoline mix. Both methods shoot air and gasoline into the cylinder, where the spark plug — or plugs — starts a series of explosions that drive the pistons, which then turn the crank, which then spin the rest of drive line.
Diesel Engines
Diesel engines are a little different. Fuel is sprayed into the cylinder, where compression — not spark plugs — is used to ignite the fuel. The engines were often more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts, and improvements in emissions control pushed the technology to the mainstream. Since 1970, diesel engines have become more common in many cars and trucks.
Of all the different types of internal combustion engines, nothing screams performance like the good old gasoline-powered V8.
Replacement Engines
eBay Motors can be your source for everything needed to power your ride. From complete vintage engines like the Chevrolet 265-ci V8, to modern JDM 1JZGTE Toyotas, to the legendary Cummins diesel, it’s all available here. Heck, from time to time, there are even Ferrari engines that would be really fun to fit into your street rod.
Engine Rebuild Kits
What if you’re just looking to rebuild the block you already have? You can find complete engine rebuild kits for that 258-ci Jeep I6 sitting in your back yard to head gaskets for the Porsche 944 under the cover in your garage.
Engine Parts – OEM or Aftermarket?
The odd and obscure can be sourced here as well. Need intake valves for your Renault Caravelle? Or, for the four or five of you looking, there is even an oil pump for the 410 V8 in your Edsel Corsair.
Maybe everything is fine on your car, but you just want more performance. Say, in the form of a Holley Dominator carb or a K&N Cool Air Intake System? Done. It’s all here.
Internal Combustion Engine Preventive Maintenance
Now, the key to a long-lasting engine is preventative maintenance. The most important of which is changing the engine’s oil. While the recommended specifics vary from model, the general rule of thumb is three months or 4,000 miles between changes. And guess what? You can find oil filters too. You can stock up in bulk and save even more. Go on and take a look through the new and vintage sections on eBay Motors Parts and Accessories to find what you need to keep your engine revving.
Next time, we’ll take a quick look at the gasoline/electric hybrid engine.
See Model Engine Kit for sale on eBay.
