1. The Engine Itself: This includes the cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, valves (intake and exhaust), camshaft, and timing chain or belt. These components are responsible for the actual power generation through the combustion cycle.
2. The Fuel System:
* Fuel Tank: Stores the gasoline.
* Fuel Lines: Carry gasoline from the tank to the carburetor.
* Fuel Pump (Often Mechanical): Provides the pressure needed to deliver fuel to the carburetor. Some simpler systems use gravity feed.
* Fuel Filter: Removes debris from the fuel to prevent carburetor clogging.
* Carburetor: This is the heart of the system. It mixes air and fuel in the correct proportions for combustion. It contains various jets, passages, and a throttle plate to control the air/fuel mixture and the amount of fuel delivered.
3. The Air Intake System:
* Air Filter: Cleans the air entering the engine to prevent damaging particles from reaching the engine and carburetor.
* Air Intake Manifold: Distributes the air from the air filter to the carburetor.
4. The Ignition System:
* Ignition Coil: Transforms low voltage battery power into high voltage needed to create a spark.
* Distributor (in most older systems): Distributes the high voltage spark to the correct spark plug at the correct time. Modern systems often use electronic ignition without a distributor.
* Spark Plugs: Ignite the air/fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber.
* Ignition Switch: Controls the power to the ignition system.
5. The Exhaust System:
* Exhaust Manifold: Collects exhaust gases from the cylinders.
* Exhaust Pipes: Carry exhaust gases away from the engine.
* Muffler: Reduces the noise level of the exhaust gases.
6. Lubrication System:
* Oil Pan: Holds the engine oil.
* Oil Pump: Circulates the oil to lubricate engine components.
* Oil Filter: Removes contaminants from the oil.
7. Cooling System (Usually):
* Coolant (Water or Air): Carburetor engines can be air-cooled or liquid-cooled.
* Radiator (if liquid-cooled): Dissipates heat from the coolant.
* Water Pump (if liquid-cooled): Circulates the coolant.
* Thermostat (if liquid-cooled): Regulates coolant temperature.
In short, it's a complex interplay of several systems working together to create controlled explosions that drive the engine. A failure in any one of these systems can prevent the engine from running correctly or at all.
