1. Inconsistent power delivery: The flywheel helps to maintain a consistent rotational speed of the crankshaft. Without it, the engine would experience fluctuations in speed as the pistons move up and down, causing the power output to be uneven. This would result in jerky and unstable operation.
2. Increased vibration: The flywheel helps to dampen vibrations created by the reciprocating motion of the pistons. Without the flywheel, these vibrations would be more pronounced and could cause excessive wear and tear on engine components.
3. Difficulty in starting: The flywheel helps to store kinetic energy, which is used to overcome the inertia of the engine when starting. Without the flywheel, the engine would require a much more powerful starter motor to overcome the resistance of the static components and get the engine running.
4. Potential engine damage: Without the flywheel's inertia, sudden changes in load or speed could put excessive strain on the engine's components, potentially leading to damage or failure.
In summary, a flywheel plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth, consistent, and reliable operation of an engine by providing rotational inertia, dampening vibrations, aiding in starting, and protecting against potential damage.