| Questions | 5 |
| Topics | Alternator, Connecting Rod, Crankshaft, Exhaust Stroke, Water Pump |
Once the engine is running, the alternator provides electrical current to recharge the battery and power the electrical system. The alternator is driven by the engine's crankshaft and produces alternating current (AC) which is then fed through a rectifier bridge to convert it to the direct current (DC) required by the electrical system. A voltage regulator controls the output of the alternator to maintain a consistent voltage (approx. 14.5 volts) in the electrical system regardless of load.
A connecting rod employs a wrist pin to link each piston to the engine's crankshaft.
The crankshaft converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotational motion that's used to power the vehicle and its components.
During the exhaust stroke, just before the piston reaches bottom dead center the exhaust valve opens. The resulting gases from combustion are then pushed out through the exhaust valve as the piston travels up the cylinder to top dead center, completing stroke four of the four-stroke piston cycle.
The water pump is driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft and ensures that coolant moves through the engine and radiator.