Know Your Truck’s Powerhouse: Engine Parts Common in a Volvo Truck

Many people have their source of income and their daily lives themselves depend on the function and reliability of their trucks. These ever-dependable vehicles have so many uses such as towing, hauling, long-distance transporting, and quarry transport, that they are indispensable to many. Knowing what makes your truck work can help you appreciate this humble machine even more. Here are some engine parts that power a Western Star or Volvo truck.

Before acquainting yourself with the different truck engine parts, you should know some basic principles about truck engines. A truck typically uses an internal combustion engine which operates on fossil fuels. While most trucks have diesel engines, others are powered by gasoline, diesel, propane, and methane. Truck dealerships like Lyons Truck & Trailer, Inc. have units running on various fuels, to suit your personal preferences.

One important part of the internal combustion engine is the camshaft. This is basically a long, crankshaft-driven rotating shaft with a series of eccentric cams rotating with the shaft. The shape and angle of the cams is oriented to create a sequence that opens and closes the engine cylinders as they cycle. These synchronized movements are what dictate the intake, compression, ignition, and exhaust sequences of each cylinder, allowing the entire system to run smoothly.

An engine can have from two to six valves per cylinder, depending on the design concept. These valves are used for the intake and exhaust of the engine; thus the more valves in every cylinder, the more powerful the engine could be. Valve springs close the valves every time the camshaft relieves their corresponding pushrods. Different engine systems require different valve springs to ensure maximum efficiency.

The oil pump is another important part of a truck engine’s lubricating system. It is driven by a gear on the camshaft, and generates oil pressure as the engine runs. An oil pressure sensor connected to an alert icon in the dashboard alerts the driver when there is low oil pressure.

Whether you are driving a truck from WesternStar, or from Volvo, it is valuable to be acquainted with these engine parts and systems.  When you’re more familiar with your hard-working vehicle, you can troubleshoot problems with more confidence. Check your trusted truck dealership’s website to view its newest truck and trailer inventory.