What goes on in your Mercedes-Benz engine can sometimes feel totally mystifying, and when things go wrong, many people feel lost and have no idea what to do.Â
Understanding Mercedes engines doesn’t have to be that difficult, though, so long as you break them down into their different parts. By examining the structure and function of an engine piece by piece, you can start to create an idea of the bigger picture of how they all work together.Â
That’s why we’ve created this guide to Mercedes engine parts, to help you begin (or continue) the process of your engine education!
Pistons
Perhaps the most fundamental of all Mercedes engine parts is the piston. As the pistons inside your engine are pushed up and down by the force of the internal combustion reaction, power is generated to turn the wheels of your vehicle. The pistons perform this vital action inside of cylinders of your engine block. Whether your Mercedes has 4, 6, or 8 cylinders, the pistons within are, without a doubt, the heart of your engine.Â
Crankshaft
If pistons are the heart of your engine, the crankshaft is the translator. While the pistons generate incredible energy, they only move up and down. For your vehicle to actually move, that energy has to be translated into rotational motion that can turn your car’s wheels, which is exactly what the crankshaft does.Â
Camshaft
As with any chemical reaction, the combustion reaction in your engine that moves the pistons has inflows and outflows that must be monitored and managed for optimum performance. The camshaft is the part that controls this process, opening and closing the different valves that let air and fuel into the cylinder and let exhaust out.Â
Timing Chain
The valves in your engine have to open at just the right time in relation to the motion and position of the piston so that they facilitate its movement as precisely as possible. The timing chain guarantees that the valves and pistons are in sync by connecting the crankshaft (connected to the piston) to the camshaft (which opens and closes the valves).Â
Head Gasket
To ensure the combustion reaction is adequately controlled, your Mercedes relies on a head gasket to seal the cylinder head to the rest of the engine. The security of this seal ensures that all the energy from the reaction goes into the pistons and through them down into your wheels instead of spilling out along the way. It also ensures that potentially harmful fumes are directed through the exhaust system to be cleaned up instead of leaking into your car’s cabin or the atmosphere.Â
Replacing Mercedes Engine Parts With AdistcoÂ
All these parts and more must be in good condition for your engine to run smoothly. If one part is too old or breaks down, you’ll lose the high performance that Mercedes owners know and love.Â
Luckily, with Adsitco, even rare Mercedes engine parts are easy to find, and you can buy them for a great price. With over 40 years of experience with Mercedes, our team has all the know-how to help you make sure you’re getting what you need.