Classification of engines

Automobile engine can be classified according to:

1. Number of cylinders

1.1 Three cylinder engines

1.2 Four cylinder engines

1.3 V-8 engines

2. Arrangement of cylinders

2.1 In a row

2.2 In two rows or bank set at an angle (V type)

3. Arrangement of valve and valve trains

3.1 Location of the camshaft
 Either on the cylinder head or in the cylinder block.
3.2 Types of camshaft drive
 Camshaft are driven by timing gears, sprockets and timing chain or
sprockets and toothed timing belt

3.3 Types of valve train

 Overhead camshaft
 Camshaft in block with pushrod

3.4 Number of valves per cylinder

 Normally each cylinder of the engine has two valves
 Some have multi-valve cylinder of the engin

4. Type of cooling

5. Number of stroke per cycle

 Two-stroke cycle or
 Four-stroke engine

6. Types of fuel burn

7. Firing order

8. Reciprocating or rotary