Cylinder Block Assembly: Description and Operation

An aluminum casting, the cylinder block consists of three sections - the block proper, the intermediate section and the oil sump The bolted joint between the block and intermediate section contains 34 bolts, while that between the latter and the sump is assembled by means of 37 bolts. Combined with the liquid sealing compound used to seal the joints, this creates an extremely rigid and light assembly with an extremely low noise level The crankshaft axis and the joint between the block and intermediate section are in the same plane.

The block houses the six cast iron cylinder liners, which are cast in position and cannot be replaced.

Serving as a single large crankshaft bearing cap, the intermediate section is provided with cast iron reinforcing elements at the seven crankshaft main bearing positions. Oil is distributed to the crankshaft main bearings and big end bearings through channels cast in the top of the intermediate section.