Air Distribution System: Construction, Failures and Repairs?

Gas distribution system is an indispensable part of the car engine, playing an important role in controlling the process of fuel intake, air into the combustion chamber and exhaust gas discharge. It is like the lungs of the engine, ensuring the combustion process takes place effectively and stably.

With the continuous development of automotive technology, this system has been improved to meet the strict requirements of performance and fuel economy. Let's learn more through the following article.

Structure of gas distribution system

The gas distribution system consists of several main components, each with a specific task in the gas intake and exhaust process.

• Camshaft: The main part that controls the opening and closing of the valves. Camshafts are usually of high precision and are designed as one piece without joints. The rotation speed of the camshaft is half that of the crankshaft, meaning that when the crankshaft rotates two revolutions, the camshaft only rotates one revolution.
• Valves: Valves are responsible for opening and closing the intake and exhaust ports. They are made from heat-resistant and highly rigid materials to ensure good performance under harsh conditions. The size and shape of the valves greatly affect the ability to draw air into the engine.
• Valve spring: This spring is always under load and needs to have good elasticity to ensure the valve opens and closes at the right time. This type of spring usually has a variable pitch to reduce resonance oscillation.
• Rocker arms and lifters: These are the actuating parts that open and close the valves. Rocker arms work on the principle of leverage, which increases the force applied to the valves.
• Drive belt or chain: Used to connect the camshaft to the crankshaft, ensuring synchronization during the operation of the gas distribution system.

Principle of operation

The gas distribution system operates based on a four-stroke cycle:

• Intake stroke: Piston moves down to create negative pressure, drawing the air-fuel mixture into the cylinder.
• Compression stroke: Piston moves up, compressing the air-fuel mixture.
• Explosion: The mixture is burned, creating a large pressure that pushes the piston down.
• Exhaust stroke: The piston moves up again to push the exhaust gas out.

In practice, the duration of the intake and exhaust strokes is often longer than that of the compression and combustion strokes to optimize engine efficiency.

Modern technologies on gas distribution systems

Nowadays, many advanced technologies have been applied to the gas distribution system to optimize working efficiency:

• Variable Valve Timing (VVT): Helps adjust valve opening and closing timing based on engine operating conditions. For example, Toyota's VVT-i or Honda's i-VTEC.
• BMW VANOS technology: Varies valve opening time to improve performance and reduce fuel consumption.

Common failures of gas distribution systems

The air distribution system can encounter some common failures such as:

• Valve clearance too large: Causes loud knocking sound when the engine is running.
• Seized camshaft: May be due to use of poor quality lubricant or excessive wear.
• Cam deviation due to unsatisfactory repair: Leads to engine overhaul.
• Weak or broken valve spring: Causes disturbance in the valve opening and closing process.

How to repair and maintain

To maintain the performance of the air distribution system, periodic maintenance should be performed:

• Check valve clearance regularly.
• Ensure the quality of lubricants.
• Replace springs and damaged parts promptly.
• Proper care will help prolong the life of your air distribution system as well as your entire car engine.

The air distribution system is not only an essential part of the engine's structure but also a decisive factor in the performance and fuel economy of modern cars.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of gas distribution systems are there?

Gas distribution system Valves are mainly divided into two types: overhead valves and horizontal valves. Overhead valves are commonly used in modern gasoline engines, while horizontal valves are more common in diesel engines.

2. What performance indicators should be considered when evaluating a gas distribution system?

Important parameters include valve opening speed, valve opening time, and air intake capacity. Optimal valve opening speed can reach 5000 rpm under ideal conditions.

3. What does the gas distribution system inspection and maintenance process include?

The inspection procedure includes checking valve clearance, checking the condition of valve springs and camshaft. Regular maintenance should be performed every 10.000 – 15.000 km to ensure stable operation.

4. How much does it cost to repair a gas distribution system?

Repair costs can range from $2 to $10, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of vehicle. Replacing a camshaft or valve may be more expensive.

5. What is the effect of fuel quality on the gas distribution system?

Poor fuel quality can lead to a build-up of contaminants, which reduces intake and exhaust efficiency. This can reduce engine power by 5% to 15%.

6. Address of professional car repair/care center in HCM?

Thanh Phong Auto is one of the leading auto repair and maintenance centers in Ho Chi Minh City, established since October 10. With a team of experienced engineers and technicians, Thanh Phong Auto is committed to providing the highest quality auto repair and maintenance services.

Here, customers will experience professional maintenance process with diverse services, including periodic maintenance, engine repair, inspection Automotive electrical system, and upgrade auto accessories. In particular, Thanh Phong Auto provides repair services for all famous car lines such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus and many other brands.

With Formula "Honesty - Dedication - Responsibility“, the staff at Thanh Phong Auto is always ready to listen and meet the needs of customers, ensuring that each car is carefully cared for to operate most effectively. Customers can be completely assured when entrusting their “baby” here.