Cylinder (engine)

In a reciprocating engine, the cylinder is the space in which a piston travels.[1]

The inner surface of the cylinder is formed from either a thin metallic liner (also called "sleeve") or a surface coating applied to the engine block. A piston is seated inside each cylinder by several metal piston rings,[1] which also provide seals for compression and the lubricating oil. The piston rings do not actually touch the cylinder walls, instead they ride on a thin layer of lubricating oil.

  1. ^ a b Brain, Marshall. "HowStuffWorks "Basic Engine Parts"". HowStuffWorks, Inc. Retrieved 3 May 2012.