Diagram, Parts, Working, Types, Uses [with PDF]

In this article, you’ll learn what is a V Engine. Its working, parts, advantages, disadvantages, and uses all are explained with pictures.

Also, you can download the PDF file at the end of this article.

What is a V Engine?

A V engine is a popular arrangement for internal combustion engines. This V-engine engine has two sets of cylinders that are still attached over the crankshaft at an angle of between 60 and 90 degrees. This angle forms a ‘V’ shape.

Typically, the V engines have an even number of cylinders, such as 2, 4, 6, and 8. V-type engines differ from inline engines in that their construction and design are more intricate. An in-line engine, as the name implies, has all of its cylinders in a row.

But the V engine’s smaller size and lower performance balanced its more complicated construction. Because the V-shaped engine requires fewer spaces, a larger space can be added for extra cylinders. The extra cylinders improve the engine’s torque and horsepower in addition to increasing engine capacity.

Read Also: Different Types of Engines Explained (with Images & PDF)

Parts of V Engine

Some of the main parts of the V engine are as follows:

1. Camshaft
2. Injector rocker arm 
3. Injector control shaft
4. Injector rack
5. Fuel Injector
6. Spark plug
7. Connecting rod
8. Starter motor
9. Water inlet jumper and manifold
10. Crankshaft
11. Crankshaft counterweight
12. Exhaust valve
13. Cylinder head
14. Piston
15. Piston rings
16. Push rod
17. Crankcases
18. Cylinder liner
19. Piston cooling oil pipe
20. Oil pan and oil level gauge
21. Air cleaner
22. Engine manifold

Characteristics

A V engine is shorter and wider than an equivalent inline engine (the most common configuration for engines under six cylinders). This impact grows with the number of cylinders in the engine.

The length difference between an H-twin and a straight-twin engine may not be very noticeable, but V8 engines are much shorter than straight engines. Compared to the less common flat engine, a V engine is taller, narrower, and has a larger center of mass.

These engines with fewer cylinders will have a different engine balance depending on firing intervals, crankshaft counterweights, and balance shafts. In this engine, the crankpins are frequently shared by two cylinders from opposing banks, with an offset between them.

Read Also: What is a Timing Belt In a Car? Its Symptoms & Replacement

How Does a V Engine Work?

Both the gasoline-powered four-stroke engine and the V engine operate pretty similarly. The cylinders of a V engine take in air and fuel into their chambers. The gas that was drawn in is then compressed and ignited.

There is an immense amount of pressure created as a result of the combustion in the closed and compressed chambers. In the form of force, all this accumulated power gets transferred into the pistons, causing them to move downwards.

These pistons rise upward and discharge the gas that has been accumulated. There is a cyclical order in which all of the above take place, resulting in the crankshaft of the engine rotating in a circular motion.

The cycle is repeated in various cylinders at various times to ensure a smooth supply or delivery of power.

Types of V Engines

V-type engines are classified into different classifications based on the cylinder used. Typical V-type engines include the following:

V2 Engine

V2 engines are also referred to as V-twin cylinder engines. This type of engine has two cylinder chambers. Because there are only two cylinders, it takes up a smaller space to fit.

In 1889, Daimler Stahlradwagen introduced the V engine working principle into their autos. Because it takes up less space, this engine is typically found in bikes.

V4 Engine

Due to its complex design, this type of internal combustion engine is rarely found in cars. Compared to other engine types, it is less common.

A V4 engine has two pairs of cylinders attached to the crankshaft. It employs four cylindrical chambers arranged at 90 degrees, which improves performance.

Its overall design is extremely complex, which raises manufacturing costs. However, compared to an inline-4 (I4) engine, it operates more smoothly in terms of power and stiffness.

V6 Engine

This is the most popular engine arrangement with six-cylinder chambers. These two sets of three cylinders remain attached to the crankshaft at an angle (60, 90, or 120 degrees).

This V6 engine is smaller, lighter, and an internal combustion engine that runs more compactly than the V8 and V12. They also provide better fuel efficiency. Additionally, it significantly lessens the car’s vibration.

As V6 engines utilize less space and improve aerodynamics, they are found in the majority of popular sedans in the United Arab Emirates. F1 cars will only be allowed to use turbocharged V6 engines in Grand Prix 2022.

V8 Engine

In 1903, engineers developed V8 engines based on the early success of V2 engines. A V8 engine consists of 8 cylindrical chambers and two sets of 4-cylinder chambers joined at a 90-degree angle via a crankshaft.

This engine is a short, light engine with a high combustion power, which allows the automobile to accelerate quickly without much difficulty. This is because two cylinders continuously push the power stroke.

This type of engine is used in premium and exotic vehicles to minimize the engine compartment’s size and improve driving efficiency.

V10 Engine

A V10 engine is a ten-cylinder piston engine with two banks of five cylinders arranged in a V arrangement around a single crankshaft. Compared to V8 and V12 engines, V10 engines are far less frequent.

This engine type is found in many sports cars and high-performance vehicles because it is more practical than inline 10-cylinder engines. The initial V10 diesel engines were produced in 1965, and the first V10 petrol engine was released with the Dodge Viper in 1991.

V12 Engine

The V12 engine is among the most powerful in the automotive industry. The V12 engine’s cylinders are often joined at a 60-degree angle, resulting in a more balanced structure.

These engines are used in ships, airplanes, military vehicles, and other vehicles since they are thought to be the engines that can produce the most horsepower.

V8 and V12 engines differ mainly in their design, shape, and performance. V12 offers greater power because it can handle higher volumes. The Rolls-Royce Phantom-III was the first commercial vehicle to employ the V12 engine.

V16 Engine

A V16 engine is a piston engine with two banks of eight cylinders arranged in a V arrangement around a single crankshaft. Compared to V8 and V12 engines, V16 engines are less common.

Most V16 engines have a 45-degree bank angle. A V16 engine was initially used in the 1910 Antoinette VII experimental aircraft. Today, V16 engines are mostly used in railroad locomotives, marine craft, and stationary power generators.

V18 Engine

In a V18 engine, two banks of nine cylinders are arranged in a V arrangement around a single crankshaft. The V18 engine is a unique arrangement that is mostly found in huge diesel engines operating at low speeds.

V20 Engine

A V20 engine is a piston engine with two banks of ten cylinders arranged in a V arrangement around a single crankshaft. There have been many applications for large diesel V20 engines, including locomotives, haul trucks, electric generators, and marine engines.

V22 Engine

The V22 engine has a V-shaped layout with 22 cylinders organized into two banks. This configuration allows for a compact design while still producing a high power output.

V24 Engine

A V24 engine is an engine with two banks of twelve cylinders arranged in a V arrangement around a single crankshaft. In the early 1930s, this V24 aero engine powered the Macchi M.C.72 aircraft, which was intended to compete in the Schneider Trophy air races of 1931.

Read Also: Manual Transmission vs Automatic Transmission: Pros & Cons

Advantages

The following are a few common benefits of V-shape engines:

1. There are wider applications for the V-type internal combustion engine layout, including trucks, motorbikes, military vehicles, and airplanes.
2. Because of its lower or more compact sizes, the V-shaped engine has superior aerodynamics.
3. Due to its smaller crankshafts, the V-shaped engine transmits more power from the engine to the flywheel.
4. This type of engine layout produces higher torque since these cars perform better on tough terrain.
5. V engines come in a range of sizes, with two to twenty-four cylinders.
6. There is less vibration and noise.

Disadvantages

Some common downsides of V engines include:

1. It is challenging for automakers to develop these engines because of their intricate design and assembly.
2. Cooling problems are another major drawback of the V engine layout.
3. The engine gains weight because it has additional parts.
4. When compared to other engines, V engines are more costly. As a result, the vehicle with the V engine is considered luxurious.
5. In comparison to other engines on the market, these are less fuel efficient.

Difference Between Inline vs V Engine

The key differences are listed below:

1. Compared to inline engines of the same size, V engines are less efficient.
2. Compared to an inline engine, a V engine is typically more complex and difficult to maintain.
3. V engines are compact, whereas inline engines are long and narrow mounted transversely in small cars. 
4. The inline layout can be more difficult to cool in an air-cooled engine than the V engine.
5. An inline engine has a low center of gravity because it is wide and flat.
6. When using overhead cams, the inline shape requires half the number of camshafts as a V configuration. 
7. Additionally, a V and an inline engine may differ in manufacturing costs.
8. Compared to an inline engine, a V engine is more vibration-prone.

Conclusion

That’s it. Thanks for reading. I hope I have covered everything about the “V Engine” It would be helpful if you could let me know if there was anything I missed or if you have any doubts about anything I wrote.

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