Sunday, February 9, 2014
Where Are Intake Manifolds in Car Engines
On an automobile, the intake manifold is mounted to the engine block above the cylinder or port openings. Older intake manifolds are made of cast iron, but most new ones are plastic or die-cast aluminum.
Purpose on Older Engines
On older vehicles the intake manifold delivers the right mixture of air and fuel evenly to each of the cylinders. Heat vaporizes this mixture, providing optimum delivery in mist form.
Location on Older Engines
On an older engine, both sides are flanked by the valve covers, and its top is partially obstructed from view by the carburetor and air cleaner mounted above.
Purpose on Newer Engines
New engines have replaced the carburetor with a tuned-port injection system. Because these deliver the fuel directly to the ports, air and fuel no longer need to be mixed in the intake manifold. On these engines the purpose of the intake manifold is to deliver the proper amount of air to each of the ports, where it will be mixed with the fuel.
Location on Newer Engines
On newer engines, the intake manifold is connected to the ports on the engine. Hoses attached to the intake manifold are to operate vacuum systems such as brakes, cruise control and the air-conditioning. (See References 1)
