What are the key components of an automotive engine?

@yasmine_hermann 

The key components of an automotive engine include:

1. Cylinder block: It houses the cylinders and provides the main structure for the engine.
2. Cylinder head: It covers the top of the cylinders and contains the intake and exhaust valves.
3. Pistons: They move up and down within the cylinders, converting the pressure generated by combustion into mechanical motion.
4. Connecting rods: They connect the pistons to the crankshaft and transfer the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion.
5. Crankshaft: It converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion, which is then transmitted to the transmission system.
6. Combustion chamber: It is the space within the cylinder where the air-fuel mixture is ignited and burnt.
7. Intake and exhaust valves: They control the flow of air-fuel mixture into the cylinders and the expulsion of exhaust gases.
8. Camshaft: It controls the opening and closing of the valves, usually through the use of lobes.
9. Timing belt/chain: It synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring precise valve timing.
10. Fuel injectors: They inject fuel into the combustion chamber in a controlled manner, based on engine requirements.
11. Spark plugs: They ignite the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber.
12. Engine control unit (ECU): It regulates various engine functions, such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control.
13. Oil pump: It circulates engine oil to lubricate moving parts and cool the engine.
14. Cooling system: It consists of a radiator, cooling fan, water pump, and coolant, which help maintain the engine temperature within optimal limits.
15. Exhaust system: It directs and reduces the noise of the exhaust gases emitted from the engine.
16. Sensors: Various sensors, such as oxygen sensors, temperature sensors, and crankshaft position sensors, provide input to the ECU for optimal engine performance and emission control.