Lesson 1/Learning Event 1
FIGURE 31. FLYWHEEL.
Flywheel
As more cylinders are added to an engine, the size and weight of the flywheel is reduced. This is because the
power strokes are closer together and in some cases overlapping. Therefore, the weight of the flywheel is not
needed as much to smooth out the crankshaft rotations.
However, the flywheels of engines serve other purposes in addition to causing the engine to run smoother. A
ring gear is usually installed around its outer edge to mesh with a starter motor gear for cranking. The rear
side of the flywheel is machined so the clutch or other parts may be fastened to it for driving the vehicle. A
flywheel housing with a bottom cover or pan is bolted to the rear of the cylinder block to house the flywheel
and the related drive parts.
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