Learnings from the Scrap Heap Garage

  When we talk about the performance and safety of a vehicle, two systems are often overlooked despite being fundamental, the suspension and brake systems . These components play crucial roles in ensuring a smooth ride, vehicle control, and, most importantly, safety on the road.  Whether you're cruising down a highway or navigating tight corners, these systems are constantly at work to keep you stable, comfortable, and in control. In this post, we'll dive into the inner workings of both suspension and brake systems, covering their purpose, types, key components, and how they work together to enhance the overall driving experience. Let's get started! 1. Suspension Systems: More Than Just a Comfortable Ride Purpose and Function The suspension system in a vehicle is designed to provide comfort, control, and stability by absorbing the shocks created by road imperfections. Every time you drive over a pothole, speed bump, or uneven surface, the suspension system helps to ...

  Whether you’re driving a car, mowing the lawn, or using a power tool, engines are everywhere, but not all engines are created equal.  Small engines and large engines may serve different purposes, but both rely on similar principles of power production, even if the way they deliver that power is quite different. In this post, we’ll explore how small and large engines differ in terms of component roles , power delivery , and energy needs . Let’s dive into the details of what makes these engines tick and how their design choices affect their performance. 1. Engine Size and Configuration: How Power Starts Small Engines: Small engines are typically single-cylinder or small multi-cylinder configurations designed for lighter, portable applications. These engines are found in devices like lawnmowers, motorcycles, chainsaws, and small generators. Cylinder Size: Small engines usually have smaller cylinders, ranging from 50cc to 500cc, which means ...

Engines are everywhere, from the car you drive to the lawnmower that keeps your yard in shape.  While the purpose of each engine might differ, the core components like spark plugs, camshafts, and crankshafts play similar roles across all of them. In this post, we’ll explore how these components work, and how engines in different machines and devices are built to meet unique needs. 1. Spark Plugs: The Ignition Source Across Devices What They Do: Spark plugs provide the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in combustion engines. While this is standard in many machines, the size, power, and frequency of ignition vary depending on the device. In Cars: In your car, spark plugs are responsible for firing at the exact moment the engine needs, helping to create power for driving. With modern engines, spark timing is controlled electronically for precision. In Lawn Mowers: Spark plugs also play a crucial role in smaller engines like those found in lawnmowers. However, these engi...