How Saturn Engines Work
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Start-Up
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All Saturn engines are internal combustion engines. Internal combustion engines work by utilizing combustion to power the major parts of the engine. When the ignition is turned on, the electric starter motor sends power to the vehicle's spark plugs; the spark plugs are directly connected to the engine's cylinder block, and the ignition spark starts the combustion process by igniting the fuel stored in the combustion chamber. The combination of fuel and air in the chamber is what moves the cylinders up and down. Many modern Saturn vehicles utilize direct-injection technology to aid with start up. This technology adds fuel directly to the combustion chamber instead of through an intake. The result is a more fuel-efficient engine start-up process.
Engine Operation
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The engine's cylinders are connected to the crankshaft. When the cylinders are powered, the crankshaft rotates and generates power to the vehicle. When you depress the accelerator pedal in the vehicle, you are opening the throttle plate. This pushes more fuel and air into the chamber, generating more power and higher engine RPM. Most Saturn vehicles use VVT (variable valve timing) technology to improve general engine operations. VVT allows the timing valves and cam of an engine to customize air flow and timing patterns. This allows for more power and efficiency at higher engine RPM.
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Exhaust System
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The exhaust system is a vital component in engine operation. The air and fuel that enter the combustion chamber must be expelled from the chamber once they have served their purpose. After the mixture creates engine combustion, they travel through the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold is connected to the vehicle's exhaust system (muffler and filtration system) and is expelled from the vehicle's tailpipe. Many Saturn vehicles utilize an advanced dual-stage exhaust system to minimize vehicle emissions.
Engine Management
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Modern internal combustion engines, such as those used by Saturn, utilize a wide variety of engine management tools to ensure vehicle efficiency. Air flow meters monitor and regulate air flow into the combustion chamber to regulate and stabilize the amount of power the engine receives. Various electronics and sensors connected to the engine monitor the fuel input and regulate exhaust emissions. Every internal combustion engine utilizes a computer to oversee and manage all of these simultaneous operations. This computer is often called a PCM (Power-train Control Module) or an ECU (Engine Control Unit). Engine management technology specific to Saturn vehicles includes "green-line" technology, which adapts engine power to specifically lower emissions, creating a "green" driving mode.
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