INLINE-SIX ENGINE

The inline-six engine was once a standard engine for several car manufacturers. In fact, one of the most iconic engines of all time is the inline or straight-six Jeep engine. It is known for its smooth-running durability and low-end torque.

The model I built, attempts to recreate in Lego a replica of the circa 1987-2006 4.0 L Jeep straight-six, including some authentic moving engine parts.

Pull the drive chain (Or attach an electric Lego motor) and the sprockets (pulleys) turn the cam and crank shafts. The cam shaft turns the distributor and pushes on the tappets which are attached to the push rods and valve rockers. The crank shaft pushes the pistons up and down in alternating order.

Only stock Lego parts were used in the building of this model with the exception of substituting flexible hoses and chain when going from LDD to Stud.io. Most colors were stock, but some were changed with Stud.io for render.

These engine parts are included in the model (in no particular order):  

engine block, cylinder head with ports, valve cover, valves, rockers and springs, valve cover breathers, oil fill cap, pistons with rods and caps, cam shaft with lobes and gears, push rods and tappets; crank shaft with bearing journals, counter weights, and caps; two-barrel carburetor, air cleaner, drive chain and sprockets; distributor with cap, points, condenser, rotor, shaft and gears; spark plugs and wires, intake and exhaust manifolds, oil filter, oil pan with drain plug, dipstick, and oil pick-up

Approximate dimensions for completed model in inches:

L: 17    W: 11    H: 15

Why did you build it? 

I built this project because it has the right mix of attributes that make certain Lego sets desirable, and I'm fascinated with engines and how they work.  I hope you would agree as well that this project would check many boxes that Lego enthusiasts might be looking for in a build.

 

Building challenges:

Obviously using only stock parts presents challenges for building working parts that also look authentic. For example, the cam and crank shafts could not be built using one continuous support rod. Also, parts such as the bearing journals are not completely functional and would need some tweaking; and the distributor and cam gears would need some refinement as well. There were also the usual challenges of making square bricks look round. Though, I’m confident that these issues could easily be addressed in a design phase at Lego if the project makes it that far.

There are so many great Lego cars available, it is now time that an engine joined them on the shelves. Thank you for taking the time to review my project and help this model become a Lego set reality.