Definition

Noun: - A component of an internal combustion engine: The intake manifold is a system of pipes or passages that distributes the air-fuel mixture (in carbureted engines) or just air (in fuel-injected engines) from the throttle body or carburetor to the intake ports of each cylinder.

Usage

• The primary function of the intake manifold is to ensure an even and efficient distribution of the air or air-fuel charge to all cylinders.
• It is a critical part of the engine's induction system, affecting performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Variable intake manifold": A design that changes the geometry or length of the manifold's passages to optimize engine performance at different RPM ranges.
  • The sports car uses a variable intake manifold to provide strong torque at low speeds and high power at high RPMs.

Variants and Related Words

• Exhaust manifold (n): A component that collects exhaust gases from the cylinders and channels them to the exhaust pipe. It is the counterpart to the intake manifold in the engine's exhaust system.
• Manifold (n): In engineering, a pipe or chamber with multiple outlets or inlets for connecting one pipe to several others. The intake manifold is a specific type of manifold.
• Plenum (n): In some engine designs, a chamber in the intake manifold where air pressure is slightly higher before distribution to the cylinders.

Synonyms

• Inlet manifold: A less common but technically accurate synonym, especially in British English.
• Induction manifold: A general term emphasizing its role in the engine's air induction process.

Related Phrases

• Intake manifold gasket: The seal placed between the intake manifold and the cylinder head to prevent vacuum and coolant leaks.
  • A failed intake manifold gasket can cause the engine to run poorly.
• Intake manifold runner: An individual passage or tube within the manifold that leads to a specific cylinder.
  • The design of the intake manifold runners affects the engine's torque curve.

Noun

1. a manifold consisting of a pipe to carry fuel to each cylinder in an internal-combustion engine