An internal combustion engine configuration where the cylinders are bored in a single straight line along the crankcase. This layout is inherently simpler and cheaper to manufacture than a V-engine, requiring only one cylinder head and one set of camshafts. In-line six-cylinder engines are particularly prized for their perfect primary and secondary mechanical balance.
Heard on the job
The old truck has an in-line engine that leaves plenty of room in the engine bay to reach the spark plugs.
Also heard as
- straight engine