What happens to engine heat after it is transferred to the cylinder cooling fins?

• A. The heat is transferred out of the engine into the air.
• B. The heat is stored in the oil reservoir.
• C. The heat is converted into electricity.
• D. The heat remains in the piston.

Answer: (A)

Heat moved to the cylinder cooling fins is released to the surrounding air. The fins add surface area so heat can be conducted from the hot engine parts into the fins, and then air flowing past them (by motion or a fan) takes that heat away through convection. This keeps the engine from overheating. The heat isn’t stored in the oil, converted to electricity, or left in the piston.