What component drives the fan in an air-cooled engine?

The correct component that drives the fan in an air-cooled engine is the crankshaft. The crankshaft is the central component in an engine that converts linear motion from the pistons into rotational motion. In air-cooled engines, the fan is typically mounted on the crankshaft and is driven directly by it. This setup ensures that as the engine runs and generates power, the fan also operates to keep the engine cool by drawing air through the cooling fins or radiator.

In contrast, electric motors are used in some modern vehicles but are not standard in traditional air-cooled engine designs. Similarly, while the camshaft controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves, it does not play a role in driving the cooling fan. Turbochargers, on the other hand, are components that enhance engine performance by forcing more air into the combustion chamber but do not influence the operation of the fan. Understanding the relationship between the crankshaft and the fan in this context clarifies why it is the correct answer.