Engines - Exhaust, Cooling, Lubrication and Ventilation Flashcards
What are the main components of an exhaust system?
Exhaust manifold, piping, silencer
These components work together to collect and remove exhaust gases from the engine.
What is the primary function of an exhaust system?
To collect and remove exhaust with minimum restriction and adequate silencing
This function is essential for engine performance and compliance with emission standards.
What role does the muffler play in the exhaust system?
Reduces noise from pulsations in the exhaust system
The muffler achieves noise reduction through the flow path of gas inside it.
True or False: Catalytic converters are optional in exhaust systems.
False
Catalytic converters are often necessary to comply with government exhaust emission standards.
What feature is commonly found on mufflers of stationary engines to prevent water entry?
Rain cap
The rain cap helps to protect the exhaust system from water damage.
What is the purpose of flexible pipe unions in an exhaust system?
Allow for thermal expansion and reduce vibration transfer
These unions help maintain the integrity of the exhaust system under varying conditions.
Fill in the blank: The exhaust system carries gases from the cylinder-head exhaust ports to the exhaust _______.
manifold
The exhaust manifold is the first component that collects the exhaust gases.
What is the significance of having minimum backpressure in a muffler?
To ensure efficient engine operation
Minimum backpressure helps maintain optimal exhaust flow and engine performance.
List the two methods mentioned for preventing water entry into the exhaust system.
- Rain cap
- Exhaust pipe cut on an angle
Both methods are designed to mitigate water-related issues in exhaust systems.
What is the final destination of exhaust gases in an exhaust system?
Discharges into the atmosphere
This is the last step in the exhaust system’s function, allowing gases to exit safely.
Explain the function of a catalytic converter in an exhaust system.
To reduce harmful emissions before they exit into the atmosphere
Catalytic converters play a critical role in meeting environmental regulations.
What should be performed before removing or replacing components in the exhaust system?
A thorough inspection and diagnosis of the entire system
This includes visual inspection, backpressure and temperature checks, and removal of the exhaust manifold.
What are the key elements to inspect during a visual inspection of the exhaust system?
- Holes and leaks
- Rust
- Loose components
- Improperly positioned heat shields
These elements can indicate physical damage that needs to be addressed.
What effect does backpressure have on an engine?
Reduces the engine’s ability to breathe, resulting in a loss of power or engine stall if high enough
High backpressure can indicate issues within the exhaust system.
What tool is recommended for checking backpressure in the exhaust system?
A mercury manometer
It should be used as close to the engine exhaust manifold as possible.
What is the acceptable level of exhaust backpressure for most applications?
1 psi or less
Levels above this may indicate an internally collapsed muffler or exhaust pipe.
How can you verify if a catalytic converter is functioning properly?
The temperature at the outlet should be at least 38°C (100°F) greater than the temperature at the inlet
A properly functioning converter generates heat during the reaction process.
What happens to exhaust manifolds during heating and cooling cycles?
They go through stress and corrosion
This can affect their integrity and sealing capability.
What is a common issue when removing an exhaust manifold?
It usually distorts slightly, making it no longer flat enough to seal without a gasket
Gaskets are used to eliminate leaks when reinstalling the manifold.
Fill in the blank: Exhaust backpressures should be _______ for most applications.
1 psi or less
True or False: A properly functioning catalytic converter does not generate heat.
False
A properly functioning catalytic converter generates heat in the reaction process.
Why is it recommended to use a water manometer instead of a mercury manometer on the intake side of an engine?
The vacuum can be high enough to suck the fluid into the intake;
While not good, water is better than mercury
What is the main function of the engine cooling system?
To regulate engine temperature
This ensures optimal engine efficiency and longevity.
What are the three methods used by the cooling system to reject heat?
- Conduction
- Convection
- Radiation
These methods help maintain appropriate engine temperatures.
Define conduction in the context of an engine cooling system.
The transfer of heat from molecule to molecule, occurring when heat from the block, heads, and liners transfers to the coolant.
This process is essential for heat management in the engine.
What is convection in the cooling system?
The transfer of heat by movement of a medium such as coolant and air.
It involves circulating coolant with the water pump and/or moving air through the heat exchanger.
Explain radiation in the context of heat transfer.
The transfer of heat through space by electromagnetic waves from one object to another.
The sun is an example of radiant heat transfer.
What is the optimal temperature range for most engines?
82°C to 95°C (180°F to 200°F)
Maintaining this range is crucial for engine performance.
What six problems can arise from engine overheating?
- Pre-ignition
- Detonation
- Burnt pistons
- Burnt valves
- Scored liners
- Lube oil breakdown
These issues can lead to severe engine damage.
What are four consequences of running an engine below the optimal temperature range?
- Sludge accumulation
- Water accumulation in the crankcase
- Poor fuel economy
- Unnecessary engine wear
These issues can degrade engine performance and longevity.
Fill in the blank: The cooling system prevents both _______ and _______ which are harmful.
overheating, overcooling
Both conditions can lead to engine failure.
True or False: Running an engine at too low a temperature can cause sludge and water accumulation.
True
This can negatively affect engine performance.
What can happen if a thermostat fails or is missing?
The engine will run too cool
This can lead to various engine issues.
True or false:
Water is a byproduct of-product of combustion.
True;
This is why it is important to ensure the engine temp remains high enough to boil off the water, preventing it from collecting in the oil
What are the primary components of an air-cooled engine cooling system?
Fins on cylinders and heads, forced-air fan, shrouding, and baffles
The fins increase surface area to facilitate heat removal.
How does the airflow in an air-cooled engine cooling system help regulate temperature?
By directing airflow to hot points using shrouding and baffles
Temperature regulation can also involve a thermostatic valve.
What distinguishes an open liquid cooling system from a closed liquid cooling system?
In an open system, coolant is not recirculated and is sourced from external water supplies
This includes city water utilities, reservoirs, or lakes.
What is the primary function of the radiator in a closed liquid cooling system?
To reject heat from the recirculated coolant
This allows for conditioning of the coolant to minimize scale buildup.
What role does the water pump play in a closed liquid cooling system?
Creates coolant flow
It is essential for maintaining circulation within the system.
Which component regulates the flow of coolant to the heat exchanger in a closed liquid cooling system?
Thermostat
The thermostat ensures optimal temperature control.
List the main parts of a cooling system.
- Water pump and drive
- Water jackets
- Thermostat
- Radiator or heat exchanger
- Radiator cap
- Expansion or surge tank
- Fans and fan drives
- Coolant filters
- Water manifolds, hoses, and lines
- Coolant
These components work together to manage engine temperature.
True or False: The closed liquid cooling system is the most common type used in engines.
True
This system allows for efficient heat dissipation and coolant reuse.
Fill in the blank: The coolant in a closed liquid cooling system is _______ to allow for a minimum of scale buildup.
recirculated
This process helps prolong the life of the cooling system.
What additives are used in coolant to reduce cavitation damage on liners?
- Chromates
- Nitrates
These additives help protect engine components from wear.
What is the primary function of the water pump in the cooling system?
To create a continuous flow in the cooling system, even when the thermostat is closed.
This helps to circulate coolant to the hottest part of the engine.
What type of pump is a water pump in automotive engines?
Centrifugal, non-positive, displacement-type pump.
These pumps are driven by the engine.
How can water pumps be driven in an engine?
By belts, chains, or gears.
These drive mechanisms are essential for the operation of the water pump.
What is the purpose of the thermostat in the cooling system?
To sense engine temperature and maintain operating limits by controlling coolant flow.
It helps to direct coolant either to the radiator or back to the water pump.
What is the common design of a thermostat used in engines?
Wax pellet type.
It uses wax confined in a copper pellet that expands when heated to open the thermostat valve.
What is the role of the bypass tube in the cooling system?
To reduce warm-up time and prevent the cylinder head from overheating when the thermostat is closed.
It allows coolant to recirculate back to the engine.
True or False: The coolant discharged from the pump enters the block and flows through a distribution passage.
True.
This distribution passage can be cast into the block or piped to an outside water manifold.
Fill in the blank: Always install a thermostat with the temperature sensor facing _______.
toward the engine.
Proper installation is crucial for the thermostat to function correctly.
What happens to larger engines regarding thermostat design?
They may have more than one thermostat to allow for a large volume of coolant flow.
Some large engines with individual cylinder heads may have a thermostat on each head.
What is the significance of the water pump’s continuous flow?
It ensures that the top part of the engine, which may be the hottest, remains cooled.
This is critical for engine performance and longevity.
What component is used to reject heat from the engine in a cooling system?
Radiator or heat exchanger
The radiator also acts as a reservoir for the coolant in a closed loop system.
What is the function of the radiator cap in a cooling system?
Regulates system pressure above atmospheric pressure
Allows pressure to build in the system.
This increase in pressure raises the boiling point temperature of the coolant.
True or False: The radiator cap has a vacuum valve to allow the system to draw in air when the coolant contracts.
True
Without the vacuum valve, the hoses on the heat exchanger would collapse when the engine cools off.
What is the purpose of the expansion or surge tank in a cooling system?
Fills coolant, allows expansion, and de-aerates coolant
It must be above the engine and has vent lines to eliminate air or steam pockets.
Where must an expansion tank be located on an engine?
Above it
It must be above the engine and has vent lines to eleiminate air or steam pockets.
What drives the fan in small engines?
Belt-driven fan attached to the water pump
Similar to the design on mobile equipment.
In large stationary engines, how is the fan typically driven?
Long belt-driven fan shaft attached to the front of the engine
The fan is outside the building, and no air from the fan moves past the engine.
What type of fans may be used in some cooling systems?
Electric fans
These fans are activated by temperature switches.
What is the role of coolant filters in a cooling system?
Keeps the cooling system clean and extends the life of water pump seals and liner O-rings
Effective in maintaining the system’s cleanliness.
Fill in the blank: The increase in system pressure by 1 psi can raise the boiling point of the coolant by _____ degrees.
3
This means a 10 psi increase would raise the boiling point of to 242°F from 212°F.
What is the typical micron size for coolant filters?
15 - 25 microns
This specification helps maintain the cleanliness of the cooling system.
Which component of an engine coolant system builds pressure within the system?
The radiator cap
What is the primary advantage of using steel pipe with flexible rubber couplings over rubber hoses in industrial applications?
More durable
Steel pipes are preferred because they are less prone to damage and wear compared to rubber hoses.
What percentage more heat does water absorb compared to mixed glycols?
Approximately 15%
Water’s heat absorption capacity makes it an effective coolant.
What are the boiling and freezing temperatures of water?
100°C (212°F) and 0°C (32°F)
These temperatures are critical in determining the effectiveness of water as a coolant.
What happens to water when it freezes, and how can this affect the engine?
It expands, potentially cracking the engine block and cylinder heads
Expansion can also damage the radiator and heater core.
What are the two main types of antifreeze products used in engine coolants?
Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol
These compounds are commonly used due to their effective thermal properties.
What is the recommended mixture for engine coolant to provide optimal boiling and freezing point protection?
50/50 solution of distilled water and antifreeze
This mixture balances the boiling and freezing points for better performance.
Left = boiling point, right = freezing point
What is a key disadvantage of ethylene glycol based coolant?
It is toxic and hazardous to the environment
Despite its high boiling point, its toxicity is a significant concern.
What is a notable advantage of propylene glycol based coolant over ethylene glycol?
It is non-toxic and less hazardous to the environment
This makes it a safer option for various applications.
What is a disadvantage of propylene glycol based coolant?
Lower boiling point than ethylene glycol and can react with some materials
This limits its effectiveness in certain situations.
What is the boiling point of waterless coolant, and what is its main benefit?
Boils at 375°F, no corrosion
Waterless coolant is gaining popularity due to its ability to prevent corrosion and operate at higher temperatures.
Fill in the blank: The engine coolant must remain ______ even when the outside temperature drops below freezing.
liquid
Maintaining a liquid state is crucial for effective cooling.
What happens when glycol is introduced into the lubrication system?
The oil/glycol mixture becomes acidic, damaging engine bearings, increasing oil viscosity, and corroding engine component surfaces.
Glycol can lead to significant mechanical failures if not managed properly.
What is scale in the context of cooling systems?
Hard deposit of insoluble minerals that collects inside the cooling system, reducing its ability to transfer heat.
Scale acts as an insulator, significantly impacting heat transfer efficiency.
How does a 1/16” mineral deposit affect heat transferability in cast iron?
A 1” cast iron plus a 1/16” mineral deposit is equivalent to 4” cast iron in heat transferability.
This illustrates the significant impact of mineral deposits on heat transfer.
What causes corrosion in a cooling system?
Corrosion occurs when metal combines with oxygen to form rust.
Regular checks of the coolant’s pH value are necessary to determine its acidity or alkalinity.
What is cavitation in cooling systems?
Cavitation is the erosion of a material due to the repeated collapse of vapor pockets developed by liner expansion and vibration.
This mechanical issue can lead to significant damage if not addressed.
What solutions can address cavitation in a cooling system?
Solutions include pressurizing the cooling system, using inhibitor packages, and plating the liners.
These methods help mitigate the effects of cavitation.
What are common causes of overheating in a cooling system?
Common causes include low coolant level, scale build-up, improper functioning of the thermostat, cracked heads, and lack of circulation due to water pump failure.
Identifying these issues is critical for maintaining engine performance.
Fill in the blank: The coolant should be checked for its correct _______ value to determine whether it is acidic or alkaline.
pH
Maintaining the correct pH level is crucial for preventing corrosion and ensuring system efficiency.
What can cause aeration of the coolant?
Water pump sucking air or cracked heads
Why is air in the coolant problematic?
It does not transfer heat well and causes hot spots in the engine
What are obvious coolant leaks?
Leaks from pipes or water pumps on the outside of the engine
What does a weep hole in the water pump indicate?
A leaking pump seal
What can result from coolant entering a cylinder?
Hydraulic lock, leading to catastrophic damage
What is a potential consequence of mixing coolant with engine oil?
Damage to bearings and other components
What should be replaced with the correct sized plugs during coolant flushing?
Core plugs (frost plugs)
What is the first step in troubleshooting a cooling system?
Ensure all sensors and temperature gauges are functioning correctly
What should you check for in the cooling system before removing the radiator cap?
Coolant level in the expansion tank and radiator
This indicates if the system is still under pressure.
What should you check if the coolant level is low?
The oil for possible glycol contamination
What should you do if the radiator core is dirty?
Blow or wash out the core in the opposite direction of air flow
What should be tested or noted regarding the fan during inspection?
Proper operation of the fan
What should be done with the radiator cap if it is faulty?
Test it or change it for a new one of the same pressure rating
Fill in the blank: Mixing coolant with engine oil damages the _______.
bearings
What instruments can be used to test the strength of antifreeze solution?
Hydrometer or refractometer
These tools measure the concentration of antifreeze in the coolant.