Terms and Definitions

Question 1

Aluminum Alloy

Answer 1

Aluminum that has other metals mixed with it

Question 2

Bearing

Answer 2

A device that allows movement between two objects while supporting the position of the objects. For example, bearings are used to hold a shaft in position while allowing the shaft to rotate.

Question 3

Cam

Answer 3

A portion of a shaft that is out-of-round. Because it is out-of-round, the cam can move another part that is resting against it.

Question 4

Camshaft

Answer 4

A shaft that is driven by the crankshaft at half the crankshaft speed. The camshaft contains the cam lobes, which are responsible for opening the valves. The camshaft may also be used to drive the oil pump, distributor, and/or feul pump.

Question 5

Cast Aluminum

Answer 5

Aluminum that is heated to its molten state and poured into a forming mold.

Question 6

Cast iron

Answer 6

Iron that is heated to its molten state and poured into a forming mold.

Question 7

Connecting rod

Answer 7

In a reciprocating engine, an internal rod that connects the piston to the crankshaft.

Question 8

Coolant

Answer 8

Fluid that carries excessive heat from the engine.

Question 9

Cooling system

Answer 9

A system that maintains the correct engine temperature (175-220 degrees F). Cooling systems usually use fluid and/or air.

Question 10

Crank

Answer 10

A shaft that is offset. The portion of the shaft that is offset can be used to gain a mechanical advantage in turning the shaft.

Question 11

Crankshaft

Answer 11

A crank-shaped shaft that converts the linear motion of the piston into rotating motion.

Question 12

Cycle

Answer 12

A term that refers to a repetitive function of a mechanical system, such as the cycle of a piston within a cylinder.

Question 13

Cylinder

Answer 13

The piston chamber within an engine block. The cylinder contains the piston. The piston moves within the cylinder as the engine operates.

Question 14

Cylinder head

Answer 14

Plate or cap on top of the cylinder block that contains the ignition system parts and may contain part of the valve train and cooling system components.

Question 15

Diesel engine

Answer 15

A reciprocating piston engine that uses the compression stroke to provide enougfh heat to initiate ignition. This engine uses diesel fuel, has a higher compression ratio than the gasoline engine, and does not use spark plugs. Some diesel engines use glow plugs to facilitate starting in cold temperatures.

Question 16

Forged steel

Answer 16

steel that is formed by pressure while still in solid form. Forged steel is heated enough to make it soft. Once soft, the steel is formed and then cooled.

Question 17

Fuel

Answer 17

A chemical that is used to generate the heat required to operate an engine.

Question 18

Gasoline engine

Answer 18

A reciprocating piston engine that relies on an ignition system to ignite the fuel.

Question 19

Hybrid vehicle

Answer 19

A vehicle that uses both an electric motor and internal combustion engine for propulsion. This type of vehicle gets better gas mileage and has lower emissions than conventional vehicles.

Question 20

Inline engine

Answer 20

An engine design in which the cylinders are positioned in a single line.

Question 21

Lubrication system

Answer 21

A system that provides lubricant to reduce friction between engine parts.

Question 22

Miller-cycle engine

Answer 22

An engine that is a modified version of the four-stroke cycle engine. This engine uses a supercharger and other changes in the four-stroke process to make the engine more efficient.

Question 23

Oil pan

Answer 23

An engine compartment that contains oil. The oil pan is usually located at the bottom of the engine.

Question 24

Oil pump

Answer 24

An engine-driven pump that delivers oil to the engine’s moving parts.

Question 25

Opposed engine

Answer 25

An engine design in which the cylinders are positioned flat on both sides of the crankshaft.