Auto and Shop: Engine Systems and Repair Flashcards

What is the purpose of the engine's cooling system?

Answer: To prevent the engine from overheating

The cooling system maintains proper engine temperature to prevent overheating.

What is the role of the alternator in a vehicle?

Answer: Recharge the battery and power electrical systems while running

The alternator generates electricity to recharge the battery and power accessories while the engine runs.

What do spark plugs do in a gasoline engine?

Answer: Ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture in each cylinder

Spark plugs produce an electrical spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture at the right moment.

What is the function of the oil pump?

Answer: Circulate oil throughout the engine to reduce friction

The oil pump circulates engine oil to lubricate moving parts and reduce friction and heat.

What is a four-stroke engine cycle?

Answer: Intake, Compression, Power, Exhaust

The four strokes are Intake, Compression, Power (combustion), and Exhaust.

What does the radiator do?

Answer: Cools engine coolant by dissipating heat into the air

The radiator transfers heat from hot coolant to the surrounding air.

What is the purpose of the timing belt or chain?

Answer: Synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft rotation

The timing belt/chain ensures the crankshaft and camshaft rotate in precise synchrony.

What is the function of the catalytic converter?

Answer: Reduce harmful emissions from exhaust gases

The catalytic converter uses chemical reactions to convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful ones.

What does a torque wrench measure?

Answer: The rotational force applied to a fastener

A torque wrench measures and controls the rotational force applied when tightening bolts.

What is the function of the fuel injector?

Answer: Spray atomized fuel into the intake manifold or cylinder

Fuel injectors spray a precise, atomized mist of fuel into the combustion chamber.

What causes engine 'knocking' or 'pinging'?

Answer: Premature ignition of the air-fuel mixture

Knocking occurs when the air-fuel mixture ignites before the spark plug fires, causing double combustion events.

What is the purpose of motor oil viscosity ratings (e.g., 10W-30)?

Answer: Describe oil's resistance to flow at different temperatures

Viscosity ratings describe how oil flows at cold (W = winter) and operating temperatures.

What does a vehicle's differential do?

Answer: Allows drive wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns

The differential allows the outer wheel to rotate faster than the inner wheel in a turn.

What is the purpose of the vehicle's air filter?

Answer: Filter dust and debris from air entering the engine

The air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine's intake and causing wear.

What is the function of the crankshaft?

Answer: Convert the pistons' up-and-down motion into rotational motion

The crankshaft converts the linear motion of pistons into rotational energy to drive the drivetrain.

What does bleeding the brakes accomplish?

Answer: Removes air bubbles from the brake lines

Bleeding brakes removes air that can cause a spongy, ineffective brake pedal.

What is a caliper in a disc brake system?

Answer: The component that holds and applies the brake pads to the rotor

The brake caliper houses the brake pads and hydraulically squeezes them against the rotor to slow the wheel.

What is the purpose of the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve?

Answer: Recirculate blow-by gases from the crankcase back into the intake

The PCV valve routes crankcase gases back into the intake to be burned, reducing emissions.

What does an engine compression test measure?

Answer: The pressure built up in each cylinder during the compression stroke

A compression test checks the sealing ability of the piston rings, valves, and head gasket in each cylinder.

What is the function of the master cylinder in a brake system?

Answer: Convert pedal force into hydraulic pressure

The master cylinder converts the mechanical force from pressing the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure.