Engine Components
Identify the primary function of the engine piston.
What is to compress the air-fuel mixture and transmit force to the crankshaft?
Describe the role of the radiator in the engine cooling system.
What is to dissipate heat from the coolant by transferring it to the surrounding air?
Define motive power theory in the context of automotive engineering.
What is the study of power sources and mechanisms used to propel vehicles, including internal combustion engines, electric motors, and hybrid systems?
Describe the primary purpose of engine oil in the lubrication system.
What is to reduce friction between moving engine parts, dissipate heat, and provide engine component protection?
Describe one symptom indicating a potential issue with engine compression.
What is loss of power, misfiring, or white smoke from the exhaust?
Name the component responsible for regulating the opening and closing of engine valves.
What is the camshaft?
Name two components of the cooling system responsible for monitoring and regulating engine temperature.
What are the thermostat and coolant temperature sensor?
Identify two types of motive power systems commonly found in modern vehicles besides traditional internal combustion engines.
What are electric/hybrid systems and alternative fuel systems (e.g., hydrogen fuel cells)?
Name two essential components of an engine's lubrication system besides engine oil.
What are the oil pump and oil filter?
Identify two potential causes of engine knocking or pinging noises.
What are incorrect fuel octane, carbon buildup, or improper ignition timing?
Explain the function of the engine's crankshaft in the internal combustion process.
What is converting the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion?
Explain the purpose of the water pump in the engine cooling system.
What is to circulate coolant through the engine and radiator to regulate temperature?
Explain the fundamental differences between an internal combustion engine and an electric motor in terms of motive power generation.
What are combustion-based mechanical power (IC engine) versus electrical power (electric motor)?
Explain the importance of regular oil changes in maintaining engine health and performance.
What is to ensure proper lubrication, prevent engine wear, and remove contaminants from the engine?
Explain the possible reasons behind blue smoke coming from the exhaust of an engine.
What is burning oil due to worn piston rings, valve seals, or a faulty PCV valve?
Explain the role of the timing belt or timing chain in an engine and its potential consequences if it fails.
The timing belt/chain synchronizes the engine's camshaft and crankshaft rotation. If it fails, it can cause severe engine damage due to valves and pistons colliding.
Discuss the purpose of the thermostat in the engine cooling system and its potential impact if it malfunctions.
The thermostat regulates coolant flow to maintain optimal engine temperature. If it fails, it can cause overheating or inefficient engine cooling.
Compare and contrast series and parallel hybrid systems, highlighting their operational differences and advantages.
Series hybrids use the electric motor as the sole source of propulsion, while parallel hybrids combine the engine and electric motor for propulsion. Series hybrids might offer greater efficiency in certain scenarios.
Discuss the importance of maintaining proper oil viscosity in an engine and the potential consequences of using the wrong oil viscosity.
Proper oil viscosity ensures adequate lubrication. Using the wrong viscosity can lead to increased engine wear, reduced lubrication efficiency, and decreased engine performance.
Identify two possible causes of excessive black smoke emitted from the exhaust of an engine.
Excessive black smoke can result from over-fueling or incomplete combustion due to issues like a clogged air filter or faulty injectors.
Identify and describe the function of the main bearings in an engine.
Main bearings support the crankshaft, allowing it to rotate within the engine block. They reduce friction and support the engine's rotating assembly.
Describe the operation of the cooling fan clutch in an engine cooling system and its role in temperature regulation.
The cooling fan clutch engages the engine cooling fan to regulate airflow through the radiator, increasing airflow during high temperatures to cool the engine.
Explain the concept of regenerative braking in hybrid or electric vehicles and its significance.
Regenerative braking captures kinetic energy during braking, converting it into electrical energy to recharge the vehicle's battery, thereby improving overall efficiency and range.
Describe the function and benefits of an oil catch can in an engine's lubrication system.
An oil catch can traps oil vapors and contaminants, preventing them from recirculating back into the engine. This helps reduce carbon buildup and maintains cleaner engine components.
Discuss the process of performing a compression test on an engine and how the results can help diagnose engine issues.
A compression test measures cylinder pressure. Low compression in one or more cylinders might indicate worn piston rings, valve problems, or head gasket issues.