A
Abbreviation or symbol for Absorption coefficient, Acceleration, Ampere, Attenuation coefficient, Fine-structure constant, Helmhotz free energy, Magnetic vector potential.
A-2 tire
A term used for tire sizes 16.00 and larger in nominal cross section. Also called earthmover, off-road, or off-the-road tire.
A4R70W
Acronym for Automatic Overdrive Electronic Wide Ratio Transmission
AA
Acronym for Automobile Association a term used in Great Britain.
AAA
Acronym for American Automobile Association
AABM
Acronym for Association of American Battery Manufacturers, Inc.
AAC
Acronym for Auxiliary Air Control Valve
AADT
Acronym for Annual Average Daily Traffic -- a measure of traffic flow.
AAE
Acronym for Association of Automotive Employers (Poland).
AAIA
Acronym for Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.
AALA
Acronym for American Automobile Labeling Act
AAM
Acronym for Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
AAP
Acronym for Auxiliary acceleration pump
A arm
See
A-arm
A-arm
A-arm
A Suspension linkage formed in the shape of an A or V found commonly on the Front suspension. The sides of the two legs of the A-arm are connected to the Chassis by rubber Bushings and the peak of the A-arm is attached to the wheel assembly. In this way, the wheel can freely move up and down. Sometimes there is an upper A-arm, a lower A-arm, or both upper and lower A-arms. The British call it a wishbone.
Also See
Double wishbone
Double a-arm
AAS
Acronym for Air aspirator system.
AASHTO
Acronym for American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
AAV
Acronym for Anti-Afterburning Valve (Mazda)
AAWF
Acronym for Annual Average Weekday Flows -- a measure of traffic flow.
AAWT
Acronym for Annual Average Weekday Traffic -- a measure of traffic flow.
b
1. Symbol for susceptance in an AC circuit (unit is the siemens; measured by the negative of the reactive component of the admittance
2. Symbol for magnetic flux density in a magnetic circuit (unit is the tesla; 1T=1 Wbm-2=1 Vsm-2).
B+
An acronym for Battery positive voltage used to designate positive voltage at aor near the battery level.
BA
An abbreviation for British Association which is a term used to describe a series of fine, small diameter threads for electrical and precision equipment.
Babbitt
An Alloy of tin, copper, and antimony having good antifriction properties. Used as a facing for bearings.
Also See
Babbitt's metal
Babbitt metal
See
Babbitt
Babbitt's metal
Babbitt's metal
A bearing alloy originally patented by Isaac Babbitt, composed of 50 parts tin, five antimony, and one copper. Addition of lead greatly extends range of service. Composition varies widely, with tin 5-90%, copper 1.5-6%, antimony 7-10%, lead 5-48.5%.
Babysitter
Colloquial term for a co-signer or co-buyer on an automobile purchase contract.
Babcock and Wilcox boiler
A water-tube boiler consisting in its simplest form of a horizontal drum from which is suspended a pair of headers carrying between them an inclined bank of straight tubes.
Babo's law
The vapor pressure of a liquid is lowered when a non-volatile substance is dissolved in it, by an amount proportional to the concentration of the solution.
Baby
A small incandescent spotlight used in film and television production.
Baby seat
Baby Seat
A specially designed seating device (which is not generally standard equipment) to hold safely very young children (usually under the weight of 10 kilograms).
BAC
1. Acronym for Blood Alcohol Content
2. Acronym for bypass air control system
3. Acronym for Bypass air control valve
Back
A large vat used in various industries, such as dyeing, soap-making, and brewing. Also spelled beck
Also See
Backbone chassis
Backbone frame
Be Back
blowback
Feedback
Frost Back
Kamm back
Popping back
Spine-back
Roll Back
Back ampere-turns
That part of the armature ampere-turns which produces a direct demagnetizing effect on the main poles. Also called demagnetizing ampere-turns
Back annealing
Controlling the softening of a fully work hardened metal so as to produce the desired degree of temper by partial recrystallization.
Also See
Annealing
Temper
Back axle
The rear axle.
Back axle ratio
See
Final drive ratio
Back band
The outside member of a door or window casing.
Backbone
The major long-distance, multi-channel link in a telecommunication network, from which smaller links branch off
Also See
Backbone frame
Backbone chassis
See
Backbone frame
Backbone frame
Backbone Frame
A vehicle Frame, having the cross-section of a rectangular box, that runs along the center of the vehicle and occupies the space between the seats. This box generally divides at the front, running along each side of the Gearbox and engine up to a crossmember to which the Front suspension pieces are attached. At the rear a similar triangular frame encloses the final-drive housing and provides attaching points for the Rear suspension. Lightness combined with high Torsional rigidity are features of this frame design, made famous by Colin Chapman with the Lotus Elan.
Also See
Tubular backbone frame
Backbone network
A high-capacity computer network that links together other networks of lower capacity. Fiber optic cables are often used to form these links.
Back coupling
Any form of coupling which permits the transfer of energy from the output circuit of an amplifier to its input circuit.
Also See
Feedback
Back diode
See
Backward diode
Back edging
A method of cutting a tile or brick by chipping away the biscuit below the glazed face, the front itself being scribed.
Back EMF
The EMF which arises in an inductance (because of rate of change of current), in an electric motor (because of flux cutting) or in a primary cell (because of polarization), or in a secondary cell (when being charged). Also called counter EMF
Back-emf cells
Cells connected into an electric circuit in such a way that their emf opposes the flow of current in the circuit.
Back emission
Emission of electrons from the anode.
Back end
When the dealer sends a vehicle purchase contract to the bank for financing, the dealer is given an extra bonus (the back end) from the bank for choosing this bank.
Backfill
Materials used to replace previously excavated material.
Backfire
1. Passage of unburned fuel mixture into the Exhaust system where it is ignited and causes an Explosion (backfire) prematurely.
2. Sometimes Ignition takes place in the Intake manifold by a flame from a Cylinder because the Intake valve leaks. Burning of the fuel mixture in the Intake manifold may be caused by faulty Timing, crossed plug wires, leaky Intake valve, etc.
3. A welding term referring to a short pop of the torch flame followed by extinguishing of the flame or continued burning of the gasses.
Backfiring
Repeated backfires in the exhaust or the cylinders.
Backfitting
Making changes to nuclear (and other) plants already designed or built, e.g., to cater to changes in safety criteria.
Back-flap hinge
A hinge in two square leaves, screwed to the face of a door which is too thin to permit the use of a butt hinge.
Backflow scavenging
See
Loop scavenging
Backflushing
Pushing fluid in a direction opposite of normal flow. This is done for cleaning the engine's cooling system.
See
Flushing the cooling system
Back focus
The distance between the rear surface of a lens and the image of an object at infinity.
Back gear
A speed-reducing gear fitted to the headstock of a belt-driven metal-turning lathe. It consists of a simple layshaft, which may be brought into gear with the coned pulley and mandrel when required.
Background
Extraneous signals arising from any cause which might be confused with the required measurements, e.g., in electrical measurements of nuclear phenomena and of radioactivity, it would include counts emanating from amplifier noise, cosmic rays and insulator leakage.
Background job
A task having a low priority within a multiprogramming system.
Also See
Job queue
Background noise
Extraneous noise contaminating sound measurements and which cannot be separated from wanted signals. For example residual output from microphones, pickups, lines giving a signal-to-noise ratio. Also called ground noise
Background radiation
Radiation coming from sources other than that being observed.
Background video
(BGV) A technique for overlaying video on previously recorded depth multiplex audio. Also called video on sound (VOS).
Backhand welding
Welding in the direction opposite to the direction that the gas flame is pointing. Also called backward welding.
Also See
Forehand welding
Backheating
Excess heating of a cathode due to bombardment by high-energy electrons returning to the cathode. In magnetrons, it may be sufficient to keep the cathode at operating temperature without external heating.
Backing
1. Some material placed on the root side of a weld to aid control of penetration.
2. Light-absorbent layer on the rear surface of photographic film or plate to reduce unwanted exposure
3. A meterological term describing the changing of a wind in a counter-clockwise direction.
Also See
Veering
Also See
Steel backing
Backing boards
Wedge-shaped wooden boards between which an unbound book is held in the lyingpress, while the joints are being formed for attaching the case.
Backing pad
A rubber disc which is secured to a spindle which in turn is attached to a drill or other tool which rotates the spindle. An abrasive disc or polishing disc is secured to the backing pad.
Backing plate
Backing plate
1. The part of a drum brake to which the wheel cylinder(s) and the brake shoes are attached.
2. A pressed steel plate upon which the brake shoes, wheel cylinder, and anchor pin are mounted.
Also See
Brake backing plate
•
Backing-up
1. Printing on the second side of a sheet.
2. Backing a letterpress printing plate to required height.
Back-kick
The violent reversal of an internal-combustion engine during starting due to a Backfire
Backlash
1. The amount of play or Clearance between two parts. In the case of gears, it refers to how much one gear can be moved back and forth without moving the gear into which it is meshed.
2. Mechanical deficiency in a tuning control, with a difference in dial reading between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation.
3. Property of most regenerative and oscillator circuits, by which oscillation is maintained with a smaller positive feedback than is required for inception.
Backlight
1. The rear window of a vehicle. Most people call it a rear window and erroneously think of backlight as the taillight.
2. The light source (often a cold cathode discharge in a flat fluorescent envelope) used in some light-modulating flat panel displays such as those based on LCD
Backlight compensation
(BLC) The opening of the iris to correctly expose a backlit subject which would otherwise be a silhouette
Backlight defogging system
Heated rear window
Backlight heater
Heated rear window
Back lighting
Lighting illuminating the subject from behind, opposite the camera, often to provide rim light or halo effects.
Back lobe
Lobe of polar diagram for antenna, microphone, etc. which points in the reverse direction to that required.
Backlocking
Holding a signal lever partially restored until completion of a predetermined sequence of operation.
Backmatter
The items which follow the main text of a book, i.e., appendices, notes, glossary, bibliography, index. The UK term is end matter
Back observation
An observation made with instrument on station just left. Also called back sight
Back panel
The panel of the body shell set underneath the trunk lid. It is sometimes referred to as the rear valance if the area below the trunk lid consists of only a single panel that extends down to the bottom of the body; in many designs, however, the rear valance is a separate horizontal panel that extends from the rear bumper area downward. The British term is rear panel
Also see
Lower Back Panel
Backplate
British term for Brake backing plate
Back-porch effect
The prolonging of the collector current in a transistor for a brief time after the input signal (particularly if large) has decreased to zero.
Back pressure
1. The Resistance to the flow of Exhaust gases through the Exhaust system. By rerouting the exhaust gases for noise suppression, a Muffler causes back pressure, but a straight pipe alone causes only minimal back pressure. Some engines require back pressure, so that removing the Exhaust system will cause internal damage.
2. Pressure in low side of refrigerating systems; also called suction pressure or low-side pressure.
3. The pressure opposing the motion of the piston of an engine on its exhaust stroke.
4. The exhaust pressure of a turbine. Increased by clogged or defective exhaust system.
5. Pressure against which a fluid or gas is flowing, resulting from friction in lines, restrictions in pipes, valves, pressure in vessel to which fluid is flowing, hydrostatic head, or other impediment that causes resistance to fluid flow.
Also See
Exhaust back pressure
Negative back pressure valve
Negative back pressure modulated valve
Back pressure modulated
See
Negative back pressure modulated valve
Back pressure modulated valve
See
Negative back pressure modulated valve
Backpressure Transducer EGR Valve
See
Integral Backpressure Transducer EGR Valve
Back Pressure Transducer Valve
See
Exhaust Back Pressure Transducer Valve
Back-pressure turbine
A steam turbine from which the whole of the exhaust steam, at a suitable pressure, is taken for heating purposes.
Back pressure valve
See
Negative back pressure valve
Backpressure variable transducer
(BVT) a system combining a ported EGR valve and a backpressure variable Transducer to control emissions of NOx
Back projection
1. Projection of a picture, from film, transparency, or video, on to a translucent screen to be viewed from the opposite side,
2. A form of motion picture composite photography in which the projected picture forms the background to action taking place in front of it, both being photographed together.
Back rake
In a lathe tool, the inclination of the top surface or face to a plane parallel to the base of the tool.
Backrest
The back (upright) part of the seat against which your back reclines.
Back scatter
The deflection of radiation or particles by scattering through angles greater than 90° with reference to the original direction of travel.
Back-seat
1. An air conditioning term which means to rotate a service valve counterclockwise all the way down until the valve is back-seated. When referring to a stem type service valve, the term has a more specific meaning-in the back-seated position, the valve outlet to the system is open and the service port in the valve is closed (its normal operating position).
2. The seating behind the front passenger and/or driver
Back-seat driver
A person who is not physically in control of the vehicle, but who gives driving instruction to the driver, usually in an obnoxious manner.
Back seating
Fluid opening or closing such as a gauge opening to seat the joint where the valve stem goes through the valve body.
Back sight
See
Back observation
Backspacing
Process which maintains synchronization when video recording is stopped and started. The tape being rolled back for roughly one second at the end of a recorded segment then switched into play to compare and synchronize the control track pulses with the incoming synchronization pulses before recording begins again.
Back-step welding
Welding small sections of a joint in a direction opposite the direction that the weld as a whole is progressing.
Backstop
The structure of a relay which limits the travel of the armature away from the pole-piece or core.
Back-to-back
Parallel connection of valves, with the anode of one connected to the cathode of the other, or transistors in parallel in opposite directions, to allow control of AC current without rectification.
Back up
To go in reverse.
Back up alarm
An annoying loud beeping which is repeatedly sounded when a vehicle (usually a large truck) is placed in reverse. It is designed to warn pedestrians behind the vehicle. The British term is reversing warning signal
Back up light
A white light which is located at the rear of the vehicle and is illuminated when the transmission is placed in reverse. The British term is reversing light
Back-voltage
Voltage which opposes the current when the current in an inductive circuit changes and the magnetic field cuts the conductors.
Also See
Self-induction back-voltage
Backward busying
Applying busy condition at the incoming end of a trunk or junction (usually during testing or fault-clearance) to indicate at outgoing end that circuit must not be used.
Backward diode
One with characteristic of reverse shape to normal. Also called AU diode or back diode
Backward hold
A method of interlocking the links of a switching chain by originating a locking condition in the final link and extending it successively backwards to each of the preceding links
Backward lead
See
Backward shift
Backward shift
Movement of the brushes of a commutating machine around the commutator, from the neutral position, and in a direction opposite to that of the rotation of the commutator, so that the brushes short-circuit zero emf conductors when the load current, through armature reaction, results in a rotation of the neutral axis of the air-gap flux. Shifting the brushes in this way reduces sparking on the commutator. Also called backward lead
Backward signaling
Signaling from the called to the calling end of a circuit.
Backward-wave tube
General term for a family of microwave traveling-wave tubes in which energy on a slow-wave circuit or structure, linked closely to the electron beam, flows in the opposite direction to the electrons. They can be used as stable, low-noise amplifiers or as oscillators, as the latter, they can be easily tuned over a wide frequency range by altering he beam voltage.
Backward welding
See
Backhand welding
Backwater
Water, containing fine fibers, loading and other additives, removed in the forming section of a paper or board-making machine. It is generally re-used within the system or clarified in a saveall to recover suspended matter.
Backyard mechanic
A person, whether qualified or not, who repairs his own vehicle or those of others and works in his own property.
BAC level
Acronym for Blood Alcohol Content level
Badge
An emblem with a manufacturer's name and/or logo on a plate to identify a model or component.
Also See
Bonnet badge
Hood badge
Badge engineering
When a manufacturer sells two identical vehicles but the model names are different, he is badge engineering. For example, General Motors may sell a vehicle as a Chevrolet or a Pontiac where the only difference is the model name, logo, and more or less chrome or other minor alterations.
Badging
The act of a manufacturer in Badge engineering
Baffle
Baffle
1. An obstruction (e.g., plate or vane) used to slow down or divert the flow of gases, liquids, sound, etc. They are found in the Fuel tank, Crankcase, Muffler, and Radiator.
2. Extended surface surrounding a diaphragm of a sound source (loudspeaker) so that an acoustic short-circuit is prevented.
3. Any device to impede or divide a fluid flow in a tank to reduce sloshing of liquid.
4. Plates fitted between cylinders of air-cooled engines to assist cooling.
5. Internal structure or electrode, with no external connection, used in gas-filled tubes to control the discharge or its decay.
6. An object placed in an Appliance to change the direction of or retard the flow of gas, air, gas-air mixtures, or flue (exhaust) gases.
7. A wall or partition inside a liquid tank that inhibits the flow of fluids reducing the slosh effect that liquid tankers experience.
Also See
Air Horn Baffle
Box baffle
Flue gas baffle
Load-Bearing Flue Gas Baffle
Non-Load-Bearing Flue Gas Baffle
Baffle loudspeaker
An open-diaphragm loudspeaker, in which the radiation of sound power is enhanced by surrounding it with a large plane baffle, generally of wood.
Baffle plate
1. A metal plate that acts as a Baffle.
2. A plate used to prevent the movement of a fluid in the direction which it would normally follow, and to direct it into the desired path.
3. Plate inserted into waveguide to produce change in mode of transmission.
See
Directional Baffle Plate
Bag
See
Air bag
Courier bag
Cruiser bag
Driver air bag
Handlebar Bag
Passenger-side air bag
Shot bag
Side impact air bag
Tank bag
Bag drop
A location where your supplies have been cached. In randonneuring events of 1200 km, you can pre-arrange to have a bag of extra clothes and other supplies waiting for you at a prescribed control (i.e., checkpoint). Also called a drop.
Bagger
A motorcycle equipped with saddlebags and other touring amenities.
Bag molding
Use of a flexible membrane ( the bag) to exert pressure, usually about one atmosphere, on a thermosetting composite Laminate or sandwich component while it is curing at ambient temperature in an open mold. Pressure can be generated either by evacuating the inside of the bag (vacuum bag molding) or by pressurizing its outer surface (pressure bag molding).
Bag pump
A form of bellows pump, in which the valved disk taking the place of the bucket is connected to the base of the barrel by an elastic bag, distended at intervals by rings.
Bail
The spring-wire loop used to secure the cover on most Master cylinder reservoirs.
Bailey bridge
A temporary bridge made by assembling portable prefabricated panels. A nose is projected over rollers across the stream, being followed by the bridge proper, with roadway. Also used over pontoons.
Baily furnace
An electric-resistance furnace in which the resistance material is crushed coke placed between carbon electrodes; used for heating ingots and bars in rolling mills, for annealing, etc.
Bainite
A microstructural product formed in steels when cooled from the austenite state at rates or transformation temperatures intermediate between those which form pearlite martensite, i.e., between about 800 and 500° K. It is an acicular structure of supersaturated ferrite containing particles of carbide, the dispersions of the latter depending on the formation temperature. Its hardness is intermediate between that of pearlite and martensite and exhibits mechanical properties similar to those of tempered martensite in a steel of the same carbon content.
Bait
See
Bear bait
Baize
A lightweight woollen felt used to cover pool tables and bulletin boards.
Bake
A process of drying or curing paint by using heat.
Baked core
A dry sand core baked in the oven to render it hard and to fix its shape.
Also see
Core sand
Baked images
The technique of heating a printing plate (mainly lithographic) to harden the printing image and thus increase the image's resistance to wear, hence lengthening the run expectancy on the press.
Bakelite
The trademark for a synthetic thermosetting plastic Resin used in electrical parts because it is a good insulator. The name comes from its inventor, L. H. Baekeland, 1863-1944.
Bake-out
Preliminary heating of components of a vacuum device to release absorbed gases.
Baking finish
Paint that requires baking in order to dry.
Baking temperature
The temperature at which a varnish or paint must be baked to develop desired final properties of strength and hardness.
Balance
1. The state in which weight is evenly distributed.
2. The action of applying weights or drilling holes in something to establish even weight distribution so that vibration is reduced.
3. Adjustment of sources of sound in studios so that the final transmission adheres to an artistic standard.
4. Said to be obtained in bridge measurements when the various impedances forming the arms of the bridge have been adjusted, so that no current flows through the detector.
Aerodynamic balance
Automatic White Balance
Balance shaft
Brake balance
Counter balance
Crankshaft counter-balance
Dynamic balance
Electrical Balance
Harmonic balancer
Heat balance
Kinetic balance
Off-car balance
On-car balance
Quartz-fiber Balance
Spool balance valve
Spring Balance
Static balance
Steering wheel balance
Tire balance
Wheel balancer
Balance bar
The heavy beam by which a canal-lock gate may be swung on its Pintle, and which partially balances the outer end of the gate.
Balance box
A box, filled with heavy material, used to counterbalance the weight of the jib and load of a crane of the cantilever type.
Balance control
A switching device on a stereo radio which adjusts the amount of sound coming from the left and right speakers or from the front and rear speakers.
Balance-crane
A crane with two arms, one having counterpoise arrangements to balance the load taken by the other.
Balanced amplifier
One in which there are two identical signal-handling branches operating in phase opposition, with input and output connections balanced to ground.
Balanced-armature pick-up
A pick-up in which the reproducing needle is held by a screw in a magnetic arm, which is pivoted so that its motion diverts magnetic flux from one arm of a magnetic circuit to another, thereby inducing emf in coils on these arms.
Balanced circuit
For AC and DC, a circuit which is balanced to ground potential, i.e., the two conductors are at equal and opposite potentials with reference to ground at every instant.
Balanced crankshaft
A crankshaft with extended reinforcements to form counterbalancing or act as a vibration damper.
Balanced current
A term used, in connection with polyphase circuits, to denote currents which are equal to all the phases. Also applied to DC three-wire systems.
Balanced draft
A system of air-supply to a boiler furnace, in which one fan forces air through the grate, while a second, situated in the uptake, exhausts the flue gases. The pressure in the furnace is thus kept atmospheric, i.e., is balanced.
Balanced draught
A system of air-supply to a boiler furnace, in which one fan forces air through the grate, while a second, situated in the uptake, exhausts the flue gases. The pressure in the furnace is thus kept atmospheric, i.e., is balanced.
Balanced engine
An engine in which all the reciprocating parts such as pistons and connecting rods are adjusted to exactly the same weight.
Balance disc
A disc-shaped device in a centrifugal pump which is attached to the pump shaft. The disc lifts when a force is applied to the underside of the disc allowing pressure to leak past until the axial forces are balanced.
Balanced laminate
Symmetrical laminated material in which the sequence of laminae above the center plane is the mirror image of that below it.
Balanced line
A line in which the impedances to ground of the two conductors are, or are made to be, equal. Also called balanced system
Balanced load
A load connected to a polyphase system, or to a single-phase or DC three-wire system, in such a way that the currents taken from each phase, or from each side of the system, are equal and at equal power factors.
Balanced mixer
A mixer, which may be made of discrete components or formed in stripline or waveguide, in which the local oscillator breakthrough in the output is minimized and certain harmonics suppressed. The contribution of local oscillator noise to the receiver's overall performance is also reduced by such a mixer.
Balanced modulator
A modulator in which the carrier and modulating signal are combined in such a way that the output contains the two sidebands but not the carrier. Used in color television to modulate subcarriers, and in suppressed-carrier communication systems.
Balanced network
A network arranged for insertion into a Balanced circuit and therefore symmetrical electrically about the mid-points of its input and output pairs of terminals.
Balanced-pair cable
A cable with two conductors forming a loop circuit, the wires being electrically balanced to each other and ground (shield), e.g., an open-wire antenna feeder.
Balanced pedal
In an organ console, the foot-operated plate, pivoted so that it stays in any position, for remote control of the shutter of the chambers in which ranks of organ pipes are situated; it also serves for bringing in all the stops in a graded series.
Balanced protective system
A form of protective system for electric transmission lines and now widely used domestically in which the current entering the line or apparatus is balanced against that leaving it. Any fault, such as a short circuit to ground, upsets this balance and energizes a relay which trips the faulty circuit. Also called differential protective system or colloquially, ground leak relay or ground trip.
Balanced system
See
Balanced line
Balanced terminator
A two-terminal load in which both terminals present the same impedance to ground.
Balanced voltage
A term used, in connection with polyphase circuits, to denote voltage which are equal to all the phases. Also applied to DC three-wire systems.
Balanced weave
A weave in which the length of free yarn between the intersections is the same as the warp and weft directions and on both sides of the fabric.
Balance gate
A flood gate which revolves about a vertical shaft near its center, and which may be made either self-opening or self-closing as the current sets in or out by giving a preponderating area to one leaf of the gate.
Balance patch
A factory installed patch used to bring a new tire within quality control balance tolerances before distribution and sale. It is placed inside the Tire casing and looks much like a nail hole repair patch.
Balance pipe
A tube which joins two or more carburetors to even out the flow difference.
Balance piston
See
Dummy piston
Balancer
A device used on polyphase or three-wire systems to equalize the voltages between the phases or the sides of the system, when unbalanced loads are being delivered.
Also See
AC balancer
Crankshaft Balancer
Harmonic balancer
Wheel balancer
Balancer transformer
An autotransformer connected across the outer conductors of an ac three-wire system, the neutral wire being connected to an intermediate tapping.
Balance shaft
An engine will normally vibrate because of the up-and-down motion of the Pistons which turn a Crankshaft in one direction. A balance shaft rotates (often in the opposite direction) so that its vibration cancels some of the vibration of the engine. Sometimes an engine will have two balance shafts turning in opposite directions located on either side of the Crankshaft.
Balance valve
See
Spool balance valve
Balance weight
1. A lead weight attached to the rim of a wheel.
2. Small weights threaded on radial arms on the movement of an indicating instrument, so adjusted that the pointer gives the same indication whatever the orientation of the instrument.
3. A weight used to counterbalance some part of a machine, e.g., weights applied to a crankshaft to minimize or neutralize the inertia forces due to reciprocating and rotating masses of the engine.
Also See
Wheel weight
Balancing
1. Dismantling engine and reassembling it to exact Specifications and Tolerances. This process may help to improve engine performance, smoothness, and reliability. Sometimes called Blueprinting.
Also See
Balanced engine
2. Keeping wheels in balance.
3. In color reproduction, control of the levels of the three color components to achieve a satisfactory picture without obvious color bias, esp. in the representation of neutral grey tones.
4. The process of adjusting a traverse, i.e., applying corrections to the different survey lines and bearings so as to eliminate the closing error.
Also See
Off-car Balancing
Off-the-car balancing
On-the-car balancing
On-car Balancing
Wheel Balancing
Balancing antenna
Auxiliary reception antenna which responds to interfering but not to the wanted signals. The interfering signals thus picked up are balanced against those picked up by the main antenna, leaving signals more free from interference.
Balancing machine
A machine for testing the extent to which a revolving part is out of balance, and to determine the weight and position of the masses to be added, or removed, to obtain balance.
Also See
Wheel balancer
Balancing speed
See
Free-running speed
Balancing weight
See
Wheel weight
Bald tire
A tire on which the tread is all worn away. A Slick also has no tread, but this is done deliberately for racing purposes.
Balk
The material between two excavations. Also called baulk.
Balking
See
Crawling
Balk ring
Click image to supersize
Balk Ring
A friction-regulated Pawl or plunger used to make the engagement of gears easier. British spelling is baulk ring
Ball
A sphere usually made of metal when used in automotive applications.
Also see
Ball and spring
Ball bearing
Ball joint
Ball joint rocker arm
Check ball
Detent ball and spring
Discharge Check Ball
Hitch ball
Impact swivel ball universal joint
Pump Inlet Check Ball
Recirculating-ball-and-nut steering
Recirculating ball steering
Recirculating ball worm and nut
Towing ball
Ball and nut
See
Recirculating ball and nut steering
Ball-and-nut steering
See
Recirculating ball steering
Ball and socket
See
Ball joint
Ball-and-socket head
Camera mounting allowing universal movement in rotation and tilt before fixing by clamping usually fitted to the top of tripod.
Ball-and-socket joint
A joint between two rods, permitting considerable relative angular movement in any plane. A ball formed on the end of one rod is embraced by a spherical cup on the other. Used in light control systems (e.g., in connecting a pair of bell-cranks which operate in planes at right angles) and in the steering mechanism of motor vehicles, in which both ball and cups are of case-hardened metals. Heavier examples allow a large base plate to be placed under a supporting column in a jack-up pontoon or modified as bridge bearings to allow some articulation.
Also See
Ball joint
Ball and spring
Also See
Detent ball and spring
Ballast
1. Any liquid or solid weight (gravel or stone) placed in a ship to change the trim, increase the draft, or to regulate the stability.
2. A layer of broken stone, gravel, or other material deposited above the formation level of road or railway; it serves as foundation for road-metal or permanent-way respectively.
3. Sandy gravel used as a coarse aggregate in making concrete.
Also See
Dry ballast
Lead ballast
Liquid ballast
Ballast ignition system
An ignition system which uses a Ballast resistor connected in series with the coil primary winding and which is bypassed when the starter is engaged so that the spark is more efficient under cold weather starting.
Ballasting
The addition of Liquid or Dry weight inside the tire to act as a counterbalance, to increase traction, reduce wheel spin, and dampen out bounce.
Ballast lamp
Normal incandescent lamp used as a ballast resistor, current limiter, alarm, or to stabilize a discharge lamp.
Ballast resistance
A term used in railway signaling to denote the resistance between the two track rails across the Ballast on which the track is laid. If allowed to fall too low, it will have the effect of shunting the signal from a trains's wheels.
Ballast resistor
(BAL RES)
1. A resistor inserted into a circuit to swamp or compensate changes, e.g., those arising through temperature fluctuations. One similarly used to swamp the negative resistance of an arc or gas discharge. Also called ballast tube.
2. A Resistor constructed of a special type wire, the properties of which tend to increase or decrease the Voltage in direct proportion to the heat of the wire.
Also See
Barretter
Ballast tank
Tanks at the bottom or sides of a ship which are filled with seawater for ballasting purpose.
Ballast tube
See
Ballast resistor
Ball bearing
An antifriction bearing consisting of an inner and outer Hardened steel Race (or Cage) separated by a series of hardened steel balls.
Also See
Annular ball bearing
Linear ball bearing
Loose Ball Bearings
Ball bearing puller
A tool for removing a ball bearing from a shaft or from a housing.
Ball cage
A circular frame which holds the balls in place in a ball bearing.
Ball check valve
Valve assembly which permits flow of fluid in one direction only.
Ball-ended magnet
A permanent magnet, consisting of a steel wire with a steel ball attached to each end; this gives a close approximation to a unit pole.
Ball end hexagon screwdriver
A tool that looks like an Allen wrench except it has a small ball at the very end. This arrangement allows it to work at various angles.
Balling
1. A process that occurs in the cementite constituent of steels on prolonged annealing at 650°C - 700°C.
2. The operation of forming balls in a puddling furnace.
Ballistic circuit breaker
A very high-speed circuit breaker, in which the pressure produced by the fusing of an enclosed wire causes interruption of the circuit.
Ballistic galvanometer
A galvanometer with a long swing period; the deflection measures the electric charge in a current pulse or the time integral of a voltage pulse.
Ballistic method
A method of high-grade testing used in electrical engineering, a Ballistic galvanometer being used.
Ballistic pendulum
A heavy block suspended by strings so that its swings are restricted to one plane. If a bullet is fired into the block, the velocity of the bullet may be calculated from a measurement of the angle of swing of the pendulum.
Ballistics
The study of the dynamics of the path taken by an object moving under the influence of a gravitational field.
Ball joint
Ball Joint
A flexible Joint using a ball and Socket type of construction, used in Steering linkage setups, Steering knuckle pivot supports, etc. Their flexibility helps to compensate for the changes in the wheel and steering when turning or hitting a bump on the road. There are usually upper and lower ball joints attached to the upper and lower A-arms. Some have a grease nipple to allow periodic lubrication.
See
Upper Ball Joint
Ball joint rocker arm
Ball Joint Rocker Arm
A Rocker arm used by GM that is mounted upon a ball-shaped device on the end of a Stud instead of being mounted around a shaft.
Ball joint separator
A tool for forcing out ball or tapered joints. One style is shaped like a two-prong fork with a wedge-shaped jaw which is struck with a hammer to separate the joint. Another style uses direct pressure from a screw or screw-activated lever action to split the joint.
Ball joint steering knuckle
Steering Knuckle
A Steering knuckle that pivots on Ball joints instead of on a Kingpin.
Ballonet
An air compartment in the envelope of an aerostat, used to adjust changes of volume in the filler gas.
Balloon
A general term for aircraft supported by buoyancy and not driven mechanically.
Also See
Barrage balloon Captive Balloon
Balloon barrage
An anti-aircraft device consisting of suitably disposed tethered balloons
Balloon former
On rotary presses, an additional former mounted above the others, from which folded webs are gathered to make up the sections of multi-sectioned newspapers or magazines.
Ballooning of yarn
The shape taken up by yarns on the spinning or doubling machines.
Balloon tire
A type of low pressure tire which was first introduced in the 1920s. Its width and height were the same which gave it a rounded shape. This style was used on bicycles as well as automobiles.
Ballot
A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 model automobiles with required application are Classic cars.
Ballotini
Small, solid glass spheres or beads used as a filler for plastics and to increase reflectivity in paints and printing inks.
Ball-pane hammer
A fitter's hammer, the head of which has a flat face at one end, and a smaller hemi-spherical face or pane at the other; used chiefly in riveting. Also called Ball pien hammer
Ball pien hammer
Ball Pein Hammer
A hammer with two ends on the head. One is round and the other is flat. They are best used for hammering and shaping metal. Also spelled ball peen
Ball peen hammer
A hammer with two ends on the head. One is round and the other is flat. They are best used for hammering and shaping metal. Also spelled ball pien
Ball race
1. The inner or outer steel ring forming one of the ball tracks of a ball bearing.
2. Commonly, the complete ball bearing
Ball sizing
Forcing a suitable ball through a hole to finish size it, usually part of a Broach with a series of spherical lands of increasing size arranged along it.
Ball socket
A recessed spherical well for receiving the ball in a Ball joint
Ball steering
See
Recirculating ball steering
Ball track
See
Ball bearing
Ball universal
See
Impact swivel ball universal joint
Ball universal joint
See
Impact swivel ball universal joint
Ball valve
A check valve in which a ball in a tube is used to control the flow of liquid.
Ball worm
See
Recirculating ball worm and nut
Ball worm and nut
See
Recirculating ball worm and nut
BALPA
Acronym for British Airline Pilots Association
BAL RES
Abbreviation for Ballast resistor
Bambi
Trucker slang for a deer (dead or alive) as in "There's a Bambi on the side at the 43 yardstick."
Banana plug
A single conductor plug which has a spring metal tip, in the shape of a banana. The corresponding socket or jack is termed a banana jack
Banbury mixer
Type of machine used for compounding rubber with vulcanizing ingredients and carbon black.
Band
Bands are like a metal belt which is in the shape of a circle where the two ends are close, but do not meet. They wrap around parts inside the Transmission called drums. The drums house the gears and Clutches and Freewheel until a certain gear needs to be applied. When first gear needs to be applied, the drum for first gear is locked up by the application of the band. By locking up the drum, the gears now drive the wheels rather than Freewheel inside the drum.
Also See
Back band
Brake band
Frequency band
Power band
Squish band
Band brake
A flexible band wrapped partially around the periphery of a wheel or drum. One end is anchored, and the braking force is applied to the other.
Also See
Brake band
Band chain
Steel tape. More accurate than ordinary chain.
Band clutch
A Friction clutch in which a fabric-lined steel band is contracted on to the periphery of the driving member by engaging gear.
Band conveyor
An endless band passing over, and driven by, horizontal pulleys, thus forming a moving track which is used to convey loose material or small articles. Also called belt conveyor or conveyor belt
Band edge energy
The energy of the edge of the conduction band or valence band in a solid, measured with respect to some convenient reference or else used as the reference level for other energy states.
Also See
Band theory of solids
Band gap
The range of energies which correspond with those values which are forbidden for delocalized states, according to the Band theory of solids. Localized states such as those associated with ionized dopants, impurity atoms, or crystal imperfections exist in the gap. The generation of pairs of electrons and holes requires quanta of at least the energy of the band gap. Direct recombination likewise furnishes quanta with energies at least equal to the band gap.
Band ignitor tube
A valve of mercury pool type in which the control electrode is a metal band outside the glass envelope. Also called capacitron
Banding
1. A structural feature of wrought metallic materials revealed by etching, resulting from microstructural segregates and constitutional differences within the grain structure becoming drawn out in the direction of working.
2. Defect in videotape recording heads causing visible horizontal bands in the picture.
Band-pass filter
Filter which freely passes currents having frequencies within specified nominal limits, and highly attenuates currents with frequencies outside these limits.
Band radio
See
Citizens band radio
Band-rejection filter
See
Band-stop filter
Bands
See
Band
Bandsaw
A narrow endless strip of saw-blading running over and driven by pulleys, as a belt; the strip passes a work table placed normal to the straight part of the blade. The workpiece is forced against the blade and intricate shapes can be cut. Also used for cutting animal carcases in butchery.
Band spectrum
Molecular optical spectrum consisting of numerous very closely spaced lines which are spread through a limited band of frequencies.
Band-spreading
1. Use of a relatively small tuning capacitor in parallel with the main tuning capacitor of a radio receiver, so that fine tuning control can be done with the smaller; useful when the frequency band is crowded.
2. Mechanical means, like reduction gearing, to achieve the same result.
Band-stop filter
Filter which attenuates signals having frequencies within a certain range or band, while freely passing those outside this range. Also called band-rejection filter
Band theory of solids
For atoms brought together to form a crystalline solid, their outermost electrons are influenced by a periodic potential function, so that their possible energies form bands of allowed values separated by bands of forbidden values (in contrast to the discrete energy states of an isolated atom). These electrons are not localized or associated with any particular atom in the solid. This band structure is of fundamental importance in explaining the properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators.
Bandwidth
1. The range of audio frequencies that an audio component (radio) can handle.
2. The width, or spread, of the range of frequencies used for a given purpose, e.g., the width of individual channels allotted to speech or to television transmissions.
3. The space occupied in the frequency domain by signals of a specified nature, e.g., telephone quality speech, broadcast-quality stereophonic music, television, radar transmission, etc.
B & S
Abbreviation for Bore and Stroke which describes the width of a cylinder hole and the distance that the piston moves each time.
B & S gage
Abbreviation for Brown and Sharpe. A standard measure of wire diameter.
B & S gauge
Abbreviation for Brown and Sharpe. A standard measure of wire diameter.
Banger
1. A colloquial term used to express the Cylinders in an engine. Often used with a number such as Six banger.
Also See
Four banger Six Banger
2. A British colloquial term for Beater (an older, cheaper, well-worn car which is still usable).
3. One who fakes an accident.
Also See
Car banger
Banger racing
A competition of speed on small racing tracks where older cars are driven as fast as they can go and where bumping other racing cars is permitted (encouraged??).
Banging
See
Car banging
Banjo
1. Besides being a musical instrument, this is a Fitting which is shaped like a banjo. It has round end that is doughnut shaped with a tube coming out from one side. It is usually used to transfer fluid from the center hole of the round end and out the lateral tube.
2. A drum-shaped central part of an axle casing containing the differential.
Banjo axle
The commonest form of rear-axle casing in which the provision of the differential casing in the center produces a resemblance to a banjo with two necks.
Banjo fitting
A type of hydraulic fitting, shaped like a banjo, through which a hollow bolt passes, allowing fluid transfer from a hydraulic line to a hydraulic component.
Banjo rear axle housing
A rear axle housing from which the Differential unit may be removed while the housing remains in place on the vehicle. The housing is solid from side to side. Compare Split rear axle housing
Bank
A number of similar pieces of equipment grouped in line and connected, e.g., a bank of engine cylinders, coke ovens, or transformers.
Also See
Cylinder bank
Banked boiler
A boiler furnace in which the rate of combustion is purposely reduced to a very low rate for a period during which the demand for steam has ceased by e.g., covering the fire with slack or fine coal or banking up. Also called banked fire.
Banked fire
See
Banked boiler
Banking
1. The slope of a track from the wall to the Apron, generally measured in the corners.
2. Angular displacement of the wings of an aircraft about the longitudinal axis, to assist turning. In other words, tipping the plane so that one wing drops while the other rises.
3. Process of suspending operation in a smelter by feeding fuel into the furnace only until as much metal and slag as possible have been removed, after which all air inlets are closed.
Banquette
1. A raised footway inside a bridge parapet.
2. A ledge on the face of a cutting.
Also See
Berm
Bar
1. A unit of pressure. One bar equals 100 kilopascals (10 5Pa) or 750.07mm of mercury at 0°C and latitude 45° or about 14.5 psi.
2. A rod.
3. A pivoted bar, parallel to a running rail, which being depressed by the wheels of a train, is capable of holding points or giving information about a train's position
4. Material of uniform cross-section, which may be cast, rolled, or extruded.
Also see
Angle bar
Anti-roll bar
Anti-sway bar
Antisag bar
Balance bar
Boring bar
Bulb bar
Bull bar
Bumper bar
Bus-bar
Compensating bar
Compensator
Extension bar
Freeway bar
Gunwale bar
Header bar
Hi-way bar
Highway bar
Hood bar
Impact Bar
Ladder bars
Landau bars
Levering bar
Locking bar clamp
Main bar
Nerf bar
Nudge bar
Port bar
Push bar
Quarter-wave Bar
Roo bar
Side impact bar
Sissy bar
Spring bar
Stabilizer bar
Stringer bar
Strut bar
Sway bar
T-bar
Targa bar
Test bar
Tommy bar
Torsion bar
Track bar
Traction bar
Tread bar
Wear bars
Wheelie bar
Wheelie bars
Wobble extension bar
Barach
The author and compiler of this dictionary at Motorera.com
Bar-and-yoke
Method of magnetic testing in which the sample is in the form of a bar, clamped into a yoke of relatively large cross-section, which forms a low reluctance return path for the flux.
Barathea
Woven fabric used for coats and suits and made from silk, worsted, or man-made fibers. Characteristic surface appearance arising from the twill or broken-rib weave used in its manufacture.
Barba's law
Law concerned with the plastic deformation of metal test pieces when strained to fracture in a tensile test; it states that test pieces of identical size deform in a similar manner.
Barbershop
Trucker slang for a low overpass where a large truck might clip its top if the truck's clearance is higher than the height of the overpass.
Bar clamp
Bar Clamp
A tool with a stationary head and a sliding foot for clamping purposes.
Also See
Locking bar clamp
Bare
1. Something slightly smaller than the specified dimension.
2. A unit without the attaching hardware
Bare conductor
A conductor not continuously covered with insulation, but supported intermittently by insulators, e.g., bus-bars and overhead lines.
Bare electrodes
Electrodes used in welding that are not coated with a basic slag-forming substance.
Bar ends
Bar Ends
Short handlebar Add-on extensions which are attached to the ends of a Mountain bike handlebar to add another riding position.
Bar end shifter
Bar End Shifter
A bicycle gear shifter that is inserted into each of the ends of a handlebar.
Bare pavement
A road condition where the pavement is visible and substantially free of snow and ice following plowing, scraping, or other means
Bare shell
The shell of a car body in which all parts have been removed including doors, hood, and trunk lid.
Barge
A flat-bottomed boat for carrying cargo or bunker oil, usually pulled by tugs.
Also See
Tank-barge
Barge carriers
Ships designed to carry barges.
Bar generator
Source of pulse signals, giving a bar pattern for testing TV cathode-ray tubes.
Bar keel
See
Keelson
Barkhausen effect
The phenomenon of discontinuous changes in the magnetization of a magnetic material while the magnetizing field is smoothly varied. It is the consequence of sudden changes in the domain structure as domain walls overcome various pinning defects and to a lesser extent as domain orientations discontinuously rotate away from preferred crystal areas H. G. Barkhausen (in 1919) detected voltage pulses induced in coils surrounding a magnetic sample as it was magnetized. Analogous ultrasonic emissions are also associated with the magnetization of magnetostrictive materials. The character of Barkhausen emissions is strongly dependent on microstructure and stress.
Barkhause-Kurz oscillator
Oscillator with a triode valve having its grid more positive than the anode. Electrons oscillate about the grid before reaching the anode. Output frequency depends on the transit time of electrons through the tube.
Bar lathe
A small lathe of which the bed consists of a single bar of circular, triangular, or rectangular section.
Barlow lens
A plano-convex lens between the objective and eye-piece of a telescope to increase the magnification by increasing the effective focal length.
Bar magnet
A straight bar-shaped permanent magnet, with a Pole at each end.
Bar mill
A rolling mill with grooved rolls, for producing round, square, or other forms of bar iron of small section.
Barn
Unit of effective cross-sectional area of nucleus equal to 10 -28 m². So called because it was pointed out that although one barn is a very small unit of area, to an elementary particle the size of an atom which could capture it is "as big as a barn door."
Also See
Cross-section
Barn door
Pair of adjustable flaps on a studio lamp for controlling the light.
Barney
A soft cover to reduce noise from a film camera.
BARO
1. Acronym for Barometric Pressure
2. Acronym for Barometric pressure sensor.
3. Acronym for Barometric absolute pressure sensor
Barograph
A recording Barometer, usually of the aneroid type, in which variations of atmospheric pressure cause movement of a pen which traces a line on a clockwork driven revolving drum.
Barometer
An instrument used for the measurement of atmospheric pressure. The Mercury barometer is preferable if the highest accuracy of readings is important, but where compactness has to be considered, the Aneroid barometer is often used.
Also See
Altimeter
Barometric absolute pressure sensor
(BARO or BP)
1. A sensor that provides ambient atmospheric pressure information.
2. Sends a variable voltage signal to the computer which varies in accord with atmospheric pressure, allowing adjustment of the spark advance, EGR flow, and air/fuel ratio as a function of altitude.
Also called a Barometric pressure sensor
Barometric and manifold absolute pressure sensor
(BMAP) A housing containing both BP and MAP sensors.
Barometric corrections
Necessary corrections to the readings of a mercury barometer for index error, temperature, latitude, and height.
Barometric error
The error in the time of swing of a pendulum due to change of air pressure. Though small, it is sometimes avoided in clocks by causing the pendulum to swing in an atmosphere of constant (low) pressure.
Barometric pressure
(BP) The pressure of the atmosphere as read by a barometer. Expressed in millibars (See Bar), the height of a column of mercury, or (SI) in hectopascals (SI units).
Barometric pressure sensor
(BARO or BP) A sensor found in the engine management system which detects the ambient barometric pressure so that precise fuel mixture can be maintained at different altitudes.
Barometric tendency
The rate of change of atmospheric pressure with time. The change of pressure during the previous three hours.
Barostat
A device which maintains constant atmospheric pressure in a closed volume, e.g., the input and output pressure of fuel metering device of a gas turbine to compensate for atmospheric pressure variation with altitude.
Barrage
See
Balloon barrage
Barrage balloon
A small captive kite balloon, the cable of which is intended to destroy low-flying aircraft.
Barred code
Any dialed code that automatic exchange apparatus is printed to reject by connecting the caller no further than number unobtainable tone.
Barrel
1. A hollow, usually cylindrical, machine part, often revolving, sometimes with wall apertures
2. The Air horn in the Carburetor. In particular, it is that part where the Throttle valve is located. If a Carburetor has four openings with a throttle valve in each, it is called a four-barrel carburetor.
Also See
Carburetor barrel
Four barrel carburetor
3. Another name for the Carburetor barrel, Cylinder, Cylinder barrel, Four barrel, Polishing barrel, and Single barrel.
4. To travel fast as in We barreled down the highway well above the speed limit.
5. The main cylinder in which molten polymer is prepared for extrusion or injection into molds.
Also See
Injection molding
6. (bbl) A capacity of 42 US gallons (35 imperial gallons or 159.1 liters) frequently used as a unit in the oil industry.
Barrel cam
A cylindrical cam with circumferential or end track.
Barrel carburetor
See
Four barrel carburetor
Single barrel carburetor
Twin barrel carburetor
Barrel distortion
Curvilinear distortion of an optical or electronic image in which horizontal and vertical straight lines appear barrel-shaped, bowed outwards. Also called positive distortion.
Barrel etcher
A device usually used to oxidize and thereby strip away hardened photoresist materials during semiconductor processing. In it a batch of wafers is exposed to a low-pressure oxygen plasma.
Barrel hopper
A machine for unscrambling, orienting and feeding small components during a manufacturing process, in which a revolving barrel tumbles the components on to a sloping, vibrating feeding blade.
Barrel Nut
An internally threaded screw with a slotted head.
Barrel plating
Electroplating of many small items by placing them in a perforated barrel revolving in a vat filled with an appropriate plating solution. The barrel is made the Cathode in the cell and the articles tumble against each other during rotation, continually touching at different places, and so become uniformly coated with the electrodeposit.
Barrel shape
A drum defect caused by excessive wear at the center of the friction surface.
Barrel tappet
A hollow rocker arm shaped like a barrel.
Barrel temperatures
Temperatures at which an extrusion or injection molding barrel is kept, usually rising to a peak at the nozzle. The range is determined by the polymer type and its melt viscosity.
Also see
Injection molding
Barrel-type crankcase
A gasoline-engine crankcase so constructed that the crankshaft must be removed from one end; in more normal construction the crankcase is split.
Also see
Split crankcase
Barrel wear
A type of brake drum wear in which the center of the friction surface is worn more than the edges
Barretter
Iron-wire resistor mounted in a glass bulb containing hydrogen, and having a temperature variation so arranged that the change of resistance ensures that the current in the circuit in which it is connected remains substantially constant over a wide range of voltage. Also called ballast tube
Barricade
A temporary structure designed to warn vehicles that the road or a portion of the road is no longer usable.
See
A-frame barricade
Breakaway barricade
Barrier
1. In transformers, the solid insulating material which provides the main insulation, apart from the oil.
2. The refractory material intended to localize or direct any arc which may arise on the operation of a circuit breaker.
Also see
Brush barrier
Crash barrier
Jersey barriers
Radiant Barrier
Vapor Barrier
Barrier cream
A special cream which is applied to your hands before working on a greasy engine. When the job is over, you can wash your hands and easily remove the grease stains. Also called invisible glove or silicon glove
Barrier effect
The effect produced by coating metal to shield it from corrosion.
Barrier layer
1. In semiconductor junctions, the depletion layer
2. In an optical fiber cable, an intermediate layer of glass between the low refractive index core and the high refractive index cladding.
3. In general a layer placed so as to inhibit interdiffusion of heat, matter, etc.
Barrier paint
A primer which is used on bare metal to prevent corrosion.
Barring gear
An arrangement for moving heavy electrical plant, using manpower. Rotating machines and transformers are equipped with wheels and movement is possible by inserting crowbars at suitable points and levering the equipment.
Barring motor
A small motor which can be temporarily connected, by a gear or clutch, to a large machine to turn it slowly for adjustment or inspection.
Bar roof
See
T bar roof
Bars
See
Bar
Ladder bars
Landau bars
Riser Bars
Wear bars
Wheelie bars
Bar suspension
A method of mounting the motor on an electrically propelled vehicle. One side of the motor is supported on the driving axle and the other side by a spring-suspended bar lying transversely across the truck. Also called yoke suspension.
Also see
Torsion bar suspension
Bar-type current transformer
A Current transformer in which the primary consists of a single conductor that passes centrally through the iron core upon which the secondary is wound.
Bar winding
An armature winding for an electric machine whose conductors are formed of copper bars.
Bar-wound armature
An armature with large sectioned conductors which are insulated and fixed in position and connected, in contrast with former-wound conductors which are sufficiently thin to be inserted, after shaping in a suitable jig.
Barye
See
Microbar
BAS
Acronym for Belt Alternator Starter -- a Hybrid vehicle system from GM
Base
1. The lowest supporting part of an upright member.
2. The bottom layer or coating in a series of paint coats.
3. The major ingredient, other than pigments and filler, that make up the non-volatile portion of an adhesive, coating, or sealing compound.
4. The region between the emitter and collector of a transistor, into which minority carriers are injected. It is essentially the control electrode of the transistor.
5. The part of an electron tube which has pins, leads, or terminals through which connections are made to the internal electrodes.
6. The thin flexible support on which a photographic emulsion or magnetic coating is carried.
7. A layer of specified material of specified thickness placed below the road surface.
Also See
Bead base
Carburetor Base
Edison base
Flat base rim taper
Flat base rim
Lithium base grease
Load base
Negative load base
Quaternary Ammonium Bases
Rim well base
Base and clear system
Paint finish which is made up of a colored base coat (usually a metallic finish) and clear lacquer coat.
Base circle
As applied to the Camshaft the lowest spot on the cam, the area of the cam directly opposite the lobe or nose. No lift is produced by the base circle. Also called Cam heel
Base coat
The first coat in a paint system. It is either the undercoat or primer or a colored coat which is covered by clear lacquer.
Base gasket
The Gasket directly below the Cylinder and between the Cylinder and Crankcase. Also called cylinder gasket.
Base grease
See
Lithium base grease
Base idle
The idle speed determined by the throttle lever setting on the carburetor or throttle body while the idle speed control (ISC) motor, or any other computer-controlled idle speed control device, is fully retracted and disconnected.
Base interest rate
The interest paid on the usage of the vehicle during a lease. It is the cost of a lease before factoring in discounts, fees, and penalties and is not directly comparable to the APR for a loan. Lowering the base interest rate is one of the methods manufacturers use to subsidize leases. The phrase money factor measures the same cost and can be converted into a base interest rate. For example, to convert a money factor of 0.00276 into an approximate base interest rate would multiply the money factor by 24. The result would be 0.0662 or 6.6%.
Baseline
A fore-and-aft reference line at the upper surface of the flat plate keel at the centerline for flush shell plated vessels. Vertical dimensions are measured from a horizontal plane through the baseline, often called the molded baseline.
Base material
Any material (metal or plastic) which needs to be coated.
Base metal
1. Metal that is under a coating or that needs to be coated.
2. Metal to be welded, cut, or brazed.
Base model
The least expensive vehicle with the least amount of features as standard equipment. It has the smallest engine and often Manual transmission as well as few power equipment. Base models constitute only a small percentage of the cars sold. Sometimes called a stripper or stripped down unit.
Baseplate
A strong metal plate which is the main support for something.
Also see
Distributor baseplate
Base rim
See
Flat base rim
Flat base rim taper
Base rim taper
See
Flat base rim taper
Base Year
See
Auto Pact Base Year
Basher
A small studio lamp placed close to or on the camera mounting.
Basic ignition setting
The ignition setting on a non-running engine according to the specifications. After the engine is running, the timing can be set more accurately.
Basic ignition timing
The ignition timing on a non-running engine according to the specifications. After the engine is running, the timing can be set more accurately.
Basic loading
The limiting mechanical load, per unit length, on an overhead line conductor.
Basic price
The price of a vehicle without including any optional accessories, taxes, delivery charges, etc.
Basic process
A steel-making process, either Bessemer, open-hearth, or electric, in which the furnace is lined with a basic refractory, a slag rich in lime being formed, enabling phosphorus to be removed.
Also see
Acid process
Basic six
The group of instruments essential for the flight handling of an aircraft and consisting of the airspeed indicator, vertical speed indicator, altimeter, heading indicator, gyro horizon, and turn and bank indicator.
Basic slag
Furnace slag rich in phosphorus (as calcium phosphate) which, with silicate and lime, is produced in steel making, and ground and sold for agricultural fertilizer.
Basic speed
The speed which an electric motor develops at rated voltage with rated load applied
Basic steel
Steel which has reacted with a basic lining or additive to produce a phosphorus-rich slag and a low-phosphorus steel.
Basic T
A layout of flight instruments standardized for aircraft instrument panels in which four of the essential instrument panels in which four of the essential instruments are arranged in the form of a T. The pitch and roll attitude display is located at the junction of the T flanked by airspeed on the left and attitude on the right. The vertical bar portion of the T is taken up by directional information.
Basic timing
The ignition timing on a non-running engine according to the specifications. After the engine is running, the timing can be set more accurately.
Basic weight
The weight of the structure (wing, body, tail unit, and landing gear) of an aircraft, plus the propulsion system and the airframe services and equipment (mechanical systems, avionics, fuel tanks, and pipes). Includes residual oil and undrainable fuel but no operational equipment or payload.
Basin
See
Building basin
Catch basin
Catch Pit
Catchment Basin
Basket case
An old car which probably does not run. Often many engine and transmission parts have been removed and are either missing or stored in the trunk or a basket
Basket coil
Coil with criss-cross layers, so designed to minimize self-capacitance.
Bass boost
Amplifier circuit adjustment which regulates the attenuation of the lowest frequencies in the audio scale, usually to offset the progressive loss toward low frequencies.
Bass compensation
Differential attenuation introduced into a sound-reproducing system when the loudness of the reproduction is reduced below normal, to compensate for the diminishing sensitivity of the ear toward the lowest frequencies reproduced.
Bass frequency
A frequency close to the lower limit in an audio-frequency signal or a channel for such, e.g., below 250 Hz.
Bastard
Something that is irregular, in between, or unusual.
Bastard file
Bastard File
A file (a tool) which has a coarse cut (as opposed to a finishing file). It is one cut finer than a coarse file. Files are classed as coarse, second cut, and smooth, from coarsest to finest. Thus, a bastard file is a cut in between a coarse and a second cut. The word bastard functions here in its meaning as irregular or neither coarse nor second cut.
Bastard thread
A screw-thread which does not conform to any recognized standard dimensions.
Bastard title
The fly page before the full title page of a book. Often wrongly called a half-title
Bat
1. A lump or collection of something.
2. Acronym for Battery
Also See
Fiberglass
Batch
1. A number of things which are produced as a group.
2. A mixture of natural and synthetic rubber with other material such as fillers, chemicals, and vulcanizing agents in the production of tires.
3. The mixture of raw materials from which glass is produced in the furnace. A proportion of cullet is either added to the mixture, or placed in the furnace previous to the charge. Also called charge.
Batch box
See
Gauge box
Batch furnace
A furnace in which the charge is placed and heated to the requisite temperature. The furnace may be maintained at the operating temperature, or heated and cooled with the charge. Distinguished from Continuous furnace
Batch mill
Cylindrical grinding mill into which a quantity of material for precise grinding treatment is charged and worked until finished.
Batch number
A number which may be added to a serial number to identify when the product was manufactured. In this way, when a problem occurs to some products of the same batch, action can be taken to correct or replace others from the same batch.
Batch process
Any process or manufacture in which operations are completely carried out on specific quantities or a limited number of articles, as contrasted to continuous or mass-production. In semiconductor manufacture, one in which several wafers are treated simultaneously as distinct from stages in which wafers are processed singly.
Bath
1. A tub into which something is immersed.
2. A liquid solution used for cleaning, plating, or maintaining a specified temperature.
Also See
Anodizing bath
Galvanizing bath
Oil bath air cleaner
Open Bath
Primer bath
Sealing bath
Zinc bath
Bath air
See
Oil bath air cleaner
Bath air cleaner
See
Oil bath air cleaner
Bath lubrication
A method of lubrication in which the part to be lubricated, such as a chain or gearwheel, dips into an oil-bath.
BA thread
See
British Association screw-thread
Bath Suspension
See
Oil Bath Suspension
Bathtub
Bodywork resembling an upside-down bathtub used on the rear of some Triumph motorcycles. It was introduced in 1957 and dropped in the early 1960s. It was also used on Nash cars of the 50's.
Bathtub combustion chamber
The volume in the cylinder above the piston that is shaped like an inverted bathtub with the valves in the bottom of the tub. Since all the valves can be arranged in a single row, the valve-operating camshaft and/or rocker gear are simple to design and operate. The long, oval shape of the bathtub controls excessive turbulence, and the flat areas where the piston comes right up to the head surface supply the squish needed to swirl the mixture. The wide cylinders and short piston strokes in modern engines make it possible to use large valves with bathtub heads for efficient gas flow.
Also See
Hemispherical combustion chamber
Wedge combustion chamber
Squish combustion chamber
Piston-crown combustion chamber
Battens
See
Cargo battens
Hatch battens
Batter level
A form of clinometer for finding the slope of cuttings and embankments
Battery
Click image to supersize
Battery
An Electrochemical device for producing electricity by converting chemical energy. The typical automotive lead-acid battery supplies the source of power for Cranking the engine and also provides the necessary electrical energy for the Ignition system. In addition, it can (for a limited time) furnish Current when the electrical demands of the vehicle exceed the Alternator or Generator output. Also called the storage battery.
Also see
Accumulator battery
Alkaline battery
B-battery
Booster battery
Buffer battery
Cell Battery
Charged battery
Check the battery
Dead battery
Discharged battery
Disconnect the battery
Dry battery
Dry Cell Battery
Dry charged battery
Energy Battery
Flat battery
Gel cell battery
High energy battery
Isolate the battery
Lead-acid battery
Lead Acid Rechargeable Battery
Low-maintenance battery
Low battery
Maintenance-free battery
Ni-cad Rechargeable Battery
Primary battery
Rechargeable battery
Secondary battery
Sodium-Sulfur battery
Storage battery
Top up the battery Wet Cell Battery
Battery acid
Electrolyte (usually sulfuric acid) in each of the battery cells.
Battery acid tester
Battery Tester
A hydrometer for checking the strength of the acid mixture in each cell of a battery. Fluid is sucked into the instrument by squeezing and releasing the bulb. The scale measures the acid.
Battery booster
A motor-generator set used for giving an extra voltage, to enable a battery to be charged from a circuit of a voltage equal to the normal voltage of the battery.
Battery brush
Battery Brush
A specially designed brush set which cleans the outside terminals of the battery post as well as the inside of the battery cable so that good contact is made.
Battery cap
Small caps which seal each battery cell.
Battery capacity
The amp-hour capacity.
Battery cell
Individual compartments in a battery which is filled with electrolyte. Six-volt batteries have three cells, 12-volt batteries have six cells.
Battery case
The box made of polypropylene holding several chambers (cells) which have lead plates and filled with electrolyte.
Battery charge
The condition or state of the amount of electricity in a battery.
Battery charge indicator
An instrument which shows the state of charge in a battery.
Battery charger
Click image to supersize
Battery Charger
An electric device which is plugged into an electrical outlet (e.g., 110 volt AC) and connected to the two terminals of the battery to restore the state of charge in the battery. One of leads coming from the charger is red and the other is black. The red lead is clamped on the positive post of the battery while the other is clamped on the frame of the vehicle.
Battery charging
The process of renewing the Battery by passing an electric Current through the battery in a reverse direction.
Battery charging station
With the advent of electric cars, there needs to be places where their batteries can be recharged periodically -- thus is born the battery charging station. Also called a charging point.
Battery clamp
A hold down device which secures the battery from moving around.
Battery coil ignition
High-tension supply for spark plugs in automobiles, in which the interruption of a primary current from a battery induces a high secondary emf in another winding on the same magnetic circuit, the high tension being distributed in synchronism with the contact-breaker in the primary circuit.
Battery compartment
A place in the vehicle where the battery is located. In cars and trucks it may be found under the hood (usually toward the front), under one of the seats, or in the trunk. In motorcycles it is found in the middle of the bike, under the seat.
Battery condition
See
Battery charge
Battery connector
A plug on battery-powered vehicles to connect the batteries to the Charging station
Battery Council International
A group which makes decisions related to battery composition and disposal.
Battery cover
The top of the Battery case. It has several holes (covered with caps) for access to the battery cells.
Battery cut-out
An automatic switch for disconnecting a battery during its charge, if the voltage of the charging circuit falls below that of the battery.
Battery discharge controller
A device on a vehicle which is driven by an electrical motor. It triggers a warning indicator when the battery power drops below a certain level.
Battery discharge indicator
An instrument on a vehicle which is driven by an electrical motor which indicates the percentage of the maximum charge of the battery.
Battery earth
British term for Battery strap or Ground strap
Battery filler
A device with a long hollow tube with a rubber bulb at one end. It is used for inserting into a container of Battery acid and sucking up the acid, then inserting into the battery cell to fill it. However, motorcycle batteries arrive from the manufacturer with no electrolyte (battery acid). Battery acid comes in a large plastic container with a rubber hose to which a metering clamp is attached. The container is usually placed on a higher shelf so that it is fed into the battery by gravity and regulated by the metering clamp.
Battery fill line
A horizontal line on the side of a translucent battery case which indicates the level to which you fill it with electrolyte. Usually there are two lines indicating a minimum level and maximum level.
Battery fluid
See
Battery acid
Battery hold down clamp
See
Battery clamp
Battery ignition
Any system where the battery supplies the initial voltage to power the starter motor and fire the spark plugs.
Battery ignition system
See
Battery ignition
Battery is dead
The battery does not have enough electrical power to start the car.
Battery is flat
The battery does not have enough electrical power to start the car.
Battery load tester
Battery Load Tester
An instrument which is applied to the terminals of a Battery. When first installed, the battery voltage appears on the dial. By pressing a switch, the voltage is channeled through a series of resistors. While a battery may indicates 12 volts or more without a load, it may not meet the amperage for which it is rated when under load.
Battery Manufacturers
See
Association Of American Battery Manufacturers
Battery master switch
A control which cuts power from the battery to the other components of the vehicle. Used to disable a vehicle so that thieves have a harder time stealing the vehicle.
Battery positive voltage
(B+) A term used to designate positive voltage at or near the battery level.
Battery post
The terminal on a battery to which the cable is attached. Older automobile batteries used a round post which stood up from the top of the battery. To avoid confusion, the positive post has a larger diameter than the negative. On newer batteries the post may or may not be abandoned in favor of a terminal on the side of the battery. On motorcycle batteries, the posts are usually flat with a hole for bolting the cables to them.
Battery regulating switch
A switch to regulate the number of cells connected in a series in a battery.
Battery spear
A special form of spike used to connect a voltmeter to the plates of the accumulator cells for battery-testing under load. The voltmeter incorporates a low resistance in shunt which simulates a heavy load on the battery, thus testing its work capability. The heavy current passed for this purpose necessitates special heavy duty battery connectors.
Battery state indicator
See
Battery charge indicator
Battery strap
1. A wire cable or braided wire strap to transfer electricity. It can be found between the engine block and the Chassis because the engine is isolated from the Chassis by rubber mounts. Also called ground strap.
2. A rubber strap with metal hooks at each end and is used to secure a battery in place, especially on motorcycles.
Also see
Ground wire
Battery terminal
1. A Battery post on the top of the battery or a lug with a hole on the side of the battery.
2. The clamp at the end of a battery cable.
Battery tester
Battery Tester
1. A voltage meter or hydrometer for checking the state of charge of a battery.
2. An instrument for checking the condition of the battery cells
Also see
Battery acid tester
Battery traction
An electric-traction system in which the current is obtained from batteries (accumulators) on the vehicles.
Battery tray
A metal or plastic on which the battery sits.
Battery vehicle
See
Battery traction
Baudelot cooler
Heat exchanger in which water flows by gravity over the outside of the tubes or plates.
Baudot code
Code in which five equal-length bits represent one character; sometimes used for teleprinters where one start and one stop element are added to each group of five bits.
Baulk
See
Balk
Baulk ring
British spelling for Balk ring
Bay
1. Unit of racks designed to accommodate numbers of standard-sized panels, e.g., repeaters or logical units.
2. Unit of horizontally extended antenna, e.g., between masts.
Also see
Engine bay
Bayonet bulb
See
Bayonet cap
Bayonet cap
Bayonet Cap
(BC) A cylindrical base of an electric bulb, usually with two pins projecting on either side, which engage in J-shaped slots to lock the bulb securely in its socket.
Also see
Center-contact cap
Small bayonet cap
Bayonet fitting
An engineering fastening similar to a Bayonet cap
Also see
Bayonet socket
Bayonet holder
See
Bayonet cap
Bayonet socket
A socket for receiving a Bayonet cap. It has two slots on either side (usually J-shaped) to accommodate the bulb's pins.
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ca"
• Ca
• Cb
• Cc
• Cd
• Ce
• Cf
• Cg
• Ch
• Ci
• Cj
• Ck
• Cl
• Cm
• Cn
• Co
• Cp
• Cr
C
1. Abbreviation for Celsius or Centigrade.
2. Abbreviation for Coulomb.
3. Abbreviation for Comfort.
4. Abbreviation for Carbon
5. Symbol for the speed of light in a vacuum.
C-3
Acronym for Computer command control system
C3I
Acronym for Computer controlled coil ignition
C4H
A mixture of light hydrocarbons that have the general formula C4Hn, where n is the number of hydrogen atoms per molecule. Examples include Butane (C4H10) and Butylene (C4H8).
C-4 system
Acronym for computer-controlled catalytic converter
C&C
Acronym for Cab and chassis
CA
1. An API classification for Diesel engine oil widely used in the late 1940s and '50s that operated in mild to moderate duty with high quality fuels; occasionally has included gasoline engines in mild service. Oils designed for this service provide protection from bearing corrosion and ring-belt deposits in some naturally aspirated diesel engines when using fuels of such quality that they impose no unusual requirements for wear and deposits protection. It was replaced by CB designated oil in 1949.
2. Acronym for Cab/Axle describing the distance from the rear of the cab to the rear axle.
CAA
1. Acronym for Clean Air Act
2. Acronym for Civil Aviation Authority
CAAA
Acronym for Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
CAAM
Acronym for China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
CAB
1. Acronym for Civil Aeronautics Board
2. Acronym for Controller, Anti-lock brake
Cab
1. A taxi or car for hire.
2. The closed part of a truck (or even a car) where the Driver sits.
Also See
Access Cab
Cabover
Chassis cab
Club Cab
Crew Cab
Double Cab
Easy Access Cab
Extended Cab
King Cab
Quad Cab
Regular Cab
Cab Aside Engine
(CAE) A truck where the driver's cab sits to one side of the engine as seen on refuse trucks and some construction equipment.
Cabbage
Trucker slang for a long steep incline in Eastern Oregon as in "I jammed the brakes pullin' off of Cabbage"
Cab & chassis
The front of a tractor trailer unit
Cab and chassis
The front of a tractor trailer unit
Cab-Behind Engine
(CB) (CBE) Conventional style of a large truck which has a hood and an engine in front of the cab.
Cab chassis
A truck Chassis which includes the driver compartment.
Cab Forward
A truck that is similar to a cabover in that the cab is positioned ahead of the engine. Most commonly seen on refuse trucks and some construction equipment.
Cab-forward design
A car design in which the front end is short and the footwells extended to the front axle. This design gave more passenger space and pushed the windshield further from the passengers
Cabin
A passenger compartment of an enclosed vehicle.
Cabin altitude
The normal pressure altitude maintained in the cabin of a pressurized aircraft.
Cabin blower
An engine-driven pump, usually of displacement type, for maintaining an aircraft cockpit or cabin above atmospheric pressure. Also called cabin supercharger.
Cabin differential pressure
The pressure in excess of that of the surrounding atmosphere which is needed to maintain comfortable conditions at high altitude. For an aircraft flying at 9000m this differential would be about 60 kNm-2.
Cabin forward
See
Cab-forward design
Cabin-forward design
See
Cab-forward design
Cabin supercharger
See
Cabin blower
Cable
A cord generally made of strands of thin wire. Electrical cables are covered with a protective non-conducting material. Control cables are housed within an outer sleeve.
Also See
Balanced-pair Cable
Bowden cable
Brake cable
Clutch cable
Control cable
Derailleur Cable
Gearchange cables
Heavy cable
Ignition cable
Jumper cables
Light cable
Parking-brake Cable
Shift cables
Spark plug cable
Speedometer cable
Starter switch control cable
Stirrup cable
Universal Cable
Cable activated
A device which is controlled by a cable. As a lever or pedal is engaged, the device is correspondingly moved. The longer the cable the less efficient is the system. Cables tend to stretch and fray with use.
Cable-angle indicator
An indicator showing the vertical angle between the longitudinal axis of a glider and its towing cable, also its yaw and roll attitude relative to the towing aircraft.
Cable brake
A braking device which is activated by a cable
Cable buoy
A buoy attached to an anchor and serving to mark its position.
Cablecar
A tram pulled by a moving underground cable, in the same manner as the Cable railway.
Cable clamp
1. A device for securing a cable end to the point where it connects.
2. A device which secures the outer sheath of a cable
Cable cover strip
See
Spark plug cable cover strip
Cable crimp
A small aluminum or plastic cap installed on the ends of bicycle brake and shift inner cables to keep them from fraying; also known as a cable end. The outer cable sheath end is protected from fraying by a Ferrule
Cable cutter
Cable Cutter
A tool for severing a cable.
Cable ducts
Earthenware, steel, plastic, or concrete pipes containing cables.
Cable end
A small aluminum or plastic cap installed on the ends of bicycle brake and shift inner cables to keep them from fraying; also known as a cable crimp. The outer cable sheath end is protected from fraying by a Ferrule
Cable form
The normal scheme of cabling between units of apparatus. The bulk of the cable is made up on a board, using nails at the appropriate corners, each wire of the specified color identification being stretched over its individual route with adequate skinner. When the cable is bound with twine and waxed, it is fitted to the apparatus on the racks and the skinners connected, by soldering, to the tag blocks.
Cable grip
A flexible cone of wire which is put on the end of a cable. When the cone is pulled, it tightens and bites into the sheath of the cable, and can be used to pull the cable into a duct.
Cable guide
A tube which is secured in place to channel the cable which runs through it
Cable Housing
See
Brake Cable Housing
Derailleur Cable Housing
Cable-laid rope
A rope formed of several strands laid together so that the twist of the rope is in the opposite direction to the twist of the strands.
Cable lock
A thick cable with a lock at one end and which can be wrapped around a bicycle frame and a post to protect the bike from being stolen.
Cable logging
A system of transporting logs from stump to landing by means of steel cables and winch. This method is usually preferred on steep slopes, wet areas, and erodible soils where tractor logging cannot be carried out effectively.
Cable loom
See
Spark plug cable loom
Cable marker
See
Spark plug cable marker
Cable operated
An item which is controlled by a cable
Cable railway
Means of transport whereby carriages are pulled up an incline by an endless overground or underground cable.
Cables
See
Cable
Cable separator
See
Spark plug cable separator
Cable-stayed bridge
A bridge type for medium spans in which the decking is suspended by diagonal cables attached directly to the supporting tower. Can be of fan or harp design. The decking is always in compression and is self-supporting during construction.
Also See
Bridge
Cable-way
A construction consisting of cables slung over and between two or more towers, so that skips suspended from the cables may be moved often over long distances. It is used for transport of ore etc. Also called blondin.
Cabover
Cabover truck
A truck or tractor design in which the cab sits over the engine on the chassis. The cabover is identified by the windshield being located directly over the front bumper and the driver is directly over the steering axle. Also called flat-faced, butt-nosed, or Cab-over-engine
Cab-Over-Engine
(COE) A truck or tractor design in which the cab sits over the engine on the chassis. The cabover is identified by the windshield being located directly over the front bumper and the driver is directly over the steering axle. Also called flat-faced or butt-nosed.
Cab Plus
A type of pickup truck (by Mazda) which has a second row of seating; but unlike a Crew cab (which has four full size doors) it has a half-door that can be opened only after the main door is opened. The seating is usually a little more cramped than in a Crew cab. Also called Club Cab, Extended Cab, King Cab, Xtracab, Access Cab, Supercab
Cabriolet
Similar to the sport coupé, it has a provision for converting to an open-type body (i.e., Convertible). A Rumble seat is a common on older vehicles, but not mandatory feature. Mercedes-Benz distinguishes the cabriolet from the roadster in that the former has a soft-top which folds up while the roadster has a hard-top which is stored in the trunk. Also called a Drophead coupé.
CAC
Acronym for Charge Air Cooler
CACIS
Acronym for Continuous AC Ignition System
CAD
Acronym for computer aided design
Cadastral survey
Land survey, boundary delineation.
Caddy
An euphemistic name for Cadillac
Also See
Plug caddy
Cadence
The speed your bicycle pedals turn. Professional bicycle riders have cadence of over 100 rpm
Cadence braking
A braking method in which the driver rapidly depresses and releases the brake pedal to bring a vehicle to an emergency stop
Cadillac
The following Cadillacs are classic cars
• All 1925-35 models
• All 12-cylinder models
• All 16 cylinder models
• All 1938-41 60 Special models
• All 1936-48 series #67, #70, #72, #75, #80, #85, #90
For a history of Cadillac, see Cadillac History. Models include the following:
• Allanté (1987-1993)
• Brougham (1985-1992)
• Calais (1965-1976)
• Castilian Station Wagon (1975-1976)
• Catera (1997-2001)
• Cimarron (1982-1988)
• commercial chassis (1935-83) used for funeral cars and ambulances
• Coupe de Ville (1949-93)
• CTS (2003-current)
• CTS-V (2004-current)
• DeVille (1949-2005)
• DTS (2006-current)
• Eldorado (1953-2002)
• Eldorado Biarritz (1956-64, 1976-91)
• Eldorado Brougham (1957-60)
• Eldorado Seville (1956-60)
• Escalade (1999-current)
• Escalade ESV (2003-current)
• Escalade EXT (2002-current)
• Fleetwood (1927-1996)
• Fleetwood Eldorado (1965-2003)
• Seventy-Five (1936-76)
• Seville (1975-2004)
• Sixty-one (1939-51)
• Sixty-Two (1940-64)
• Sixty Special (1938-1993)
• SRX (2004-current)
• STS (2005-current)
• STS-V (2006-current)
• XLR (2004-current)
• XLR-V (2006-current)
Cadmium cell
A reference voltage standard, giving 1.0186 V at 20°C. Also called Weston standard cadmium cell.
Cadmium copper
A variety of copper containing 0.7 to 1.0% cadmium. Used for trolley, telephone, and telegraph wires because it gives high strength in cold-drawn condition combined with good conductivity.
Cadmium photocell
A photoconductive cell using cadmium disulfide or cadmium selenide as the photosensitive semiconductor. Sensitive to longer wavelengths and infrared. It has a rapid response to changes in light intensity.
Cadmium-plated
Something that is covered with a coating of cadmium. It is usually used to protect aluminum and steel nuts and bolts
Cadmium red line
Spectrum line formerly chosen as a reproducible standard of length, wavelength 643.8496 nm.
CAE
1. Acronym for Computer Aided Engineering
2. Acronym for Cab Aside Engine seen on refuse trucks and some construction equipment.
Caesium
British spelling for Cesium
CAFE
Acronym for Corporate Average Fuel Economy. Under CAFE, which was enacted in 1975, a motor vehicle manufacturer must place its U.S. automobile and light truck fleet sales in one of two vehicle fleets, either domestic or import, for fuel economy averaging purposes.
Café chop
Converting a stock motorcycle into a café racer is known as doing a café chop on a bike
Café racer
1. Motorcycle modified to resemble racing motorcycles from the 1950s and 60s. They are called café racers because their owners supposedly raced from café to café in London, where the bikes first appeared in the 1960s
2. An early Sportbike motorcycle which originated in Europe. They had a low Windshield and the rider was bent forward to optimize the flow of air. Its name came from those who raced from one restaurant (café) to another.
Cage
1. Any enclosure.
2. On a front Derailleur of a Bicycle, it is a pair of parallel plates that push the Chain from side to side; on a rear Derailleur, it is a set of plates in which Pulleys are mounted to hold and guide the Chain from Cog to cog.
3. Any device for holding or securing something, e.g., a bottle cage on a Bicycle.
Also see
Bottle Cage
4. When referring to bearings, it is the part which holds the balls or Rollers in place. Usually called Ball cage.
Also See
Needle cage
Roller cage
Squirrel Cage
5. When referring to a vehicle, it is the safety enclosure called a Roll cage.
Also See
Differential cage
Integrated roll cage
Multi-reed cage
6. The platform on which goods are hoisted up or lowered down a vertical shaft or guides; in mines, the steel box used to raise and lower workers, materials, or tubs. May have two or three decks.
Cage pedal
Cage Pedal
A bicycle pedal that is surrounded by a cage. It is found on all terrain bikes.
Cage rotor
A form of rotor, used for induction motors, having on it a Cage winding. Also called squirrel-cage rotor.
Cage winding
A type of winding used for rotors of some types of induction motors, and for the starting or damping windings of synchronous machines. It consists of a number of bars of copper or other conducting materials, passing along slots in the core and welded to rings at each end. Also called squirrel-cage winding.
Cailletet's process
A method for the liquefaction of gases based on the free expansion of a gas from a higher to a lower pressure.
CAJAD
Acronym for Canadian Association of Japanese Automobile Dealers
Cake
The rectangular casting of copper or its alloys before rolling into sheet or strip.
Cal
Abbreviation for Calorie
CAL
Acronym for Computer Aided Lighting
Calandria
Closed vessel penetrated by pipes so that liquids in each do not mix. In evaporating plant the tubes carry the heating fluid and in certain types of nuclear reactor, e.g., CANDU reactors, the sealed vessel is called a calandria
Calcination
A process in which a material is heated to a high temperature without fusing, so that hydrates, carbonates, or other compounds are decomposed and the volatile material is expelled.
Calcium chloride
1. A chemical (salt) which is added to water in a Liquid ballast.
2. A soluble compound produced from calcium carbonate and hydrogen chloride generally used in cold temperatures (18° - -10°C) to deice roads or to pre-wet salt before applying to roads.
Calcium magnesium acetate
A compound produced from limestone and acetic acid used for anti-icing and deicing of roads. It is less corrosive than salt, but more expensive.
Calcium sulfate
Chemical compound (CaSO4), which is used as a drying agent or desiccant in liquid line driers
Also see
Anhydrous calcium sulphate
Calcium tungstate screen
A fluorescent screen used in a cathode-ray tube; it gives a blue and ultraviolet luminescence.
Calculation
See
Load distribution calculation
Calendering
A thin layer of rubber inside the Tire casing which covers the carcass cords to protect them from moisture and to protect the tube from chafing by the cord body. In tubeless tires, calendering consists of a layer of air proof Butyl rubber.
Caliber
Also spelled calibre
1. The internal diameter or bore of a pipe, esp. the barrel of a fire-arm.
2. The arrangement of the various components of a watch or clock.
Calibrate
1. As applied to test instruments it is the procedure of adjusting the dial Needle to the correct zero or load setting to determine accurate measurements.
2. Position indicators to determine accurate measurements
Calibrated airspeed
(CAS) In automobiles, speed is calculated by the rotation of the driving axle. In an airplane, however, speed is determined by the amount of air rushing past the plane. In a turn, air will rush past faster on one side than the other. Calibrated airspeed makes adjustment for this factor (called position error) and for any error in the instrument. Also called rectified airspeed
Calibration
Marking the measuring units on an instrument or checking their accuracy
Calibration assembly
A memory module that plugs into an on-board computer and contains instructions for engine operation
Calibration oil
Oil which is used in a tester for checking injection nozzles, meeting SAE J967D specifications
Calibration Unit
See
Engine Calibration Unit
Calibre
See
Caliber
California Air Resources Board
(CARB) The state agency that regulates the air quality in California. Air quality regulations established by CARB are often stricter than those set by the federal government.
California Low-Emission Vehicle Program
State requirement for automakers to produce vehicles with fewer emissions than current EPA standards. The five categories of California Low-Emission Vehicle Program standards from least to most stringent are TLEV, LEV, ULEV, SULEV, and ZEV.
California Pilot Program
Federal program, administered by the EPA under the Clean Air Act, which sets lower emission standards (relative to cars in the general U.S. market) for a set number of new passenger cars and light trucks sold in California. The program specified that at the beginning of 1996, there would be the sale of 150,000 clean vehicles in the state. Beginning in 1999, this was to increase to 300,000 annually. California must mandate availability of any fuel necessary to operate clean fuel vehicles.
California Power Exchange
A State-chartered, non-profit corporation which provides day-ahead and hour-ahead markets for energy and ancillary services in accordance with the power exchange tariff. The power exchange is a scheduling coordinator and is independent of both the independent system operator and all other market participants.
California wheel
A name given to a spoked wheel produced by particular manufacturer. Although the wheel is popular in the East and Midwest of United States, it is not common in California or other Western states.
Caliper
1.
Caliper
The clamping device on Disc brakes which straddles the rotating disc and by hydraulic action it presses the pads against the disc to stop or slow the vehicle.
Also See
Brake caliper
Floating caliper disc brake
Fixed Caliper
Four Piston Caliper
Low-drag Caliper
Single-piston Caliper
Sliding Caliper
Pin slider caliper disc brake
Swinging caliper
2.
Bicycle Caliper
On Bicycles, the brake arms that reach around the sides of a wheel to press Brake pads against the wheel rim.
3.
Caliper
(British spelling is calliper). An adjustable measuring tool that is placed around (Outside caliper) or within (Inside caliper) an object and adjusted until it just makes contact. It is then withdrawn and the distance measured between the contacting points.
Also See
Dial caliper
Digital caliper
Inside Caliper
Inside spring caliper
Machinists' caliper
Outside Caliper
Outside spring caliper
Pocket caliper
Pocket slide caliper
Vernier caliper
Caliper disc
See
Floating caliper disc brake
Pin slider caliper disc brake
Caliper disc brake
See
Floating caliper disc brake
Pin slider caliper disc brake
Caliper gauge
A Caliper (definition #3)
Caliper mounting bracket
The component that connects a brake caliper to the steering knuckle, hub carrier, or rear axle
Calk
To fill seams in a wood deck with oakum or hammer the adjoining edges of metal together to stop leaks. Also spelled caulk
Calking
See
Caulking
Call
See
Close call
Call Distribution
See
Automatic Call Distribution
Calliper
Alternate spelling for Caliper
Cal-look
A style modification of small vehicles which first started in California. Most of the chrome is removed and the vehicle is painted a bright color like yellow, light blue, and red.
Call-out
The mobilization of plow operators to initiate snow and ice control activities
Calorescence
The absorption of radiation of a certain wavelength by a body, and its re-emission as radiation of shorter wavelength. The effect is familiar in the emission of visible rays by a body which has been heated to redness by focusing infrared heat rays onto it.
Calorie
Two different calorie units are used by scientists. The calorie used by medical science is a small heat unit. It equals the heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius. The calorie used by engineering science is a large heat unit. It is equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree C. In the SI system it is recommended that the Joule unit of energy be used in place of the calorie
Calorific value
A measure of heating value of fuel. Amount of heat produced by the complete combustion of a unit weight of fuel. Usually expressed in calories per gram or BTU's per pound, the latter being numerically 1.8 times the former.
Calorimeter
An instrument to measure amount of heat given off by a substance when burned
Also see
Bomb Calorimeter
CAM
Acronym for Computer Aided Manufacturing
Cam
1. A designed bump on a shaft or Disc which causes a rocking motion in an adjacent part.
Also See
Camshaft
2. A metal Disc with irregularly shaped lobes used in the Camshaft to activate the opening and closing of the valves and in the Distributor, to force the points to open.
3. A stepped or curved eccentric wheel mounted on a rotating shaft. As a cam is turned, objects in contact with it are raised or lowered.
4. The triangular piece of metal that fits between the rollers on rollercam bicycle brakes and moves the brake arms when the brake lever is squeezed
5. A colloquial name for the Camshaft.
6. A name for the Breaker cam.
Also See
Adjuster cam
Adjusting Cams
Barrel Cam
Breaker Cam
Closing cam
Distributor cam
Double overhead cam
Exhaust cam
Face Cam
Fast idle cam
Floating cam
Full Cam
Inlet cam
Intake cam
Race Cam
Semi-race Cam
Single Overhead Cam
Single-overhead cam
Three-quarter Cam
Cam-and-lever steering
A steering system in which a conical peg mounted on a lever engages in a helically cut groove on a cylindrical drum. Also called cam-and-peg steering
Cam-and-peg steering
See
Cam-and-lever steering
Cam-and-roller steering
A steering system in which a tapered disc or a set of discs or rollers engage with a helically cut, tapered groove on a cylindrical drum
Cam angle
See
Dwell
Camaro
Click image for books on
Camaro
A series of Pony cars from the Chevrolet division of General Motors produced from 1967 to 2002. It is often misspelled as Camero because of a mispronunciation. It should be pronounced ka-MAH-roh, not ka-MERR-oh. The 1967-69 SS/RS V-8 and Z-28 models are Milestone cars.
Cam belt
See
Timing belt
Camber
1. The rise of a deck of a ship, Athwartship
2.
Camber
A wheel Alignment adjustment of the inward or outward tilt on the top of the wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Tipping the top of the wheel center line outward produces Positive camber. Tipping the wheel center line inward at the top produces Negative camber. When the camber is positive, the tops of the tires are further apart than the bottom. Correct camber improves handling and cuts tire wear. Camber is measured in degrees.
Cambered axle
An axle that has a slight arch which curves upward at the center so that the wheels can tilt outward at the top. In this way it is better than an axle which might sag under load.
Camber thrust
The side force generated when a tire rolls with Camber. Camber thrust can add to or subtract from the side force a tire generates.
Cam bolt
A bolt fitted with an eccentric that will cause parts to change position when the bolt is turned.
Cam chain
A Timing chain which controls the overhead camshaft.
Cam design
See
Cam profile
Camel
A padded fender to keep a vessel away from a pier or quay to prevent damage to the hull or pier
Camelback
Uncured retread rubber in crescent shape, available in various widths and depths according to size and type of tire being retreaded.
Also See
Die size
Camelbak®
Camelbak
A brand name for a hydration pack that fits on the back of a cyclist or hiker. It is filled with water and has a tube placed within reach for supplying water for the user.
Camel Grand Touring Prototype
(GTP) An International Motorsports Association's (IMSA) premier racing category until 1993 when it was replaced by the controlled cars World Sports Car Championship. GTP cars were the most powerful and the fastest on most road racing circuits in North America at that time. Over the years, many automakers fielded factory teams in this series including Ford, Toyota, Jaguar, Nissan, and Porsche.
Cam engine
See
Overhead camshaft
Camera
Trucker slang for Police radar unit as in "There's a local yokal with a camera just ahead."
Also see
Boys Camera
Automatic Camera
Camero
See
Camaro
Cam face
The surface of a cam lobe
Cam follower
Cam Follower
The unit that contacts the end of the Valve stem and the Camshaft. The follower rides on the Camshaft and when the Cam lobes move it upward, it opens the valve. Also called Valve lifter or tappet.
Cam grind
1. A type of brake shoe arcing that produces a lining thinner at its ends than at its center.
2. The intake and exhaust timing of a particular cam profile.
Cam ground piston
See
Cam-ground piston
Cam-ground piston
A Piston with a Skirt that is ground slightly egg-shaped or oval-shaped. The widest diameter of the skirt is at right angles to the piston-pin axis. When it is heated, it becomes round. The design allows for a closer fit in the Cylinder so that there is a reduction of Blowby gas, cylinder scuffing, and Piston slap.
Cam heel
The lowest point of a cam opposite the lobe. Also called Base circle
Cam lobe
See
Cam lobes
Cam lobes
The bumps on a camshaft that contact and activate such devices as the Lifters, which operate the valves, and the Rubbing block, which causes the points to open and close, as the cam spins with the Distributor shaft.
Cam lubricator
A device, often in the form of a wick, for lubricating the contact breaker cam in the distributor
Campaigning
Racing a particular vehicle for an entire season.
Camper
Camper
A structure which fits into a truck bed for camping purposes. It usually has beds and possibly cooking and washing facilities. Also called a Truck camper or slide-in camper.
Also See
Slide-in Camper
Truck Camper
Camping
See
Folding camping trailer
Camping trailer
A trailer containing camping equipment.
Also See
Folding camping trailer
Soft-top trailer
Hard-top trailer
Trailer
Cam profile
The shape of each lobe on a Camshaft. These shapes determine when the valves open or close.
Cam pulley holder
Click image to supersize
Cam Pulley Holder
A tool for securing the camshaft when other adjustments are being made.
Cam/rocker
See
Opening cam/rocker
Cam/rocker
See
Opening cam/rocker
Cam roller
Rotating wheel acting as a cam follower
Camry
Click image for books on
Camry
A model of automobile manufactured by Toyota
Camshaft
Camshaft
A shaft with Cam lobes (bumps) which is driven by gears, a belt, or a Chain from the Crankshaft. The lobes push on the Valve lifters to cause the valves to open and close. The camshaft turns at half the speed of the Crankshaft.
Also See
Double-overhead cam
Exhaust camshaft
Inlet camshaft
Intake camshaft
Overhead camshaft
Race camshaft
Three-quarter race camshaft
Single Overhead Camshaft
Single-overhead camshaft
Twin camshaft
Camshaft bearing
Usually a plain bearing which supports the camshaft
Camshaft drive
A connection between the crankshaft and camshaft by means of gears, chain, drive belt, shaft, or eccentric shaft to maintain the ratio of 12.
Camshaft drive belt
A Timing belt
Camshaft drive sprocket
A sprocket attached to a crankshaft (either at one end or somewhere in the middle) which drives the camshaft with the use of a chain
Camshaft end play
The amount of lateral movement of the camshaft once it is installed
Camshaft engine
See
Twin camshaft engine
Camshaft gear
A gear that is used to drive the Camshaft.
Camshaft housing
That part of the engine which encloses the camshaft and often other parts of the valve train.
Camshaft journal
That part of the camshaft that runs in one of its bearings
Camshaft position sensor
(CMP) A sensor that signals to the (ECU) the rotational position of the camshaft. This enables the computer to more precisely time the fuel injection and ignition system for faster starting of the engine.
Camshaft pulley
The pulley on the end of the camshaft for the camshaft drive belt
Camshaft sensor
1. A sensor that signals to the (ECU) the rotational position of the camshaft. This enables the computer to more precisely time the fuel injection and ignition system for faster starting of the engine.
2. A trigger device found on some distributorless ignition systems that synchronizes when the proper ignition coil should be fired.
Camshaft sprocket
The sprocket on the camshaft which (through a chain) is driven by the Camshaft drive sprocket
Camshaft timing
The relationship between the opening and closing of the valves and the movement of the pistons must be coordinated. The camshaft which operates the valves must therefore turn in relation to the crankshaft by means of a timing belt or timing chain.
Camshaft timing belt
The rubber belt that transfers power from the crankshaft to the camshaft to operate it. The belt must be installed so it maintains the relationship between the camshaft and crankshaft so the valves for each cylinder open and close at the right time for proper engine operation, a factor called camshaft timing
Camshaft timing chain
The metal chain that transfers power from the crankshaft to the camshaft to operate it. The chain must be installed so it maintains the relationship between the camshaft and crankshaft so the valves for each cylinder open and close at the right time for proper engine operation, a factor called camshaft timing
Can
1. A tube in a canned motor pump which insulates the motor winding.
2. A muffler.
3. A container for liquid or other substances.
Also See
Safety Can
Tin Can
Oil can
Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) Implemented in January 1989 to eliminate all tariffs on U.S. and Canadian goods by January 1998 and to reduce or eliminate many non-tariff barriers.
Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council
(CARS) A not-for-profit organization established to serve the human resource and training needs of the Canadian car and truck repair and service industry.
Canadian cross border shopping
Cross border shopping describes the purchasing by Canadian consumers of products in the United States. Of particular interest is the decision by these buyers to obtain their products in the U.S., even though similar products are available in the Canadian market.
Canadian Deuterium Uranium Reactor
(CANDU) Uses heavy water or deuterium oxide (D2O), rather than light water (H2O), as the coolant and moderator. Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen that has a different neutron absorption spectrum from that of ordinary hydrogen. In a deuterium-moderated-reactor, fuel made from natural uranium (0.71 U-235) can sustain a chain reaction.
Canadian Environmental Protection Act
(CEPA) act where the goal is pollution prevention and protection of Canadians from toxic substances.
Canadian Gas Association
(CGA) A trade organization representing all segments of the gas industry in Canada. Founded in 1907, it specifically represents distributors, transmission companies, producers, pipeline contractors, manufacturers and allied service organizations. CGA set up a standards writing, inspection and product certification program in the mid 1950's at a time when natural gas was being extended to Eastern Canada and the West Coast. CGA has been accredited by the National Standards Council of Canada to prepare National Standards of Canada in the area of equipment for use with natural gas and propane.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
The organization that sets safety standards for electric motors and other electrical equipment used in Canada
Canadian Value Added
See
Auto Pact Canadian Value Added
Cancellation
See
Noise cancellation
Candela
(cd) A basic unit of luminous intensity. If, in a given direction, a source emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 x 1012 Hz, and the radiant intensity in that direction is 1/683 watt per Steradian, then the luminous intensity of the source is 1 candela.
Candle
See
Candle power.
Candle power
A measurement of the light producing ability of a light Bulb.
Candlestick barriers
Plastic poles used to channel traffic. Normally used in long-term traffic control in lieu of orange drums in tight construction areas.
CANDU
Acronym for Canadian Deuterium Uranium Reactor
Candy apple paint
A bright color (usually red) paint (often with metal flakes) with a transparent clear coat
Candy paint
A bright color (usually red) paint (often with metal flakes) with a transparent clear coat
Candy store
An automobile dealership with lots of vehicle inventory.
Canister
A small metal box or can. Usually refers to a container in an emission control system that contains charcoal to trap fuel vapors from the fuel system
Also See
Activated carbon canister
Charcoal canister
Canister air filter
A Centrifugal force air filter
Canister purge shut-off valve
(CPSOV) a vacuum-operated valve that shuts off canister purge when the air injection diverter valve dumps air downstream
Canister purge solenoid
An electrical solenoid that opens the canister purge valve between the fuel vapor canister line and the intake manifold when energized
Canister purge valve
Valve used to regulate the flow of vapors from the evaporative canister to the engine
Canned motor pump
A glandless pump with a special type of submersible or canned motor, whose stator winding is insulated from the fluid pumped by a tube, the so-called can
Cannibalize
The action of removing good parts from one vehicle in order to put them into another vehicle.
Canning
The insertion of the catalyst element into the converter shell of a catalytic converter
Cannular combustion chamber
A gas turbine combustion system with individual flame tubes inside an annular casing.
Canonical assembly
Term used in statistical thermodynamics to designate a single assembly of a large number of systems
Canopy
1. The transparent cover of a cockpit.
2. The fabric (nylon, silk, or cotton) body of a parachute, which provides high air drag. Usually hemispherical, but may be lobed or rectangular in shape.
CANP
Acronym for canister purge solenoid that opens the fuel vapor canister to the intake manifold when energized
Cant
Slope of rail or road curve whereby outer radius is superelevated, to counteract centrifugal thrust of traffic.
Cant beam
Beams supporting the deck plating in the overhanging portion of the stern.
Canted deck
The flight deck of an aircraft carrier prolonged diagonally from one side of the ship, so that aircraft may fly off and land on without interference to or from aircraft parked at the bows. The British term is Angled deck
Cant frame
A frame connected at the upper end to the cant beams
Cantilever
An arm that projects from a source and supports cables.
Also See
Cantilever brake
Cantilever brake
1. A bicycle Rim brake with pivoting arms mounted on Fork blades or Seatstays at or below rim level. The two brake arms are connected by a straddle cable with the brake cable attached to the midpoint of the straddle cable.
2. A type of ATB brake characterized by having the two brake arms connected by a straddle cable with the brake cable attached to the midpoint of the straddle cable. This type of brake was used on ATB bicycles (as well as tandems, touring, and cyclocross bicycles) before the invention of the V-Brake
Cantilever brakes
See
Cantilever brake.
Cantilever bridge
A bridge formed of self-supporting projecting arms built outward from the piers and meeting in the middle of the span, where they are connected together.
Cantilever deck
A bridge where the deck slab is fixed above the main beams or trusses and is cantilevered beyond the outer beams or trusses.
Cantilever load
A load which tends to impose a radial force (perpendicular to the shaft axis) on an electric motor or gearmotor output shaft
Cantilever spring
1. A leaf spring which is mounted upside down and attached to the vehicle at its mid-point. This system is no longer in use in modern vehicles.
2. A Quarter-elliptic leaf spring
Cantrail
The Roof rail
Canvas top
The convertible top.
Canyon
A nuclear energy term for a long narrow space often partly underground with heavy shielding for essential processing of wastes from reactors.
Cap
1. A protective round cover which is secured to something.
2. A covering over the bed of a truck.
3. The base of a light bulb which fits into a socket.
4. Cleaner air package system for reducing the amount of unburned Hydrocarbons in the automobile Exhaust.
Also See
Battery cap
Bayonet cap
Bearing cap
Big-end cap
Car cap
Cold cap
Distributor cap
Double cap nut
Dust cap
End cap
External mix air cap
Filler cap
Flip-top filler cap
Fuel cap
Full cap
Gas Cap
Hot cap
Hubcap
Idle Limiter Cap
Inner cap nut
Insulating cap
Internal mix air cap
Net cap cost
Oil filler cap
Orifice Cap
Outer cap nut
Pile caps
Plug cap
Pressure cap
Pressure-vacuum Cap
Radiator cap
Roto cap
Spark plug cap
Spindle cap
Top cap
Valve cap
Valve spring cap
Capable of being fueled
A vehicle is capable of being fueled by a particular fuel(s) if that vehicle has the engine components in place to make operation possible on the fuel(s). The vehicle does not necessarily have to run on the fuel(s) in order for that vehicle to be considered capable of being fueled by the fuel(s). For example, a vehicle that is equipped to operate on either gasoline or natural gas but normally operates on gasoline is considered to be capable of being fueled by gasoline and natural gas.
Capacitance (c)
1. The property which opposes any change in Voltage in an electrical circuit. The property of a nonconductor by which it stores electrical energy when separated surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of Potential. Capacitance is measured by the ratio of the charge induced to the potential difference and is proportional to the area of the conducting plates and the dielectric constant of the nonconducting material, and inversely proportional to the separation of the plates (mks unit farad).
2. Property of a nonconductor (condenser or capacitor) that permits storage of electrical energy in an electrostatic field.
3. Of an isolated conductor, the ratio of the total charge on it to its potential; C=Q/V.
Also See
Farad
Capacitance bridge
An ac bridge network for the measurement of capacitance.
Capacitance coupling
Interstage coupling through a series capacitance or by a capacitor in a common branch of a circuit.
Capacitance grading
Grading of the properties of a dielectric, so that the variation of stress from conductor to sheath is reduced. The inner dielectric has the higher permitivity. Ideally, the grading is continuous and the permittivity varies as the reciprocal of the distance from the center.
Capacitance integrator
Resistance-capacitance circuit whose output voltage is approximately equal to the time integral of the input voltage.
Capacitative load
Terminating impedance which is markedly capacitative, taking an ac leading in phase on the source emf, e.g., electrostatic loudspeaker.
Capacitative reactance
Impedance associated with a capacitor. Has a magnitude in ohms equal to the reciprocal of the product of the capacitance (in farads) and the angular frequency of the supply (in rads s-1). Also introduces a 90° phase angle such that the current through the device leads the applied voltage.
Capacities
See
Fluid capacities
Capacitive discharge
(CD) A type of Ignition system. It can be either all-electronic or Breaker point controlled. The primary power is drawn from the engine's Battery and put into the CD power supply, where it is changed from 12 volts Direct current to about 300 volts of pulsating Direct current that is stored in a Capacitor (Condenser). The release of this energy through the Coil is governed by a silicon-controlled Rectifier (SCR). When the SCR switch is closed, the Voltage stored in the Capacitor is supplied to the Coil, which acts as a voltage step-up Transformer boosting firing voltage to around 30,000 volts to fire the plugs.
Capacitive reactance
The opposition or resistance to an alternating current as a result of capacitance; expressed in ohms
Capacitor
1. A device which gives Capacitance, usually consisting of conducting plates or foil separated by layers of a dielectric. A Potential difference applied across the plates induces a separation of charge centers in the dielectric, thus storing electrical energy.
2. Type of electrical storage device used in starting and/or running circuits on many electric motors
3. A device that, when connected in an alternating current circuit, causes the current to lead the voltage in time phase. The peak of the current wave is reached ahead of the voltage wave. This is the result of the successive storage and discharge of electric energy
Also See
Absorption capacitor
Air Capacitor
Blocking Capacitor
By-pass Capacitor
Ceramic Capacitor
Condenser
Ignition capacitor
Motor Capacitor
Capacitor Condenser
See
Dry Capacitor Condenser
Capacitor controlled electronic ignition
See
Electronic ignition system
Capacitive discharge
Capacitor discharge ignition (CDI)
See
Capacitive discharge
Capacitor modulator
Capacitor microphone, or similar Transducer, which, by variation in capacitance, modulates an oscillation either in amplitude or frequency
Capacitor motor
Single-phase induction motor with an auxiliary starting winding connected in series with a condenser (capacitor) for better starting characteristics.
Capacitor-resistance law
(C-R law) Law relating to exponential rise or decay of charge on capacitor in series with a resistor, and, by extension, to signal distortion on long submarine cables.
Capacitor start
Starting unit for electric motor using series capacitance to advance phase of current.
Capacitor-start motor
Motor which has a capacitor in the starting circuit
Capacitron
See
Band ignitor tube
Capacity
1. The ability to contain or hold something.
2. Maximum production attainable under normal conditions. With regard to normal conditions, the company's operating practices are to be followed with respect to the use of production facilities, overtime, workshifts, holidays, etc.
3. The output of an electric motor or other electrical equipment.
4. The volume of fluid which a pump can handle.
5. A measure of the theoretical maximum amount of refrigeration-produced output, measured in tons or BTUs per hour
6. Refrigeration rating system. Usually measured in BTU per hour or watts.
7. Sometimes used to mean Capacitance
Also See
Ampere hour capacity
Battery capacity
Boiler Capacity
Breaking Capacity
Breathing capacity
Bunker Capacity
Carrying capacity
Charge Capacity
Energy
Engine capacity
Fuse
Maximum Regulation Capacity
Net capacity
Nominal capacity
Oxygen Storage Capacity
Passenger capacity
Ply rating
Rated capacity
Reserve capacity
Seating capacity
Specific Heat Capacity
Top off
Work capacity
Capacity plan
A plan outlining the spaces available for fuel, Cargo, ballast, fresh water, etc, with guides on weight and volume for spaces at various drafts and displacements
Capacity rating
See
Rated capacity
Cap-and-pin type insulator
A special form of the Suspension insulator
Cap cost
See
Capitalized cost
Net cap cost
Cap cost reduction
See
Capitalized cost reduction
Cape chisel
A metal cutting chisel shaped to cut or work in channels or grooves
Capillarity
A phenomenon associated with surface tension, which occurs in fine bore tubes or channels.
Capillary
A tube with a very small bore used for temperature gauges
Capillary action
The property of a liquid to move into small spaces if it has the ability to wet these surfaces
Capillary tube
A tube usually gas-filled, with a precisely calibrated length and inside diameter, used to connect the remote bulb or coil to the expansion valve or thermostat. A tube with a very small bore used for temperature gauges. Also called Pressure sensing line
Capitalized
See
Net capitalized cost
Capitalized cost
The total price of the vehicle, in effect, its purchase price. In theory, the cap cost should equal the amount you would pay for the vehicle if you were purchasing the vehicle. When a lease is made, the dealer sells that vehicle to the leasing company (for the cap cost), which then leases the vehicle to you.
Also See
Net capitalized cost
Capitalized cost reduction
A fancy name for a cash down payment, money you pay up front that is applied to the final purchase price of a lease. A large cap cost reduction will, of course reduce the monthly payments, but it will also negate one of the big advantages of leasing. However, if you own your present car, you may be able to use it, as a trade-in, to satisfy the cap cost reduction to start the lease. Remember, you must pay sales tax on any cap cost reduction you make. Another source of capital cost reduction may be dealer or manufacturer participation. Dealers and manufacturers will sometimes lower the cap cost or offer a rebate that reduces the cap cost. A dealer or manufacturer cap cost reduction does lower your total out-of-pocket dollars, unlike a cap cost reduction that you must pay.
Capital expenditures
Expenditures to acquire or add to capital assets that will yield benefits over several accounting periods. Included are cost of procuring, construction, installing new durable plants, machinery and equipment where for replacement, addition or for lease or rent to other companies including subsidies.
Cap nut
Cap Nut
A threaded nut that is closed (blind) at one end often with a dome or acorn-shaped top. It is used to protect the projecting threads or to protect a person from being hurt by the sharp edge of projecting threads. Also called box nut or dome nut.
Also See
Double cap nut
Inner cap nut
Outer cap nut
Capping
1. Installing a new tread on a tire carcass.
Also See
Retread.
2. Door molding or capping
Cap screw
A screw with a hexagon head, slotted head, square head, or socket head
Also see
Button socket head cap screw
Socket head cap screw
Capstan
1. A stump with a vertical axis used for handling mooring and other lines.
2. A vertical drum or spindle on which rope is wound, it is rotated by manpower or by hydraulic or electric motor.
3. Roller providing the constant speed drive in a magnetic tape recorder.
Capstan-head screw
A screw having a cylindrical head provided with radial holes in its circumference. It is tightened by a tommy bar inserted in these holes.
Capstan lathe
A lathe in which the tools required for successive operations are mounted radially in a tool-holder resembling a capstan; by revolving this, each tool in turn may be brought into position in exact location.
Capstan nut
A nut which is tightened in the same way as a Capstan-head screw
Capstan screw
A screw or bolt with a round head and one or more holes through it into which a bar may be inserted for securing or removing it
Capstan winch
A winch, generally mounted on or just behind the front bumper, usually run from an engagable extension to the engine crankshaft. The active component is usually a slowly revolving drum, about 15 cm in diameter, round which a rope may be wound to effect a winching operation. Has the advantage of being powered by the engine at idling speed and being a very low-stress unit that may be used all day without overheating or high electrical load.
Capstat
A wax-type thermostat at the base of the jet of a SU carburetor, which expands and reduces fuel flow when the underhood temperature rises.
Also See
Temperature compensator
Capsule
See
Altitude Correction Capsule
Vacuum capsule
Captive
Something that is permanently located in the desired position
Captive balloon
A balloon anchored or towed by a line. Usually the term refers only to spherical balloons. Special shapes (e.g., for stability) are called kite balloons
Captive finance company
A Leasing or finance company which is affiliated with an automobile manufacturer or distributor.
Captive import
An imported motor vehicle or part manufactured by another automaker usually for sale under the brand name of the importer.
Captive nut
A nut which fits into a cage and is welded in place. This is done where the nut is not easily accessible.
Captive refinery MTBE plants
MTBE production facilities primarily located within refineries. These integrated refinery units produce MTBE from Fluid Cat Cracker isobutylene with production dedicated to internal gasoline blending requirements.
Captive refinery oxygenate plants
Oxygenate production facilities located within or adjacent to a refinery complex.
Captive screw
Captive screw
A screw where the threads are a larger diameter than the shoulder
Capture
Any process in which an atomic or nuclear system acquires an additional particle. In a nuclear radiative capture process there is an emission of electromagnetic radiation only, e.g., the emission of gamma rays subsequent to the capture of a neutron by a nucleus.
Cap wrench
Cap wrench
A cup-shaped tool used to fit on one end of an oil filter in order to install or remove the filter.
Car
1. A wheeled vehicle such as an automobile, a section of a train, or a streetcar. The word is an abbreviation of Carriage -- a device to carry people or goods.
2. In an airship, the part intended for the carrying of the load (crew, passengers, goods, engines, etc.). It may be suspended below, or may be inside the hull of envelope.
Also See
49-state car
Bubble car
Champ car
City car
Classic car
Collector car
Compact car
Company car
Competition car
Concept car
Cult car
Cycle car
Donor car
Dream car
Edwardian car
Electric car
Estate car
Executive car
Family car
Fleet car
Formula Car
Forty-nine state car
Full-size car
Funny car
Ghost Car
Hybrid car
Intermediate car
Kit car
Large Passenger Car
Luxury car
Mass-produced car
Mid-size car
Milestone Car Society
Milestone cars
Motor car
Multi-storey car park
New car dealer
Open car
Pace car
Parts car
Passenger car wheel
Passenger car
Pony car
Production car
Program cars
Recycling car
Shopping car
Solar car
Sports car
Stock car
Street car
Sun car
Super car
Touring car
Town car
Veteran car
Vintage car
Volume car
Car accident
A collision between two or more vehicles (or between a vehicle and a stationary object), whether the vehicles are cars or trucks. Some are minor like a Fender bender while others are Totalled.
Also See
Written off
Car alarm
A chime, bell, siren, or horn that sounds when a problem exists (e.g., door ajar, seat belt undone, lights on after engine is off, key left in ignition switch, unauthorized entry)
Caravan
1. A group of vehicles (belonging to one organization) which follows after one another.
2. A British term for camping trailer or a mobile home.
3. The name of a minivan produced by Chrysler (Daimler-Chrysler) from 1983.
Also see
Hard-sided Caravan
Motor Caravan
Caravanning
A British term for traveling with a camping trailer
Carb
An abbreviation for Carburetor.
CARB
Acronym for California Air Resource Board -- The state agency that regulates the air quality in California. Air quality regulations established by CARB are often stricter than those set by the federal government.
Car banger
A British term for a person or organization which fakes a Car accident in order to defraud an insurance company
Car banging
The act of faking a Car accident in order to defraud an insurance company
Carbide
A binary compound of metals with carbon. Carbides of group IV to VI metals (e.g., silicon, iron, tungsten) are exceptionally hard and refractory. In group I and II, calcium carbide (ethynide) is the most useful.
Also See
Cementite
Silicon carbide
Carbide blade
A snowplow blade composed of a carbon compound that generally wears longer and requires less frequent changes than steel blades
Carbide precipitation
Carbon that breaks loose from its bond within the stainless solution when material is heated between 427° - 760°C. Under severe corrosive conditions, it can result in extra oxidation and surface corrosion.
Carbide tools
Cutting and forming tools used for hard materials or at high temperatures. They are made of carbides of tungsten, tantalium, and other metals held in a matrix of cobalt, nickel, etc., and are very hard with good compressive strength.
Carb kit
A collection of gaskets, O-rings, jets, etc. to rebuild a carburetor
Car blind
A curtain or pull-down covering for the backlight (i.e., rear window) to obscure the bright headlights of a following vehicle. Some are also used for side windows for privacy. It is generally illegal to use them on the driver's side window or the windshield.
Carbon
1. The hard or soft, black deposits found in the Combustion chamber, on the plugs, under the rings, on and under the Valve heads, etc. Although it is not a metal, it is a good Conductor of electricity.
2. An element which forms various kinds of steel when combined with iron. In steel, it is the changing carbon content which changes the physical properties of the steel. Adds strength to stainless steel, but also lowers corrosion resistance. The more carbon there is, the more chromium must be added, because carbon offsets 17 times its own weight in chromium to form carbides, thus reducing the chromium available for resisting corrosion.
3. Carbon is used in a solid form as an electrode for arc welding, as a mold to hold weld metal, or for motor brushes.
Also See
Activated carbon
Degradable Organic Carbon
Elemental Carbon
High carbon steel
Low carbon steel
Medium carbon steel
Total Carbon
Carbon arc
An arc between carbon electrodes, usually limited to pure carbon rather than flame carbon electrodes
Carbon-arc lamp
Obsolete light source from the arc between carbon electrodes.
Carbon-arc welding
Arc welding carried out by means of an arc between a carbon electrode and the material to be welded.
Carbonate Fuel Cell
See
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell
Carbon black
A by-product of the petroleum industry used as a pigment and to give body in the manufacture of rubber products, both natural and synthetic. Carbon is the black residue from burning petroleum.
Carbon brush
A block of carbon to which a copper wire (or braided cable) is attached at one end and the other end rubs against a commutator, collector ring, or slip ring to transmit electricity
Carbon brush spring
See
Brush spring
Carbon build-up
A deposit of burned oil which collects in the combustion chamber on the top of the piston and the head. Too much carbon build-up can lead to an inefficient engine and sticky valves.
Carbon button
See
Carbon microphone
Carbon canister
See
Activated carbon canister
Carbon contact
In a switch, an auxiliary contact designed to break contact after and to make contact before the main contact to prevent burning of the latter; it is of carbon and designed to be easily removable.
Carbon-core leads
High tension wire going from the distributor to the coil or the spark plugs. Each wire has a core of carbon or graphite rather than copper wire to conduct the electricity. Carbon-core wire is not recommended for most small engines such as motorcycle engines.
Carbon dating
Dating method which uses the fact that atmospheric carbon dioxide contains a constant proportion of radioactive C14, formed by cosmic radiation. Living organisms absorb this isotope in the same proportion. After death it decays with a half-life of 5.57x10³ years. The proportion of C12 to the residual C14 indicates the period elapsed since death. Also called radiocarbon dating
Carbon deposits
The residue of carbon from burning fuel, which can clog grooves in pistons, combustion chambers, and valves, and cause engine hesitation and other operational problems
Carbon dioxide
(CO2) A colorless, odorless, non-toxic gas which is a product of breathing and the combustion process. Sometimes used as refrigerant. (Identified as Refrigerant #R-744)
Carbon dioxide equivalent
The amount of carbon dioxide by weight emitted into the atmosphere that would produce the same estimated radiative forcing as a given weight of another radiatively active gas.
Carbon dioxide laser
Laser in which the active gaseous medium is a mixture of carbon dioxide and other gases. It is excited by glow-discharge and operates at a wavelength of 10.6 μm. Carbon dioxide lasers are capable of pulsed output with peak power up to 100 MW or continuous output up to 60 kW.
Carbon-dioxide welding
Metal arc welding using CO2 as the shielding gas.
Carboned up
Covered with a thick deposit of carbon. In Britain it is called coked up
Carbon fiber
1. A high-tech material favored in many motorcycle and bicycle applications because it is extremely strong, light and expensive. The distinctive look of carbon fiber has become trendy.
2. Threadlike strands of pure Carbon that are strong and flexible. Carbon fiber can be bound in a plastic Resin matrix to form a strong Composite. It is light-weight and stronger than steel. Can also be spelled carbon fibre.
Carbon fibre
A high-tech material favored in many motorcycle applications because it is extremely strong, light and expensive. The distinctive look of carbon fiber has become trendy.
Also See
Carbon fiber.
Carbon filter
An air filter using activated carbon as a cleansing agent
Carbon fouling
The situation that occurs when the two electrical terminals of the spark plug are coated with carbon causing a reduction in efficiency leading to intermittent firing or complete failure.
Carbon gland
A type of gland used to prevent leakage along a shaft. It consists of carbon rings cut into segments and pressed into contact with the shaft by an encircling helical spring or Garter spring
Carbon intensity
The amount of carbon by weight emitted per unit of energy consumed. A common measure of carbon intensity is weight of carbon per British thermal unit (Btu) of energy. When there is only one fossil fuel under consideration, the carbon intensity and the emissions coefficient are identical. When there are several fuels, carbon intensity is based on their combined emissions coefficients weighted by their energy consumption levels.
Carbonitriding
A process of case hardening
Carbonization
The steeping of wool in a dilute solution of sulfuric acid, or its treatment by hydrochloric acid gas (dry process). This converts any cellulosic impurities into carbon dust and thereby facilitates their removal.
Carbonize
Building up of Carbon on objects such as Spark plugs, Pistons, Heads, etc.
Carbonized filament
Thoriated tungsten filament coated with tungsten carbide to reduce loss of thorium from the surface.
Carbonizing
Another term for Carburizing or reducing
Carbon knock
When there is a build-up of carbon in the combustion chamber, uncontrolled ignition will take place causing a knocking noise.
Carbon microphone
A microphone in which a normally DC energizing current is modulated by changes in the resistance of a cavity filled by granulated carbon which is compressed by the movement of the diaphragm. The diameter of the cavity is frequently very much less than that of the diaphragm, and it is then known as a carbon button.
Carbon monoxide
(CO) A deadly, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas found in the engine Exhaust. Toxic even in relatively small concentrations. Formed by incomplete burning of Hydrocarbons. Thus at its greatest with a rich mixture.
Carbon pile voltage transformer
Variable electrical resistor made from disks or plates of carbon arranged to form a pile.
Carbon pin
A thin cylinder of carbon located in the distributor cap to transfer high tension electricity from the coil to the rotor to the high tension leads going to the spark plugs.
Carbon resistor
Negative temperature coefficient, non-inductive resistor formed of powdered carbon with ceramic binding material. Used for low-temperature measurements because of the large increase in resistance as temperature decreases.
Carbon Sequestration
1. The absorption and storage of CO2 from the atmosphere by the roots and leaves of plants; the carbon builds up as organic matter in the soil.
2. The fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide in a carbon sink through biological or physical processes.
Carbon steel
A steel whose properties are determined principally by the amount of carbon present and contains no other deliberate alloying ingredient except those necessary to ensure deoxidation and physical quality. Also called plain carbon steel.
Also See
High carbon steel
Low carbon steel
Medium Carbon Steel
Steel
Carbon tetrachloride
A liquid often used in fire extinguishers. The fumes are toxic -- avoid inhaling.
Carbon tracking
A trace of carbon found inside the distributor cap which leads away some electricity, thus causing the engine to misfire.
Carbon tracks
Fine lines from burned carbon (such as from oil film) that may be found in a distributor cap. Carbon tracks may cause engine misfire
Carbonyl powders
Metal powders produced by reacting carbon monoxide with the metal to form the gaseous carbonyl. This is then decomposed by heat to yield powder of high purity.
Carborundum
Trade name for Silicon carbide abrasives.
Carborundum wheel
See
Grinding wheel
Carboy
Large, narrow-necked container, usually of balloon shape, having a capacity of 201 or more.
Carbs
Abbreviation for Carburetors.
Also See
Dual carbs
Carburation
British term for Carburetion
Carburetion
The mixture of vaporized fuel and air in the proper proportions for combustion in an engine
Also see
Closed-Loop Carburetion
Carburetor
Click image to supersize
Carburetor
(Carb) Optionally spelled carburetter or carburettor. A device that Vaporizes fuel and mixes it with air in proper quantities and proportions to suit the varying needs of the engine. A Filter screens the air which is drawn into the carburetor. Here the Gasoline mixes with the air and this fuel vapor enters the Combustion chamber through the Intake valve where it is compressed and burned.
Also See
Air valve carburetor
Compound carburetor
Double-barrel carburetor
Downdraft carburetor
Downdraught Carburetor
Dual carbs
Dual carburetors
Feedback carburetor
Fixed-choke carburetor
Fixed-jet carburetor
Flood the carburetor
Four-barrel carburetor
HIF carburetor
Non-staged Carburetor
Sidedraft carburetor
Sidedraught Carburetor
Single-barrel carburetor
Slide carburetor
Staged Carburetors
Starting carburetor
Stromberg carburetor
SU carburetor
Tamperproof carburetor
Twin-choke carburetor
Twin barrel carburetor
Twin carburetors
Two-stage carburetor
Updraft carburetor
Variable-venturi carburetor
Weber Carburetor
Carburetor Actuator
See
Feedback Carburetor Actuator
Carburetor adapter
An adapter that is used to fit or place one type of Carburetor on an Intake manifold that may not be originally designed for it. Also used to adapt four-barrel Carburetors to two-barrel manifolds.
Carburetor air horn
See
Air horn
Carburetor barrel
The tube-like part of the vehicle through which air flows and is mixed with Vaporized fuel. The Choke butterfly valve is located at the top of the Carburetor barrel, and the Throttle valve is located at the bottom. Midway through, the barrel narrows, and this part is called the Venturi. Carburetors can have one, two, or four barrels.
Carburetor base
The lower part of the carburetor in which the throttle plate is located
Carburetor circuit
A series of passageways and units designed to perform a specific function Idle circuit, full power circuit, etc.
Carburetor circuits
See
Carburetor circuit
Carburetor cleaner
A petroleum solvent for cleaning the carburetor
Carburetor engine
A combustion engine which uses a carburetor instead of fuel injection.
Carburetor fuel bowl
A small fuel storage area in the carburetor, located at the carburetor fuel inlet. Also called the Float bowl because it contains the carburetor float
Carburetor fuel bowl vent
A vent on the Float bowl. It typically is connected to an Carbon canister, which absorbs vapors when the engine is off, and it also may be vented to the atmosphere when the engine is running.
Carburetor fuel filter
Carburetor Fuel Filter
A filter made of pleated paper or sintered bronze that is mounted into the body of the carburetor at the float bowl fuel inlet. It is held in place by the fuel hose/pipe fittings. On some cars, a small In-line filter is screwed directly into the carburetor's fuel inlet. Also called an integral fuel filter.
Carburetor fuel inlet
A threaded fitting on the side of the carburetor to which tubing from the Fuel pump is connected. Fuel enters the carburetor at this point.
Carburetor icing
The formation of ice on the Throttle plate or valve during certain atmospheric conditions. As the fuel Nozzles feed fuel into the Air horn it turns to a vapor. This robs heat from the air and when weather conditions are just right (fairly cool and quite humid) ice may form.
Also See
Icing
Carburetor kit
A collection of gaskets, O-rings, jets, etc. to rebuild a carburetor. Also called a carb kit.
Carburetor throat
See
Venturi
Carburetor venturi
See
Venturi
Carburetter
British spelling for Carburetor.
Carburettor
See
Carburetor
Car burglar
A person who steals object from a car, but does not steal the car itself.
Also See
Car thief
Carburization
The process of creating carbon steel by increasing the carbon content of steel to reach the desired degree of hardness
Carburizing
1. A carburizing flame in welding terms is an oxygen-fuel gas flame with a slight excess of the fuel gas.
2. A method of Case-hardening low carbon steel in which the metal component is heated above its ferrite-austenite transition in a suitable carbonaceous atmosphere. Carbon diffuses into the surface and establishes a concentration gradient. The steel can subsequently be hardened by quenching either directly or after re-heating to refine the grain structure. It is usually lightly tempered afterwards, producing a hard case over a tough core.
Car cap
A waterproof cover which encloses just the Greenhouse (i.e., the roof, windshield, side glass, and Backlight)
Car care product
One of several items for taking care of the outward finish of the car (i.e., cleaners, polish, wax, preservers) as well as the interior pieces (e.g., dash cleaners, upholstery cleaners and sealers)
Carcass
The primary structure of a tire body with its cords, plies, rim wires, etc. apart from the tread itself. Structurally the carcass should hold air and provide strength to the tire, but would not wear well without the tread.
Carcinogens
Chemicals and other substances known to cause cancer.
Car Club of America
See
Classic Car Club of America
Car cover
A cover which encloses the entire vehicle to protect the finish from the elements.
Car crash
A Car accident
Card
The graduated dial or face of a magnetic compass to which the card and needle are firmly connected.
See
File card brush
Cardan
See
Cardan joint.
Cardan joint
Cardan Joint
A type of Universal joint named after the Italian Cardan who developed the concept in the 16th century. In the 17th century, Robert Hooke of England developed and patented the conventional universal joint. Sometimes it is called the Cardan universal or the Hooke universal. It has two Yokes at right angles to each other.
Cardan mount
Type of gimbal mount used for compasses and gyroscopes.
Cardan shaft
A shaft with universal joints at each end
Cardan universal
See
Cardan joint
Card brush
See
File card brush
Car dealer
See
New car dealer
Used Car Dealer
Cardinal planes
In a lens, planes perpendicular to the principal axis, and passing through the cardinal points of the lens.
Cardioid
A heart-shaped curve with polar equation r=2a(1+cosθ). An epicycloid in which the rolling circle equals the fixed circle.
Cardioid directivity
Special shape of a directivity. It is produced by superimposing the fields of a monopole and a dipole, and has the shape of a cardioid.
Care product
See
Car care product
Car-floor contact
A contact attached to the false floor of an electrically controlled lift; it is usually arranged to prevent operation of the lift by anyone outside the car while a passenger is in the lift.
Cargo
See
Bulk cargo
General cargo
Cargo area
The space within a station wagon or van for carrying goods or the bed of a pickup truck for carrying goods
Cargo battens
Strips of wood fitted inside the frames to keep cargo away from hull steelwork. Also called sparring
Cargo Body Style Auto Carrier
A truck cargo body typified by the multi-decked auto carrier trailer and/or power unit.
Cargo Body Style Bottom Dump
Dry bulk truck bodies which empty by means of gravity alone through the bottom.
Cargo Body Style Dump
A truck body with a hydraulic, electric, or mechanical lifting mechanism that tilts to unload cargo. Dump includes side dumps, walking dumps, flatbed dumps, and dump trucks with snow plows or blades.
Cargo Body Style Flatbed
A cargo truck body style typified by a flat cargo area. Includes angle beds, rollback beds, and ramp hoists, which are flatbeds that tilt down to the ground so vehicles can be driven onto the bed.
Cargo Body Style Flatbed with Sides
A cargo truck body style typified by flatbeds with sides to hold and protect cargo.
Also see
stake body
Cargo Body Style Flatbed with Equipment
This cargo truck body style is typified by flatbeds with permanent cranes, loaders, pumps, winches, or other significantly heavy and large apurtenances.
Cargo Body Style Garbage
A cargo body style typified by garbage trucks that often have hydraulic packing mechanisms or hydraulic arms for lifting dumpsters. Included are roll-offs, vehicles used for transporting refuse containers. Roll-offs have rails or a flat bed and a hoist for loading and unloading the refuse container.
Cargo Body Style Livestock Carrier
A cargo truck body style typically with slotted or slatted sides. Trailers may have a double deck. Livestock trailers sometimes have "possum belly" compartments in the bottom for holding smaller animals.
Cargo Body Style Low Boy
Gooseneck flatbed trucks slung very low to the ground. Often the gooseneck is detachable so that equipment can be loaded from the front. Sometimes ramps are at the rear. Typically about 12" off the ground.
Cargo Body Style Open Top Van
A totally enclosed cargo area but without a permanent, fixed, solid top.
Cargo Body Style Pole Logging
Pole trailers with a set of axles with a cradle to hold logs and a long, sometimes adjustable pole attached to the rear of a power unit. Others are framed with support stakes. Some have double decks. Most will have cradle-like features called bunks to hold the logs in place.
Cargo Body Style Refrigerated Van
A cargo body style with a totally enclosed box with a refrigeration unit.
Cargo Body Style Tank Dry
A truck used exclusively for hauling dry bulk material. Cargo is emptied pneumatically. Also called air can trailer
Cargo Body Style Tank Liquid or Gas
A cargo body truck style characterized by tankers which can carry only liquids or gases in bulk.
Cargo Body Style Van
A totally enclosed cargo area truck. Included are beverage vans, or bay vans, and sealed shipping containers mounted on a special bodiless chassis.
Cargo box
Cargo Box
A type of container mounted on the roof of a vehicle
Cargo net
Cargo Net
A type of Bungee net usually found in the Trunk of a car to secure packages from moving around; but also found behind or beside a seat.
Cargo port
Opening in a ship's side for loading and unloading cargo.
Cargo shifting
Movements or changing positions of cargo from one place to another which can easily endanger the seaworthiness of the ship
Cargo ship
See
Dry cargo ship
Cargo trailer
Cargo Trailer
A trailer with sides.
Cargo Weight
The combined weight of all loads, gear, and supplies on a vehicle.
Car Guide
See
NADA Used Car Guide
Carina
Click image for books on
Toyota Carina
A model of automobile manufactured by Toyota
Car insurance
An insurance policy (mandatory in most states and all of Canada) to cover possible damage to the vehicle or property or passengers, etc. Sometimes basic insurance is abbreviated PL&PD (public liability and property damage). Also called motor insurance
Car jacker
A person who steals a car at gunpoint.
Car jacking
A process of stealing a car while the driver is still in it. The car may be stopped at a traffic light when a car jacker appears with a gun and demands that the driver get out, then he drives away with the car. If it happens to you, give him the car -- your life is worth more than the vehicle.
Car key
An unlocking device for the ignition switch, doors, trunk, gas cap, etc.
Car lot
A place where vehicles are sold by an independent dealer
Car mechanic
See
Mechanic
Carnot cycle
An ideal heat engine cycle of maximum thermal efficiency. It consists of isothermal expansion, adiabatic expansion, isothermal compression, and adiabatic compression to the initial state.
Carnot's theorem
Theorem stating that no heat engine can be more efficient than a reversible engine working between the same temperatures. It follows that the efficiency of a reversible engine is independent of the working substance and depends only on the temperatures between which it is working.
Car park
A parking area usually located within a building.
Also See
Multi-storey car park
Carpeting
The action of covering the passenger compartment floor (and sometimes the trunk floor) with a form-fitting rug or carpet.
Car phone
A telephone that is installed in a vehicle, but has recently been replaced by personal cell phones.
Also See
Cellular phone
Car polish
A product which enhances the shine of the paintwork of a vehicle
Car radio
A radio receiver which is installed (usually in the dash) in a vehicle
Carrene
Refrigerant in Group One (R-11). Chemical combination of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine
Carriage
1. A horse-drawn vehicle for people to ride in.
2. A railroad vehicle for passengers.
Also see
Hackney Carriage
Invalid-carriages
Carriage bolt
Carriage Bolt
A bolt that has a smooth dome head (like a mushroom) so that no Screwdriver or wrench can remove it from the dome-side, a square neck under the head, and a unified thread pitch. The square neck is designed to keep the bolt from turning as a nut is tightened.
Also see
Fin neck carriage bolt
Square Neck Carriage Bolt
Carriage spring
See
Laminated spring
Carriage-type switchgear
See
Truck-type switchgear
Carriageway
A British term for that part of the road on which vehicles travel in one direction.
Also see
Dual carriageway
Carrier
1. A thin substance that helps another substance to reach its goal. For example, a spray grease may have a carrier which transports the grease to its destination. Then the carrier dries up leaving the grease behind.
2. A real or imaginary particle responsible for the transport of electric charge in a material. In oxide ceramics, electrons hopping between ions, diffusing oxygen ions and mobile cations can also transport charge.
Also See
Carriers
3. A device for conveying the drive of a face-plate of a lathe to a piece of work which is being turned between centers. It is clamped to the work and driven by a pin projecting from the face-plate.
4. A frame for holding a negative in an enlarger or slides in a projector.
5. Non-active material mixed with, and chemically identical to, a radioactive compound. Carrier is sometimes added to carrier-free material.
6. A vehicle for communicating in formation, when the chosen medium itself cannot convey the information but can convey a carrier, on to which the information is impressed by Modulation.
7. In radio transmission, the output of the transmitter before it is modulated.
Also See
Frequency modulation
8. The frequencies chosen for sending many signals simultaneously along a single communication channel
Also See
Auto Carrier
Barge carriers
Bent-tail Carrier
Bicycle carrier
Bulk carrier
Carrier bearing
Common Carrier
Contract carrier
Differential carrier
Exempt Carrier
For-Hire Carrier
Front Wheel Carrier
Hub carrier
Jet carrier
Livestock Carrier
LNG carrier
LTL Carrier
Luggage carrier
Minority Carrier
Motor Carrier
Ore-bulk-oil carrier
Ore carrier
Pinion carrier
Planet carrier
Private Carrier
Product carrier
Spare tire carrier
TL Carrier
Top Carriers
Carrier bearing
The bearings upon which the Differential case is mounted.
Carrier bearings
See
Carrier bearing.
Carrier mobility
The mean drift velocity of the charge carriers in a material per unit electric field.
Carrier noise
Noise which has been introduced into the carrier of a transmitter before modulation.
Carrier, pinion
See
Pinion carrier.
Carrier, planet
See
Planet carrier.
Carrier power
Power radiated by a transmitter in absence of modulation.
Carriers
In a crystal of semiconductor material thermal agitation will cause a number of electrons to dissociate from their parent atoms; in moving about the crystal they act as carriers of negative charge. Other electrons will move from neighboring atoms to fill the space left behind, thus causing the holes where no electrons exist in the lattice to be transferred from one atom to another. As these holes move around they can be considered as carriers of positive charge.
Also See
Barge carriers
Top carriers
Carrier Transmission
See
Quiescent Carrier Transmission
Carrier wave
An unmodulated radio wave produced by a transmitter on which information is carried by amplitude or frequency modulation.
Carrosserie
French term for Coachwork.
Carrozzeria
Italian term for Coachwork.
Carrying capacity
The maximum load that a tire is allowed to carry with a particular wheel and rim. Also called load capacity.
CARS
Acronym for Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council
Car society
See
Milestone Car Society
Car sponge
A large sponge for washing the exterior of a vehicle
Car stands
Pedestal-type supports for holding up a car once the car has been raised.
Car stereo
A listening device in an automobile which usually has an AM/FM radio and often a cassette player, CD player, and/or CD changer. It also includes at least a pair of speakers.
Cart
See
Tool cart
Cartage company
A company that provides local pick-up and delivery within a town, city, or municipality.
Car tax
A government imposed tax which is added to the price of a new car. Some governments charge a road-use tax and call it a car tax.
Car test
A test of a vehicle's roadworthiness, reliability, and performance.
Car theft
Unauthorized removal (i.e., stealing) of a car or the items in or on a car.
Also See
Car jacking
Car thief
A person who steals a car. If someone steals just the objects from a car, he is a Car burglar.
Also See
Car jacker
Car tire
An automotive tire which is used exclusively on a passenger car, not a light truck, etc.
Cartography
The preparation and drawing of maps which show, generally, a considerable extent of the Earth's surface.
Cartridge
See
Burst Cartridge
Can
Filter cartridge
Oil filter cartridge
Quarter-inch Cartridge
Cartridge bottom bracket
A Bottom bracket with protective seals to keep water and grime from penetrating to the bearings. Also called sealed bottom bracket
Cartridge brass
Copper-zinc alloy containing approximately 30% zinc. Possesses high ductility; capable of being heavily cold-worked. Widely used for cold pressings, cartridges, tubes, etc.
Also see
Copper alloy.
Cartridge starter
A device for starting aero-engines in which a slow-burning cartridge is used to operate a piston or turbine unit which is geared to the engine shaft.
Cart spring
A leaf spring used in small trailers.
Carvac
A small, hand-held vacuum cleaner which is either battery-operated or which is plugged into the accessory outlet or cigarette lighter socket.
Car wash
1. A place where you can get your car cleaned. Some are automatic (you drive through and large brushes clean the car) while others provide a bay with spray wands and brushes for you to do the labor.
Also See
Automatic car wash
2. A product like soap which is added to water for the purpose of cleaning a vehicle.
Car wax
A polish which may be in a paste or a cream and used in protecting the finish of a car.
Car wheel
See
Passenger car wheel
CAS
1. Acronym for cleaner air system
2. Acronym for crank angle sensor
Cascade
The arrangement of stages in an enrichment or reprocessing plant in which the products of one stage are fed either forward to the next closely similar or identical stage or backward to a previous stage, eventually resulting in two more or less pure products at each end of the cascade. The classic examples are gaseous or centrifugal enrichment plants. An ideal cascade is the arrangement of stages in series and in parallel which gives the highest yield for a given number of units (e.g., centrifuges) and a given separation factor.
Cascade generator
High-voltage generator using a series of voltage-multiplying stages, esp. when designed for X-ray tubes or low-energy accelerators.
cascade particle
Particle formed by a cosmic ray in a Cascade shower
Cascades
Fixed airfoil blades which turn the airflow around a bend in a duct, e.g., in wind tunnels or engine intakes.
Cascade shower
Manifestations of cosmic rays in which high-energy mesons, protons, and electrons create high-energy photons, which produce further electrons and positrons, thus increasing the number of particles until the energy is dissipated. Also called air shower.
Cascade systems
Arrangement in which two or more refrigerating systems are used in series; uses evaporator of one machine to cool condenser of other machine. Produces ultra-low temps
Cascading of insulators
Flashover of a string of suspension insulators; initiated by the voltage across one unit exceeding its safe value and flashing over, thereby imposing additional stress across the other units, and resulting in a complete flashover of the string.
Case
1. That part near the surface of a ferrous alloy which as been so altered as to allow case-hardening.
2. One of the two clam-shell-like halves in the bottom end of the engine surrounded by a metal shell
Also See
Basket case
Battery case
Chaincase
Converter case
Differential case
Open Display Case
Splitting The Cases
Top case
Transfer case
CASE
Acronym for Cranking Angle Sensing Error
Case harden
The action of hardening the surface of iron or steel so that the outer portion or case is made substantially harder than the inner portion or core. Typical processes used for case hardening are carburizing, cyaniding, carbonitriding, nitriding, induction hardening, and flame hardening.
Casehardened
A piece of steel that has had the outer surface hardened while the inner portion remains relatively soft.
Casehardening
The action of adding carbon to the surface of a mild steel object and heat treating to produce a hard surface.
Cases
The two clam-shell-like halves in the bottom end of the engine surrounded by a metal shell
Cash register
Trucker slang for Toll booth as in "I'm comin' up on a cash register at highway 88"
Cash and carry
Kerosene, fuel oil, or bottled gas (tank or Propane) purchased with cash, by check, or by credit card and taken home by the purchaser. The purchaser provides the container or pays extra for the container.
Cash value
See
Actual cash value
Casing
1. The Tire casing.
2. The outside shell of something such as the shell of an alternator or starter motor.
Also See
Axle casing
Differential casing
Tire Casing
Turbine casing
Volute casing
Casing factor
That portion of the load supported by Tire casing stiffness instead of air pressure.
Casing head gasoline
A term used to describe the lighter parts of petroleum products, which were obtained from natural gasoline by condensing natural gas from an oil well
Cask
See
Flask
Casket
See
Flask
Cassette
1. A type of bicycle gear cluster that slides on a freehub rather than threads on it. The freehub body is attached to the rear hub.
2. A cartridge containing magnetic tape that can be inserted into a player for listening or viewing (e.g., an audio cassette or video cassette).
Cassette cogs
The individual cogs that make up a bicycle cassette.
Cassette compartment
A storage place for audio cassettes
Cassette Deck
See
Radio cassette Deck
Cassette hub
More recent type of rear hub designed to accept the cassette type of gear cluster. The cassette hub has the rotating, ratcheting freehub body attached to the hub for the cassette to slide onto and be secured by a lockring.
Cassette player
A unit which plays (but does not record) audio cassettes and is often linked with a stereo unit in an automobile
Cassette size
The size of a bicycle cassette is described by the number of teeth on the smallest cog and the number of teeth on the largest cog. An example of a common size for road racing would be 12 x 21.
Cast
1. To shape molten metal by pouring it into a mold.
2. A model or result made by pouring metal into a mold.
Also See
Cast iron
Casting
Die cast
Cast Aluminum wheel
Cast Aluminum Wheel
See
Alloy wheel
Castellate
Formed to resemble a castle battlement e.g., a Castellated nut
Castellated
See
Castellated nut.
Castellated nut
Castellated Nut
A nut with several lugs protruding from one end making it look like the turrets on the top of the wall of a castle. This nut is used on a shaft with a hole drilled in it. It is secured to the shaft by passing a Cotter pin through an opening in the nut and through the shaft hole.
Caster
1. A small wheel at the front of a wheelchair or shopping cart that swivels and is tilted at an angle.
Also See
Swivel caster
2.
Caster
A wheel Alignment adjustment that positions the wheels like the casters on a chair or shopping cart, so the tires follow naturally in a forward straight line. In a truck or older car, the top of the Kingpin is either forward (Negative) or toward the rear of the vehicle (Positive). On a turn, the wheels will tend to straighten out when the Steering wheel is released. If the car has independent front suspension, the upper ball joint is set forward or rearward in relation to the lower ball joint. Caster is measured in degrees.
Also See
Negative Caster
Positive Caster
Trail distance
Caster action
The self-centering action which causes a caster wheel to move into a straight-ahead position.
Caster angle
The inclination or angle that a wheel makes when measuring the distance between the vertical post and the offset of the wheel placement.
Caster offset
The distance on the ground between where the vertical post would touch the ground if it were extended and the point where the wheel touches the ground. Also called caster trail
Caster trail
The distance on the ground between where the vertical post would touch the ground if it were extended and the point where the wheel touches the ground. Also called caster offset
Caster wobble
A condition generally produced in the front wheels when they are attached to the ends of a Beam axle. It is particularly noticeable on rough roads and the Shimmy at the Steering wheel makes it difficult to control the vehicle. You have probably seen this condition in a shopping cart that has caster wheels that wiggle or fluctuate back and forth and will not roll in a straight line.
Cast holes
Holes made in cast objects by the use of cores, in order to reduce the time necessary for machining, and to avoid metal wastage.
Casting
Click image to supersize
Casting
1. A process technology that delivers a liquid molten metal into a purpose-built mold. After cooling, the solid metal surface has the shape of the mold cavity.
2. Pouring metal into a Mold to form an object.
3. A metallic article cast in the shape required, as distinct from one shaped by working.
Also See
Blown Casting
Die casting
Lost-foam casting process
Malleable castings
Monobloc casting
Sand casting
Steel Casting
Thin-wall casting
Casting copper
Metal of lower purity than Best selected copper. Generally contains about 99.4% of copper.
Casting ladle
A steel ladle, lined with refractory material, in which molten metal is carried from the furnace to the mold in which the casting is to be made.
Casting number
The number cast into a block, head, or other component when the part is cast. Casting numbers can be helpful when identifying an engine or its parts, but they are not completely accurate, because castings are sometimes machined differently
Casting process
See
Lost-foam casting process
Castings
Metallic forms which are produced by pouring molten metal into a shaped container or mold.
Also See
Malleable castings
Casting wheel
Large wheel on which ingot molds are arranged peripherally and filled from stream of molten metal issuing from furnace or pouring ladle.
Cast-in-situ concrete piles
A type of pile formed by driving a steel pipe into the ground and filling it with concrete, using the pipe as a mold, or by a similar method.
Cast iron
1. An Alloy of iron and more than 2% Carbon. It is used for engine Blocks and Transmission and Differential cases because it is relatively cheap and easy to Mold into complex shapes.
2. Any iron-carbon alloy in which the carbon content exceeds the solubility of carbon in austenite at the eutectic temperature. Widely used in engineering on account of their high fluidity and excellent casting characteristics. Carbon content usually in the range of 2-2.3%. Some kinds are brittle and others difficult to machine.
Also see
Alloy Cast-iron
Ductile cast-iron
Grey iron
Spherulitic graphite cast-iron
Cast-iron
See
Cast iron
Castle
See
Castellated nut.
Castle nut
Castle nut
A Castellated nut -- a six-sided nut in the top of which six radial slots are cut. Two of these line up with a hole drilled in the bolt or screw, a split pin can be inserted to prevent turning. Also called hex slotted nut
Castle section
A panel with humps or ribs which strengthen the panel. They are called castle because from the end they look like the turrets of a castle
Castor
British spelling of Caster.
Cast silicon
Crystalline silicon obtained by pouring pure molten silicon into a vertical mold and adjusting the temperature gradient along the mold volume during cooling to obtain slow, vertically advancing crystallization of the silicon. The polycrystalline ingot thus formed is composed of large, relatively parallel, interlocking crystals. The cast ingots are sawed into wafers for further fabrication into photovoltaic cells. Cast silicon wafers and ribbon silicon sheets fabricated into cells are usually referred to as polycrystalline photovoltaic cells.
Cast spoke assembly
That part of the vehicle consisting of the brake drum and wheel spider, having 3, 5 or 6 spokes.
Cast spoke wheel
1. A type of dual mounting wheels where two demountable rims are mounted directly on the spoke wheel and drum assembly held apart by a spacer band and locked in place by clamps and nuts which attach to studs in the spoke face.
2. A wheel with five or six spokes originating from a center hub. The spoked portion, usually made of cast steel, is bolted to a multiple-piece steel rim
Also see
Demountable Rim
Disc Wheel
Cast steel
Shapes that have been formed directly from liquid by casting into a mold. Formerly applied to wrought objects produced by working steel made by the crucible process to distinguish from that made by cementation of wrought-iron, but both of these methods are long obsolete.
Cast welded rail joint
A joint between the ends of two adjacent rails made in position using the thermite process in which aluminum powder and sodium peroxide are ignited causing the rails to weld together.
Cat
An abbreviation for Catalytic converter
Catadioptric
An optical system using a combination of refracting and reflecting surfaces designed to reduce aberrations in a telescope.
Catalan process
Reduction of haematite to wrought-iron by smelting with charcoal.
Catalog
See
Parts catalog
Catalyst
1. A substance that changes the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being used up. Catalysts are used in many processes in the chemical and petroleum industries. Emission control catalysts are used to promote reactions that change exhaust pollutants from internal combustion engines into harmless substances. After the reaction it can potentially be recovered from the reaction mixture chemically unchanged.
2. A special agent which is added to a plastic body filler or resin or paint to speed up the hardening process.
Also See
Diesel Oxidation Catalyst
Lean NOx Catalyst
Metal catalyst
Oxidizing catalyst
Particulate catalyst
Pellet-type catalytic converter
Reducing catalyst
Three-way catalyst
Catalyst bed
A layer of catalyst-coated material such as pellets or ceramic in a catalytic converter through which the gases pass.
Catalyst charge
A catalyst-coated material such as pellets or ceramic in a catalytic converter.
Catalyst coated membrane
(CCM) Term used to describe a membrane (in a PEM fuel cell) whose surfaces are coated with a catalyst layer to form the reaction zone of the electrode.
See also
Membrane Electrode Assembly
Catalyst coating
A Catalytic layer
Catalyst container
A housing of a catalytic converter. Also called a converter shell
Catalyst contamination
A reduction of efficiency because of impurity deposits
Catalyst degradation
A reduction of efficiency because of impurities or overheating. Also called catalyst deterioration
Catalyst deterioration
A reduction of efficiency because of impurities or overheating. Also called catalyst degradation
Catalyst efficiency
See
Catalytic efficiency
Catalyst indicator
A light on the instrument panel which glows when a prescribed distance has passed in order to remind the driver to have the catalytic converter replaced.
Catalyst loading
The amount of catalyst incorporated in the fuel cell per unit area.
Catalyst substrate
A base material which carries the Catalytic layer or coating. Also called catalyst support
Catalyst support
A base material which carries the Catalytic layer or coating. Also called catalyst substrate
Catalytic
See
Catalytic converter
Dual-bed catalytic converter
Mini catalytic converter
Open-loop catalytic converter
Pellet-type catalytic converter
Primary catalytic converter
Three-way catalytic converter
Catalytic activity
The rate a catalytic converter purifies the exhaust system
Catalytic converter
Catalytic converter
1. A pollution-control device found on the Exhaust system of all cars since its introduction in 1974 which acts like an Afterburner to reburn unburned gas in the Tail pipe. It looks like a small Muffler and is usually made of stainless steel. It contains Platinum, rhodium, or palladium which is a catalyst for the chemical reaction needed to burn off any unburned Hydrocarbons and Carbon monoxide by turning them into water vapor, carbon dioxide and other less toxic gases.
2. A device containing a Catalyst for converting automobile exhaust into mostly harmless products.
Also See
Dual-bed catalytic converter
Lean burn engine
Mini catalytic converter
Open-loop catalytic converter
Pellet-type catalytic converter
Primary catalytic converter
Single-bed 3-way catalytic converter
Three-way catalytic converter
Catalytic cracking
The refining process of breaking down the larger, heavier, and more complex hydrocarbon molecules into simpler and lighter molecules. Catalytic cracking is accomplished by the use of a catalytic agent and is an effective process for increasing the yield of gasoline from crude oil. Catalytic cracking processes fresh feeds and recycled feeds.
Catalytic efficiency
The effectiveness of a catalyst in purifying exhaust gases
Catalytic Fines
Hard, abrasive crystalline particles of alumina, silica, and/or alumina silica that can be carried over from the fluidic catalytic cracking process of residual fuel stocks. Particle size can range from sub-micron to greater than sixty (60) microns in size. These particles become more common in the higher viscosity marine bunker fuels.
Catalytic hydrocracking
A refining process that uses hydrogen and Catalysts with relatively low temperatures and high pressures for converting middle boiling or residual material to high octane gasoline, reformer charge stock, jet fuel, and /or high grade fuel oil. The process uses one or more Catalysts, depending on product output, and can handle high sulfur feedstocks without prior desulfurization.
Catalytic hydrotreating
A refining process for treating petroleum fractions from atmospheric or vacuum distillation units (e.g., naphthas, middle distillates, reformer feeds, residual fuel oil, and heavy gas oil) and other petroleum (e.g., cat cracked naphtha, coker naphtha, gas oil, etc.) in the presence of Catalysts and substantial quantities of hydrogen. Hydrotreating includes desulfurization, removal of substances (e.g., nitrogen compounds) that deactivate Catalysts, conversion of Olefins to paraffins to reduce gum formation in gasoline, and other processes to upgrade the quality of the fractions.
Catalytic layer
A thin layer of catalyst such as platinum and supported by a ceramic or metal carrier material
Catalytic Reduction
See
Selective Catalytic Reduction
Catalytic reforming
A refining process using controlled heat and pressure with Catalysts to rearrange certain hydrocarbon molecules, thereby converting paraffinic and naphthenic type hydrocarbons (e.g., low octane gasoline boiling range fractions) into petrochemical feedstocks and higher octane stocks suitable for blending into finished gasoline. Catalytic reforming is reported in two categories. They are:
• Low Pressure. A processing unit operating at less than 225 PSIG measured at the outlet separator.
• High pressure. A processing unit operating at either equal to or greater than 225 PSIG measured at the outlet separator.
Catamaran
A double hulled vessel
Cataphoretic painting
A process of applying the first coat of paint to the body of a vehicle by positively charging the paint particles and then dunking the metal into the paint. A current is turned on so that the positively charged paint is attracted to the negative metal panel. Also called cathodic electropainting
Catapult
an accelerating device for launching an aircraft in a short distance. It may be fixed or rotatable to face the wind. It is usually used on ships which have no landing deck, having been superseded on aircraft carriers by the Accelerator. During World War II, fighters were carried on (catapult armed merchant ships) for defense against long-range bombers. Land catapults have been tried but have been superseded by RATOG and STOL aircraft.
Catback
A performance exhaust system upgrade which consists of new pipes from the catalytic converter to the Tail pipe which increases horsepower. These new pipes are larger, thus, more exhaust can exit the system. The faster the exhaust can exit, the more horsepower you gain.
Catch
See
Safety catch
Catch basin
An opening in the road surface with grated lid to allow water into a storm drainage system.
See
Catch pit
Catcher
The element in a velocity-modulated ultrahigh frequency or microwave beam tube which abstracts, or catches, the energy in a bunched electron stream as it passes through it.
Also see
Buncher
Catcher foil
Aluminum sheet used for measuring power levels in nuclear reactor by absorption of fission fragments.
Catching diode
Diode used to clamp a voltage or current at a predetermined value. When it becomes forward-biased it prevents the applied potential from increasing any further.
Catchment area
The area from which water runs off to any given river valley or collecting reservoir. Also called Catchment basin
Catchment basin
The area from which water runs off to any given river valley or collecting reservoir. Also called Catchment area
Catch net
A mesh construction that is electricaly grounded and placed below high-voltage transmission lines that cross over a road or railway. In the event that the lines break, they will fall into the net. Also called a cradle
Catch pit
A small pit constructed at the entrance to a length of sewer or drain pipe to catch and retain matter which would not easily pass through the pipes. Also called catch basin.
Also see
Sump
Catch plate
A disk on the spindle nose of a lathe, driving a carrier locked to the work.
Catch points
A section of a railroad track which is activated when a train is supposed to be going uphill, but starts to slide back. The catch points prevent the train from rolling back any farther.
Catch-water drain
A drain to catch water on a hillside, with open joints or multiple perforations to take in water in as many places as possible.
Cat Cracker
A large refinery vessel for processing reduced crudes or other feed-stocks in the presence of a Catalyst, as opposed to the older method of thermal cracking, which employs heat and pressure only. Catalytic cracking is generally preferred since it produces less gas and other highly volatile byproducts. It produces a motor fuel of higher octane than the thermal process.
Cat E
Category E damage to an aircraft; equivalent to a total loss or write off.
Catenary construction
A method of construction used for overhead contact wires of traction systems. A\ wire is suspended, in the form of catenary, between two supports, and the contact wire is supported from this by droppers of different lengths, arranged so that the contact wire is horizontal.
Cathead
1. The sheave assembly on the top of crane jib.
2. A lathe accessory consisting of a turned sleeve having four or more radial screws at each end; used for clamping on to rough work of small diameter and running in the Steady while centering. Also called spider
Cathetometer
An optical instrument for measuring vertical distances not exceeding a few decimeters. A small telescope, held horizontally can move up and down a vertical pillar. The difference in position of the telescope when the images of the two points whose separation is being measured are lined up with the cross-wires of the telescope, is obtained from the difference in vernier readings on a scale marked on the pillar. Also called reading microscope and reading telescope
Cathode
1. In an electric circuit, the Negative terminal. Electrons leave from this terminal.
2. In an electronic tube or valve, an electrode through which a primary stream of electrons enters the inter-electrode space. During conduction, the cathode is negative with respect to the anode. Such a cathode may be cold, electron emission being due to electric fields, photo-emission, or impact by other particles, or thermionic, where the cathode is heated by some means.
3. In a semiconductor diode, the electrode to which the forward current flows.
4. In a thyristor, the electrode by which current leaves the thyristor when it is in the ON state.
5. In a light-emitting diode, the electrode to which forward current flows within the device.
6. In electrolytic applications, the electrode at which positive ions are discharged, or negative ions formed.
7. The electrode at which reduction occurs. In an electrochemical cell, oxidation occurs at the Anode and reduction at the cathode.
Cathode coating
A low-work function surface layer applied to a thermionic or photocathode in order to enhance electron emission or to control spectral characteristics. The cathode coating impedance is between the base metal and this layer.
Cathode copper
The product of electrolytic refining, after which the cathodes are melted, oxidized, poled, and cast into wire-bars, cakes, billets, etc.
Cathode efficiency
Ratio of emission current to energy supplied to cathode. Also called emission efficiency
Cathode follower
A valve circuit in which the input is connected between the grid and ground, and the output is taken from between the cathode and ground, the anode being grounded to signal frequencies. It has a high input impedance, low output impedance, and unity voltage gain.
Cathode glow
Glow near the surface of a cathode, its color depends on the gas or vapor in the tube.
Cathode luminous sensitivity
Ratio of cathode current of photoelectric cell to luminous intensity.
Cathode modulation
Modulation produced by signal applied to cathode of valve through which carrier wave passes.
Cathode poisoning
Reduction of thermionic emission from a cathode as a result of minute traces of adsorbed impurities.
Cathode ray
A stream of negatively charged particles (electrons) emitted normally from the surface of a cathode in a vacuum or low-pressure gas. The velocity of the electrons is proportional to the square root of the accelerating potential, being 6x105ms-1 for one volt. They can be deflected and formed into beams by the application of electric or magnetic fields, or a combination of both, and are widely used in oscilloscopes and TV (in cathode-ray tubes), electron microscopes and electron-beam welding, and electron-beam tubes for high frequency amplifiers and oscillators.
Cathode-ray oscillograph
An oscillograph in which a permanent (photographic or other) record of a transient or time-varying phenomenon is produced by means of an electron beam in a cathode-ray tube. Deprecated term for Cathode-ray oscilloscope
Cathode-ray oscilloscope
(CRT) Device for displaying electronic signals by modulating a beam of electrons before it impinges on a Fluorescent screen
Cathode ray tube
A sealed tube on which graphs or pictures are displayed like a TV screen
Cathodic electropainting
A process of applying the first coat of paint to the body of a car by positively charging the paint particles and then dunking the metal into the paint. A current is turned on so that the positively charged paint is attracted to the negative metal panel. Also called cataphoretic painting
Cathode spot
Area on a cathode where electrons are emitted into an arc, the current density being much higher than with simple thermionic emission
Cathodic chalk
A coating of magnesium and calcium compounds formed on a steel surface during Cathodic protection in sea water
Cathodic etching
Erosion of a cathode by a glow discharge through positive-ion bombardment, in order to show microstructure
Cathodic protection
1. The action of protecting metal from electrochemical corrosion by using it as the cathode of a cell with a Sacrificial anode.
2. In ships and offshore structures, corrosion can be prevented by passing sufficient direct current through the sea water to make the metal hull a cathode.
3. The method of preventing corrosion in metal structures that involves using electric voltage to slow or prevent corrosion. It is used along natural gas pipelines, as well as in certain bridges or other large metal structures that need to resist corrosion over an extended period of time. It is also used in some devices for a vehicle to prevent rusting.
Cathodoluminescence
The emission of light, with a possible afterglow, from a material when irradiated by an electron beam, such as occurs in the phosphor of a cathode-ray tube
Cathodophone
Microphone utilizing the silent discharge between a heated oxide-coated filament in air and another electrode. The discharge is modulated directly by the motion of the air particles in a passing sound wave. Also called ionophone
Catholyte
See
Catolyte
Cation
Ion in an electrolyte which carries a positive charge and which migrates toward the cathode under the influence of a potential gradient in electrolysis. It is the deposition of the cation in a primary cell which determines the positive terminal.
Catolyte
That portion of the electrolyte of an electrolytic cell which is in the immediate neighborhood of the cathode. Also called catholyte
Catoptric element
A component of an optical system that uses reflection, not refraction, in the formation of an image
Cauchy's dispersion formula
μ= A + (B/λ2) + (C/λ21) + ...
An empirical expression for the relation between the refractive index μ of a medium and the wavelength λ of light; A, B, and C are the constants for a given medium.
Cattle guard
A series of pipes or bars spaced a few inches apart and placed across the road to discourage animals from entering or leaving a particular area. Similar to a Texas gate except a Texas gate always uses round pipes not flat bars.
Catwalk
1. A raised walkway running fore and aft from the midship.
2.
Catwalk
An obsolete term for the section between the fender and the hood. On modern cars, this section does not exist at all. But on older cars (like the 1937 Cadillac), the fender was spaced a little way apart from the hood. The headlights were mounted toward the front of the catwalk or above it.
Caulk
To fill seams in a wood deck with oakum or hammer the adjoining edges of metal together to stop leaks. Also spelled calk
Caulking
The process of closing the spaces between overlapping riveted plates or other joints by hammering the exposed edge of one plate into intimate contact with the other. A filler material is also used esp. for closing (e.g., deck planking). Also called calking
Also see
Weather Caulking
Caulking tool
A tool, similar in form to a cold chisel but having a blunt edge, for deforming the metal rather than cutting it.
Causality
The principle that an event cannot precede its cause.
Caustic curve
A curve to which rays of light are tangential after reflection or refraction at another curve
Caustic embrittlement
The intergranular corrosion of steel in hot alkaline solutions, e.g., in boilers
Caustic etching
The removal of metal by dipping aluminum parts in caustic soda
Caution
A period in racing in which track conditions are too hazardous for racing due to an accident or debris on the racing surface. The cars remain in their racing positions behind the pace car until it is determined that it is safe to resume the race.
Caved
Dented inward as in When the car hit me, it caved in the door.
Cavitation
A condition in which a partial Vacuum forms around the blades or Impeller wheels of a Pump, reducing the pump's output because part of the pump blades lose contact with the liquid. It can be a problem in fuel and water pumps, fluid couplings, and torque converters. When severe, it can result in the erosion of the pump blades and other internal surfaces.
Cavity
1. An empty space in a body structure, either in a box section or a double-skinned area.
2. A holder and contact for fuses
Cavity sealant
A product made of oil, wax, and rust inhibitors which is painted or sprayed into a cavity to prevent rust and corrosion.
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Da"
• Da
• Db
• Dc
• Dd
• De
• Df
• Dg
• Dh
• Di
• Dj
• Dk
• Dl
• Dm
• Dn
• Do
• Dp
• Dr
• Ds
• Dt
• Du
• Dv
• Dw
• Dy
D
1. Abbreviation for diesel.
2. Abbreviation for drive.
3. A mark on the output (live) terminal on a generator (contrasts with F)
Dab
A bicycle maneuver in which the rider puts a foot down in order to catch his balance on a difficult section of trail as in, "You will be disqualified if you dab on this course."
DAB
1. Acronym for Digital Audio Broadcast.
2. Acronym for Delayed Accessory Bus
Daewoo
Daewoo
A South Korean automobile manufacturer which produced Lanos (1999-2002), Nubira (1999-2002), Leganza (1999-2002).
Dagmar
Virginia Ruth Egnor
"Dagmar"
1955 Cadillac "Dagmar" bumper
1. Large bullet-shaped protrusion on Bumpers of cars in the 1950s. It was named after the nickname of a buxom television star, Virginia Ruth Egnor (1921-2001).
2. Dagmar is an automobile of which only the 25-70 models of 1925-1948 are Classic cars.
Daihatsu
Daihatsu
A brand of automobile from the Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. which began in 1951 and included the following models Rocky (1987-98), Charade (1977-2000)
Daimler
Also called Austro-Daimler. A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models with required application are Classic cars. The 1949-53 DE-36 Custom Built models are Milestone cars. The 1949-53 2.5 Special Sport Convertible models are Milestone cars.
Dalton's law
Vapor pressure created in a container by a mixture of gases is equal to sum of individual vapor pressures of the gases contained in mixture.
Dam
See
Air dam
Heat dam
Damage
See
Accident damage
Center section damage
Direct damage
Ecological damage
Engine damage
Frame damage
Impact damage
Indirect damage
Internal damage
Stone chip damage
Damp
1. To reduce the oscillations of spring, carburetor piston, etc.
2. To reduce the vibration in a crankshaft
Dampening belt
A rubber belt wound around the outside of a brake drum or rotor prior to machining the drum or rotor. The belt dampens out vibrations that might affect the quality of the finished surface.
Damper
Damper
1. A Friction device sometimes called a Shock absorber. Used for controlling and damping spring Oscillations. The springs actually absorb road shocks; the dampers convert the energy imparted to the springs into thermal energy (by friction), which is dissipated to the atmosphere or the vehicle's Chassis. Dampers are distinguishable by the type of friction involved, mechanical or Hydraulic but most modern cars used tubular-shaped Hydraulic shock absorbers. Because they affect up and down wheel motions, dampers are an important link in tuning a vehicle's ride and handling.
2. A movable plate which permits or restricts the flow of liquids or gasses.
Also See
Gas damper
Harmonic balancer
Mass damper
Piston damper
Pulsation damper
Steering damper
Torsional vibration damper
Vibration damper
Damper piston
A piston in a cylinder whose movement is restricted by a liquid or gas, which thus also restricts the movement of another member to which it is connected.
Damper settings
See
Spring and damper settings
Damper springs
Springs in a clutch plate providing a cushion against sudden loads due to abrupt engagement
Damper strut
A suspension strut whose hub carrier is attached to the spring element rather than to the damper tube. Compare Macpherson strut
Damping
1. Cushioning of force.
2. The action of suspension to control the speed of movement through its travel, usually by a piston running through oil and thus gives a smoother ride. It vastly improves that smoothness of ride offered.
Also See
Compression damping
Rebound Damping
Damping force
The amount of cushioning applied by a shock absorber
Damping rate
The amount of cushioning applied by a shock absorber
Damping restriction
The bore of a small cross section in the fuel distributor of the K-Jetronic type system. It dampens sensor plate movement in the air flow sensor during high load and low rpm conditions
Dark 30
Trucker slang for nighttime as in "I am shutting this rig down right at dark 30."
Darktime
Trucker slang for nighttime as in "I am shutting this rig down right at darktime."
Darracq
A vehicle manufacturer in which only the 8-cyl. cars and 4-liter, 6-cyl. cars of 1925-1948 are Classic cars.
Dash
See
Dashboard
Dash board
See
Dashboard
Dashboard
That part of the body containing the driving instruments, switches, etc. Also called the Instrument panel or dash panel or just dash.
Dashboard gearchange
British term for Dash shifter
Dashboard plaque
1. A metal or plastic plate which is mounted to the dash to indicate the brand, model, or series of vehicle.
2. A metal plate which is mounted to the dash to indicate an award for attending or winning a rally or other automotive event.
Dash design
See
Wrapround dash design
Wraparound Dash Design
Dash panel
1. A structural panel with bracing across the width of the car on the inside of the bulkhead below the windshield that provides the mounting locations of the dashboard. Also called the fire wall because it is the partition between the passenger compartment and the engine compartment.
2. The Bulkhead
Dash plaque
1. A metal or plastic plate which is mounted to the dash to indicate the brand, model, or series of vehicle.
2. A metal plate which is mounted to the dash to indicate an award for attending or winning a rally or other automotive event.
Dashpot
A unit using a Cylinder and Piston or a Cylinder and Diaphragm with a small vent hole, to Retard or slow down the movement of some part.
Also see
Anti-stall Dashpot
Dash-pot
(DP) a diaphragm that controls the rate at which the throttle closes
Dash shifter
A shift lever and indicator which is located on the instrument panel either as a short lever or push buttons
Data
See
Radio Data System
Data Center
See
Alternative Fuels Data Center
Data Interchange
See
Electronic DataInterchange
Data link connector
Connector(s) providing access and/or control of the vehicle information, operating conditions, and diagnostic information.
Data Sheet
See
Material Safety Data Sheets
Data System
See
Radio Data System
Date Code
See
Build Date Code
Datsun
A model of automobile manufactured by Nissan
Datsun Truck
A model of truck manufactured by Nissan
Datsun Z
A model of automobile manufactured by Nissan
Davit
A crane arm for handling lifeboats, stores, etc.
Day Cab
A truck or tractor without a sleeper birth. Typically used for day trips or local routes.
Daylighting controls
A system of sensors that assesses the amount of daylight and controls lighting or shading devices to maintain a specified lighting level. The sensors are sometimes referred to as photocells.
Day-night mirror
A mirror which adjusts to prevent the glare from the headlights of following cars. The British term is dipping mirror.
Days' supply
Number of days needed to sell all vehicles in inventory, based on the previous month's sales rate.
Daytime running lights
(DRLs) A safety-oriented lighting system in which the headlights or other front lights are constantly on even during the day. They help to prevent possible accidents because oncoming traffic can be seen. December 1, 1989, Canada became the second country after Norway to require daytime running lights on all new passenger vehicles. In other countries the implementation of DRLs has had mixed response.
Dazzle
The glare from the headlights of oncoming traffic which can momentarily blind a driver.
Dazzle mirror
See
Dimming mirror
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ea"
• Ea
• Eb
• Ec
• Ed
• Ee
• Ef
• Eg
• Eh
• Ei
• Ej
• El
• Em
• En
• Eo
• Ep
• Eq
• Er
• Es
• Et
• Eu
• Ev
• Ew
• Ex
• Ey
• Ez
E
Abbreviation for Economy Gear
E10
(Gasohol) Ethanol/gasoline mixture containing 10% denatured Ethanol and 90% gasoline, by volume.
E4OD
Acronym for Electronic 4-Speed Overdrive
E85
A fuel containing a mixture of 85 percent Ethanol and 15 percent gasoline
E93
A fuel mixture containing 93% Ethanol, 5% Methanol and 2% Kerosene, by volume.
E95
A fuel containing a mixture of 95 percent Ethanol and 5 percent gasoline
EAC
Acronym for Electronic Air Control -- replaced by AIR
EACV
Acronym for Electronic air control valve. A valve used in fuel-injection system, usually computer controlled, that controls the amount of air bypassing the throttle during idle. The more air that bypasses the throttle, the higher the idle speed
EAC Valve
An acronym for Electric air control valve. This is the GM version of a diverter air gulp valve, providing three functions in a single valve
• the normal diverter valve function, i.e., it diverts air on rapid increase in manifold vacuum;
• it relieves pressure by diverting air to the air cleaner when the air injection system pressure exceeds a certain set level;
• being solenoid-controlled, it allows air to be diverted under any desired operating mode
Also See
EAS valve
Eagle
Click image for books on
Eagle
A brand of automobile which was a carry-over from the AMC Eagle and later produced by Chrysler. It included the following models:
• Wagon (1988)
• Medallion (1988-1989)
• Premier (1988-1992)
• Vista (1988-1992)
• Summit (1989-1996)
• Talon (1990-1998)
• 2000GTX (1991-1992)
• Vision (1993-1997)
EAIR
Acronym for Electronic Secondary Air Injection
EAMA
Acronym for Egyptian Automobile Manufacturers Association.
Ear
A projection in the shape of an ear, usually as a lug or support for other components such as the brackets which are part of the fork cover and to which the headlight is mounted on a motorcycle. It is also a spoiler behind the rear windows to improve stability in side winds.
Also See
Fork ear
EAR
Acronym for estimated additional resources
Earles forks
Long leading-link motorcycle forks, i.e., front suspension has a pivoting fork controlled by twin shock absorbers. Designed by Ernie Earles, they were used by many manufactures of motorcycles in the 1950s
Early fuel evaporation system
(EFE) A system that heats the inlet manifold to provide a warm air/fuel mixture, reducing condensation and improving fuel evaporation, thus improving cold engine operation and reducing exhaust emissions. An EFE system operated by engine exhaust gas responds quicker to engine heat-up than systems heated by engine coolant; some EFE systems use an electric heater in the intake duct
Early termination
A vehicle's depreciation is highest in the first few months after it leaves the dealer's lot. Since a lessee pays for depreciation in equal monthly payments, lessees who end a lease early have almost always used up more of a car's value than they've paid for. Therefore, lease contracts generally include penalties for early termination. Be aware of these penalties before you sign the lease contract and consider your ability to fulfill the contract.
Earnings
See
Average weekly earnings
Ears on
Trucker slang for CB is turned on as in "Any smokeys out there with their ears on?"
Earth
British term for Ground
Earth connection
British term for ground connection
Earth electrode
British term for ground electrode
Earthmover
See
A-2 tire
Earth return
British term for Ground return
Earth strap
British term for Ground strap
Earth wire
British term for Ground wire.
Earthwork
Excavating, ditching, trenching, backfilling, embankment construction, grading, leveling, borrow, and other earth-moving work required in the construction of the project.
EAS
Acronym for Electronic air suspension. Introduced in the 1993 model year on certain Range Rover models further to enhance standards of road noise insulation, ride and handling, the system substitutes air bags and a live-line pneumatic system, (i.e., an electrically driven compressor, air pressure reservoir and associated controls) for the steel coil springs used on the rest of the Land Rover model range. Logic- controlled by an electronic control unit, height sensors and driver controls, the system maintains front and rear self-leveling in the five height modes listed below. These notes show the versatility of the system and the purpose for which it was designed. However, for the casual driver, new to the vehicle, no prior knowledge or expertise is required; FAS will cycle automatically through appropriate modes according to prior programming. The driver need not even know EAS is fitted. On engine start-up EAS assumes the last selected ride height.
Easement
Allows another person the right to use private land for a specific purpose. The most usual easements are those granted to public utility companies to run lines on or under private property. Other common easements are for storm drainage pipes and ditches, for walkways, and for access roads.
Ease up on the accelerator
The action of releasing the accelerator partially or completely in order to reduce the amount of fuel entering the engine and thus slow down the speed of the vehicle. Opposite of Depress the accelerator or Step on the accelerator.
Ease up on the gas pedal
The action of releasing the gas pedal partially or completely in order to reduce the amount of fuel entering the engine and thus slow down the speed of the vehicle. Opposite of Depress the gas pedal or Step on the gas pedal..
Ease up on the throttle
The action of releasing the twist-grip or throttle lever partially or completely in order to reduce the amount of fuel entering the engine and thus slow down the speed of the vehicle. Opposite of Engaging the throttle or Cranking on the throttle..
Ease up on the throttle pedal
The action of releasing the throttle pedal partially or completely in order to reduce the amount of fuel entering the engine and thus slow down the speed of the vehicle. Opposite of Depress the throttle pedal or Step on the throttle pedal..
Easing fluid
Penetrating oil
Easton
American developer of high quality aluminum and carbon fiber Bicycle products.
East-west layout
Transverse positioning of the engine across the car from left to right, found in many front-wheel drive designs. Also called Transverse engine. The opposite is North-south layout.
EAS Valve
The valve in an emission control system governing the airflow from the air pump in connection with the EAC valve. When its solenoid is energized, air is directed into the exhaust ports to increase oxidation and accelerate catalytic converter heat-up to operating temperature, and when its solenoid is de-energized, it switches airflow between the converter beds to help the oxidizing catalyst to decrease the CO and HC levels
Easy access cab
Easy access cab
A regular cab pickup with an extra fold-out section behind the door to allow you to have access to the things behind the front seat. Unlike an Extended cab, there is no seating behind the front seat.
Easy out
A brand name for a Screw extractor.
Easy-out
A brand name for a Screw extractor.
Eat
To corrode and remove the metal from a body panel which has been subject to excessive rust
Eat away
The effect of excessive rust which has seriously corroded a body panel so that there is almost no original metal left
Eat-em-up
Trucker slang for Truck stop Cafe as in "It's been so long since I stopped at the eat-em-up that my stomach thinks my throat's been slashed."
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Fa"
• Fa
• Fb
• Fc
• Fd
• Fe
• Ff
• Fg
• Fh
• Fi
• Fl
• Fm
• Fn
F
1. Abbreviation for Fahrenheit.
2. Acronym for Field
3. Acronym for Field terminal
F4WD
Acronym for Full Time Four Wheel Drive
Fabric
Material made from textile or man-made fibers
Fabricate
To make, usually by a relatively complex process or from several parts
Fabric body
A simple form of lightweight bodywork in which a waterproof, cloth-backed material is stretched over a wooden framework popular around 1930 and still used later by DKW and even after WWII by Lloyd.
Fabric fatigue
A term used with tires where the fabric degrades and results in tire cord breakdown due to repeated flexing and heat.
Fabric hood
A British term for the fabric top of a convertible.
Fabric top
A soft top for a convertible made from a textile (such as canvas) as opposed to vinyl
Face
1. To shave the outer edges of a Bottom bracket shell or the upper and lower ends of a Head tube to make them parallel with one another and square to the tube's centerline.
2. To machine a flat surface perpendicular to the axis at rotation on a lathe.
3. To remove metal from the end of a shaft or the face of a larger part, e.g., flywheel.
4. The front, visible, or working surface of a part (such as a valve) or a tool (such as a hammer).
Also See
Bearing face
Cam face
Concave weld face
Door face
Full face helmet
Grille face panel
Inner attachment face
Mechanical face seal
Mixer Face
Open face helmet
Valve face
Valve seat face
Weld face
Face cam
A cam system in which the eccentrics are situated on the face of a rotating disc
Faced
See
Spot Faced
Face hammer
See
Soft face hammer
Face helmet
See
Full face helmet
Open face helmet
Facelift
Minor styling modifications made by the manufacturer to a car model which may be approaching the end of its useful life, intended to improve the appearance and thus boost sales with minimum cost, including such features as restyled Headlights, larger tail lights, added trim, altered grille, and spoilers
Facel Vega
A vehicle brand of which the 1954-64 V-8 models are Milestone cars.
Face of weld
The exposed surface of the Weld.
Face panel
See
Grille face panel
Face seal
See
Mechanical face seal
Facia
A front protective panel. Also spelled fascia.
Facing
See
Clutch facing
Hinge facing
Lock facing
Fact
Abbreviation for factory.
Factor
See
Blade Activity Factor
Bulking Factor
Casing factor
Chill Factor
Consumer factors
Dead freight factor
Form Factor
Horsepower-weight factor
Lagging Power Factor
Leading Power Factor
Money factor
Pitting factor
Power Factor
Quality Factor
Reactivity Adjustment Factor
Safety factor
Service Factor
Factory adjusted
Something that is set by the manufacturer when the vehicle was built and is not intended to be changed
Factory options
Optional features which may be installed by the manufacturer upon request. Aftermarket options are those which are installed by a garage or consumer after the vehicle has been built and delivered to the selling dealership.
Factory primer
A Primer coat applied to new body panels in the factory for protection during storage, which in some cases has to be removed prior to painting because of paint compatibility problems
Factory racers
Racing machines built and operated by the manufacturer
Fade
A gradual reduction in efficiency.
Also See
Brake fade
Gas fade
Heat fade
Lining fade
Mechanical fade
Water fade
Fader
A device which adjusts the sound balance of front and rear speakers in a four-speaker layout
Fading
1. A loss of brightness or color in a paint finish.
2. Brake fade
Fahrenheit
Thermometer on which the Boiling point of water is 212 degrees and the freezing point is 32 degrees above zero. To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 then multiply the result by 5 and divide by 9. To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 9, then divide by 5. Now add 32 to the result.
Fahrenheit scale
On a Fahrenheit thermometer, under standard atmospheric pressure, boiling point of water is 212 degrees and freezing point is 32 degrees above zero.
Fail-safe control
Device which opens a circuit when the sensing element loses its pressure.
Failsafe system
A system which remains safe even when part of it fails, such as a Dual-circuit brake system.
Failure
See
Brake failure
Intercoat adhesion failure
Secondary failure
Fair
1. To add a Fairing to a body.
2. A vehicle in restorable condition needing only minor work to get all components working
Fairing
1. A protective shell or enclosure at the front of a motorcycle which may house the Headlights and signal lights. It is designed to improve the aerodynamic performance of the machine and/or provide rider comfort and protection from the elements. These range from simple Plexiglas® shields to complex, encompassing body panels.
2. The plastic shield mounted on the front of a roof rack of a vehicle which is designed to reduce wind noise and improve fuel economy.
Fairlane
Click image for books on
Ford Fairlane
A model of automobile manufactured by Ford
Fairmont
A model of automobile manufactured by Ford
FAK
Acronym for Freight of All Kinds describing mixed general freight in the back of a truck or trailer.
Also see
LTL
Falcon
A model of automobile manufactured by Ford
False air
Any air leak that introduces unmeasured air into the intake system between the airflow meter and the intake valves is false
False neutral
When you fail to engage gears and the transmission behaves as though it is in neutral, even though it is not
False flat
An illusion where the operator or passengers in a motor vehicle or on a bicycle or motorcycle suppose that the road is flat, but in reality there is a slight climb.
Falsework
A temporary supporting framework for a structure during construction or demolition.
Family car
A car suitable for transporting a family, usually a four-door sedan, Hatchback, or Station wagon. It is becoming more popular for families to obtain a Minivan instead of a station wagon.
Fan
Fan
1. A fan is a rotating device with curved blades like a propeller. The primary fan in a vehicle is generally located behind the Radiator. Some electric fans may be placed in front of the radiator. It draws air through the radiator so that the Coolant loses its heat through the fins of the radiator. It is especially needed when the vehicle is idling or moving slowly. When the vehicle moves quickly, there may be no need for the fan. In some cases, the fan is automatically disengaged under those circumstances. Non-electric fans may be activated by a Fan belt driven by the engine, while electric fans are powered by the electrical system independent of the engine itself.
2. Other fans are located throughout the vehicle to push air from one location to another, especially for heating and Ventilation.
3. Radial or axial flow device used for moving or producing flow of gases.
4. The pattern emitted by a paint spray gun.
Also See
Blower Fan
Booster Fan
Cooling fan
Evaporator Fan
Heater fan
Radiator fan
Radiator fan motor
Fan belt
A flexible rubber belt that connects various Components in the engine compartment, i.e., Alternator, Water pump, Emission controls, Power steering pump, and Air conditioner Compressor. Also called Drive belt or Serpentine belt
Fan blade
A part of the fan projecting at an angle from the central hub, which draws the air through the radiator
Fan clutch
A Viscous (fluid) drive coupling device connected to the center of the fan to permit variable engine fan speeds in relation to engine speeds. The Clutch engages and disengages the fan according to the engine temperature through a thermostat
Fan-cooled enclosure
An electric motor housing that includes an integral fan to blow cooling air over the motor. It may be Totally enclosed or Explosion-proof
Fan cooling
A type of air cooling where a blower is responsible for transporting the amount of air required for the cooling of the engine past the cooling fins, which in turn dissipate the heat stored in them to the current of air flowing past them
Fangled Nut
See
Headset Star Fangled Nut
Fan motor
See
Radiator fan motor
Fanning
The use of air pressure through a spray gun to speed up the drying of Primer or paint -- this is not recommended
Fan pulley
A pulley on the hub of the radiator fan on which its driving belt runs
Farad
Unit of electrical capacity; capacity of a condenser which, when charged with one coulomb of electricity, gives difference of potential of one volt.
Faraday experiment
Silver chloride absorbs ammonia when cool and releases it when heated. This is basis on which some absorption refrigerators operate.
Farewell tour
A year-long tribute or celebration for a retiring driver and his racing fans.
Farman
A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models with required application are Classic car.
Farm gasoline
Gasoline that has been mixed with an identifying dye (usually purple) and sold for less in order to help farmers. In most places where this is practiced, it is illegal to use farm gasoline in non-farm vehicles. Also called purple gas
Farm out
An action by a repair shop to send some repair work to a specialty shop. For instance you might bring your car to the shop for an engine tune-up and to replace a broken windshield. The shop can handle the tune-up, but will farm out the windshield repair to a glass shop.
Farm Products cargo
Truck content of unprocessed items which were grown in or produced from agricultural activity on a farm or in a garden, nursery, or orchard. Articles manufactured or processed from these commodities are not included in this category.
Farm Tractor
A low-speed high-torque vehicle used in farming. Typically with two small front wheels and two large rear wheels. Designed to pull other components in farming. In contrast with a Truck tractor
Farm use
Petroleum products sales for use on the farm including use in tractors, irrigation pumps, other agricultural machinery, etc.)
FARS
Acronym for Fatality Analysis Reporting System operated by the NHTSA
Fatality Analysis Reporting System
(FARS) operated by the NHTSA
Farthing
See
Penny-farthing
FAS
Acronym for free alongside ship
Fascia
Also spelled facia.
1. A front protective panel usually located below the Bumper.
2. In Britain it is the instrument panel.
Fast
See
Light-fast
Fastback
Fastback
A design of car where the roof gently slopes to the rear end of the car. Any automobile with a long, moderately curving, downward slope to the rear of the roof. This body style relates to an interest in streamlining and aerodynamics and has gone in and out of fashion at various times. Some (Mustangs for one) have grown quite popular. Others have tended to turn customers off. Certain fastbacks are, technically, two-door sedans or pillared coupes. Four-door fastbacks have also been produced. Many of these (such as Buick's late 1970s four-door Century sedan) lacked sales appeal. Fastbacks may or may not have a rear-opening hatch.
Also See
Two-door fastback
Fast charger
A battery charger which can charge a battery at a rate of 40 amps or more, used by garages and battery suppliers
Fastener
Also See
Lift-the-dot fastener
Nylon fastener
Snap fastener
Fastener length
See
Length of Fastener
Fast food freezing
Method that uses liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide to turn fresh food into long lasting frozen food. It is often referred to as cryogenic food freezing and freeze drying.
Fast idle
When the engine is cold, it needs to run faster to keep it from stalling. A cam on the Carburetor forces the Throttle open a little more when the Choke is engaged.
Fast idle cam
A cam in a Carburetor which opens the throttle slightly when the choke is brought into operation, either automatically or mechanically
Fast idle screw
A screw on a Carburetor for adjusting the speed of the fast idle
Fast idle solenoid
A Solenoid operating in conjunction with an automatic choke to open the throttle slightly when the choke is in operation
Fast lane
The outside lane (far left lane in North America, etc. or the far right lane in Britain, Australia, etc.). Also called the passing lane
FAS value
Acronym for Free alongside ship value. The value of a commodity at the port of exportation, generally including the purchase price plus all charges incurred in placing the commodity alongside the carrier at the port of exportation in the country of exportation.
Fathom
A measure of length, equivalent to 6 linear feet, used for depths of water and lengths of anchor chain
Fatigue
A condition of a material, especially a metal, causing loss of elasticity and tendency to fracture after long or repeated stress, even though the stress may be less than that which would cause failure under static conditions.
Also See
Fabric fatigue
Metal fatigue
Fatigue corrosion
A condition caused by repeated stress in a corrosive atmosphere.
Fatigue life
When a metal component is subjected to repeated bending or service action it will eventually break. The number of bends is its fatigue life.
Fatigue limit
The maximum stress that a material can endure for an infinite number of stress cycles without breaking
Fatigue resistance
The maximum stress that a material can endure for a given time without breaking
Fatigue strength
1. The maximum stress that a material can endure for a given time without breaking
2. The stress to which a metal can be subjected for a specified number of cyclic changes of stress.
3. The endurance of a fastener showing the load it can accept without breaking under repeated load cycles.
Fatigue test
A test on a material to determine the range of stress it will stand without failing, by subjecting it to rapidly varying stresses to establish its fatigue limit
Fat load
Trucker slang for overload, carrying more weight than local state law allows as in "Better not be running at fat load, cause the coops are open and checking ground pressure this morning."
Fault
A defect which is either inherent in the vehicle as built (manufacturing fault) or which occurs during running.
Also See
Intermittent fault
No fault insurance
Fault codes
See
Trouble code
Fault diagnosis
The tracing of faults or error codes which can be determined by the in-built diagnostic system and an engine analyzer
Fault insurance
See
No fault insurance
Fault memory
A part of the electronic control unit and of the diagnostic system that stores error codes to assist the mechanic in diagnosing problems.
Fault reader
A device used in conjunction with the vehicle's diagnostic system, providing a read-out of status of the various components
Faying surface
The inner mating or contacting surfaces of a joint; common area of two surfaces that are bonded together with an Adhesive
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ga"
• Ga
• Gc
• Gd
• Ge
• Gh
• Gi
• Gl
• Gm
• Gn
• Go
• Gp
• Gr
• Gs
• Gt
• Gu
• Gv
• Gw
• Gy
g
A unit of measurement for Lateral acceleration, or road-holding. One g is equivalent to 981 cm (32.2 feet) per second every second, the rate at which any object accelerates when dropped at sea level. If a car were cornering at 1.0 g -- a figure that very few production cars are able to approach -- the driver's body would be pushing equally hard against the side of the seat as against the bottom of it. Most fast sedans accelerate about 0.8 g.
G7
Seven industrial countries consisting of the United States, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada, whose leaders have met at annual economic summits since 1975 to coordinate economic policies.
GA
Acronym for Gage or Gauge
Gage
A standard SAE designation of wire sizes, expressed in AWG (American Wire Gage). The larger the gage number, the smaller the wire. Metric wire sizes are expressed in cross-sectional area, which is expressed in square millimeters. Sometimes the spelling gauge is also used to designate wire size. However, it is becoming standard to use gage for wire size and gauge for instruments. Americans often use gage for instruments.
Gage tubing
See
Plain gauge tubing
Gain
See
Available Power Gain
Processing Gain
Steering gain
Gain Control
See
Automatic Gain Control
Automatic Quiet Gain Control
Gaiter
A dust boot
Gal.
Abbreviation for gallon. A US gallon (3.78543 liters) (231 cubic inches) is 20% smaller than an Imperial gallon (4.54609 liters).
Galaxie
GALFAN®
A trademark for a special type of hot-dip galvanized steel sheet with a coating consisting of a zinc alloy containing 5% aluminum and rare earths
Gallery
A Channel or tube usually found within the engine block for the transfer of fluid or gas.
Also see
Engine Oil Gallery
Oil Gallery
Galling
A condition that takes place when two metals or fasteners stick together and cannot be easily loosened. In tightening fasteners, for example, pressure builds on threads as metals rub against each other, and the passive film preventing corrosion on stainless may not form due to lack of oxygen. Also called Seizing
Gallon
A US gallon (3.785 liters) is 20% smaller than an Imperial gallon (4.546 liters).
Also see
Imperial Gallon
Miles Per Gallon
Standard U.S. Gallon
U.S. Petroleum Gallon
Galvalume®
Trademark for a special type of hot-dip galvanized steel sheet with a coating consisting of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc and 1.6% silicon
Galvanic
Concerned with an electrical current
Galvanic action
Wasting away of two unlike metals due to electrical current passing between them. The action is increased in the presence of moisture.
Galvanic cell
Cell which converts chemical energy into electrical energy by irreversible chemical reactions
Galvanic corrosion
1. Corrosion due to the action of a galvanic cell.
2. An accelerated degree of corrosion occurring when two different metals are in contact with moisture, particularly sea water. All metals have what is termed a specific electric potential, so that low level electric current flows from one metal to another. A metal with a higher position in the galvanic series will corrode sacrificially rather than one with a lower position, meaning stainless, for example, will corrode before gold. The further apart the metals on the chart, the more electric current will flow and the more corrosion will occur. No serious galvanic action will occur by combining the same metals, only dissimilar ones. To prevent galvanic corrosion, use insulation, paint, or coatings when separating dissimilar metals; or put the metal to be protected next to a metal which is not important in the assembly, so it can corrode sacrificially. Metals listed first will corrode due to galvanic reaction before those at end of paragraph: magnesium, zinc, aluminum 1100, cadmium, aluminum 2024, steel and iron, lead, tin brass, copper, bronze, monel, 304 and 316 stainless (passive), silver, titanium, graphite, gold.
Also see
Bimetallic corrosion
Galvanize
The action of plating with zinc and/or lead by hot dipping or Electrodeposition to protect from rust.
Also See
Hot-dip galvanize
Galvanized body
See
Fully galvanized body
Galvanized coating
Zinc or zinc based coating applied by galvanizing
Galvanize differentially
The action of obtaining different coating thicknesses on the two sides of the sheet of iron.
Galvanizing
The application of zinc coatings on the surface of a metal, by hot dipping or Electrodeposition.
Also See
Cold galvanizing
Dry galvanizing
Electrolytic galvanizing
High-build galvanizing
Mechanical plating
Rack galvanizing
Spin galvanizing
Wet galvanizing
Galvanizing bath
A bath for hot-dip galvanizing or Electrogalvanizing
Galvannealing
A thermal process which gives improved adhesion to hot-dip galvanized steel sheets
Galvanometer
An instrument used to measure the pressure, amount of, and direction of an electric Current.
Also see
Ballistic Galvanometer
Gamma layer
Part of the zinc-iron alloy layer on hot-dip galvanized iron and steel containing 21-28% iron
Gangway
A narrow hanging staircase used by persons entering or leaving a vessel from the pier or boat
Gantry
Gantry
1. A structure with an overhead beam, used for lifting out an engine. Compare Engine hoist.
2. Overhead steel structures across the highway to hold up a traffic sign
Gap
1. The distance between the center terminal (Electrode) and the outer terminal (Electrode) through which the Spark must travel in a Spark plug.
Also See
Spark plug gap
Air gap.
2. The distance between the points in contact Breaker points.
Also See
Point gap.
3. The distance between two vehicles traveling down the road as they go in the same direction. Generally a safe distance is a minimum of two seconds behind the vehicle in front.
4. The distance between the two ends of Piston rings.
Also See
Air gap
Alignment Gap
Annular gap
Band Gap
Buncher Gap
Contact breaker gap
Door gap
Electrode gap
Piston ring end gap
Point gap
Points gap
Ring gap
Spark air gap
Spark gap
Spark plug gap
Surface gap
Gap bridging
A formation of carbon or other deposits across the Spark plug gap which shorts out the plug
Gap coil tester
See
Spark gap coil tester
Gap insurance
This covers you against additional losses not covered by your auto insurance in the case of an accident in which the vehicle is totaled. Most auto insurance will cover the actual cash value of the vehicle and what is owed on the lease contract, including early termination fees. Gap insurance is most important in the early years of a lease when the difference between the value of the car and what is owed are greatest. Some manufacturers now include Gap insurance in their leases.
Gapper
A device for determining the distance between two metal contacts.
Also See
Feeler gauge.
Gapping
Adjusting the distance between the Electrodes of a Spark plug or the points of contact Breaker points.
Also See
Plug gapping.
Gap spark plug
See
Surface gap spark plug
Gap style
The arrangement or shape of the spark plug electrodes
Garage
1. A building in which a motor vehicle is kept.
2. The premises on which motor vehicles are repaired or serviced and/or where fuel is sold.
3. To keep in a garage
Garaged
A reference to a vehicle which is kept in a garage, as in My car is always garaged. The abbreviation in advertisements is gar'd.
Garage jack
A powerful hydraulic jack used in garages
Garages
See
Morris Garages
Garbage
Trucker slang for produce (bananas, lettuce etc.) as in "I sure am glad I'm not takin' this load of garbage to Hunt's Point."
Garbage truck
A cargo body style often with hydraulic packing mechanisms or hydraulic arms for lifting dumpsters. Included are roll-offs, vehicles used for transporting refuse containers. Roll-offs have rails or a flat bed and a hoist for loading and unloading the refuse container. Also called refuse truck
Garbage wagon
A scornful term used by some outlaw bikers to describe a Touring motorcycle
Garboard strake
The strake of bottom shell plating adjacent to the keel plate.
Gar'd
An abbreviation used in classified advertisements for garaged
Garden gate
A nickname for the plunger-sprung frames used on Norton motorcycles from the late 1930s
Garnish molding
The upper molding on a door panel used to retain the door trim panel to the door assembly
Also see
Door Garnish Molding
Garter spring
A long, thin coil spring with ends joined to form a ring.
Gas
1. A vapor having no particles or droplets of liquid. In physics, a gas is a substance which possesses perfect molecular mobility and, unlike a liquid or a solid, the ability to expand indefinitely
2. A non-solid material. It can be compressed. When heated, it will expand; and when cooled, it will contract (such as air.)
Also See
Hot gas welding
Inert gas system
3. A common term for Gasoline. The British term is petrol.
Also See
Unleaded gas
4. A term for LPG or Propane.
Also See
Bottled gas
Compressed natural gas
Oxygen-LP gas flame
Oxyhydrogen gas
5. A term referring to the Exhaust gases.
Also See
Exhaust emissions.
End gas
Exhaust gas recirculation
Exhaust gas analyzer
Exhaust gas purification system
Exhaust gas
Raw exhaust gas
Spent gas
6. A non-solid, non-liquid combustible energy source that includes natural gas, coke-oven gas, blast-furnace gas, and refinery gas.
7. Fuel gas, such as natural gas, undiluted liquefied petroleum gases (vapor phase only), liquefied petroleum gas-air mixtures, or mixtures of these gases.
8. To apply the throttle.
Also See
Depress the gas pedal
Ease up on the gas pedal
Pumping the gas pedal
Also see
Associated-Dissolved Natural Gas
Biomass Gas
Delivered Gas
Dry Natural Gas
Exhaust Gases
Flash Gas
Greenhouse Gases
Hot Gas
Landfill Gas
Liquefied Natural Gas
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Liquefied Refinery Gases
Low BTU Gas
Manufactured Gas
Native Gas
Natural Gas
Nonassociated Natural Gas
Noncondensable Gas
Nonhydrocarbon Gases
Non-Methane Organic Gases
Processed Gas
Radiatively Active Gases
Refinery Gas
Reformate Gas
Residual Exhaust Gases
Residue Gas
Salable Natural Gas
Sour Gas
Still Gas
Sweet Gas
Synthetic Natural Gas
Unprocessed Gas
Vent Gases
Wet Natural Gas
Gas Act
See
Natural Gas Act
Gasahol
See
Gasohol
Gas-Air Mixture
See
Lp Gas-Air Mixture
Gas analyzer
See
Exhaust gas analyzer
Gas-arc
See
Inert gas-arc welding
Gas-arc welding
See
Inert gas-arc welding
Gas Association
See
Canadian Gas Association
Gas Baffle
See
Load-Bearing Flue Gas Baffle
Non-Load-Bearing Flue Gas Baffle
Gas burner
Competition vehicle with engine set up to operate on standard pump gasoline instead of an Alcohol, nitro, etc., mixture. Also called gasser.
Gas-burner System
See
Atmospheric Gas-burner System
Gas Bypass
See
Hot Gas Bypass
Gas cap
Gas cap
A vented covering on the top of the tube leading to the fuel tank. Also called fuel cap.
Gas chamber
A pressure chamber of a single-tube shock absorber
Gas Check Valve
See
Exhaust Gas Check Valve
Gas cleanup
Removal of a contaminant from gaseous feed streams by a mechanical or chemical process.
Gas damper
A gas shock absorber
Gas Defrost
See
Hot Gas Defrost
Gas discharge headlight
A motor vehicle Headlight with a gas discharge lamp
Gas discharge lamp
A discharge lamp in which light is generated by gas discharge
Gas discharge light
A discharge light in which light is generated by gas discharge
Gas-driven generator
A generator which turned by a gas engine.
Gaseous
Referring to gas
Gaseous discharge lamp
A gas discharge lamp
Gaseous discharge headlight
A Gas discharge light
Gases
See
CFC gases
Exhaust gases
Greenhouse gases
Residual exhaust gases
Gases in Bulk cargo
Pressurized tanker item. Examples: Aerosol propellant, butane, CO2, LPG, nitrogen, and propane.
Gas fade
Brake fade caused by hot gases and dust particles that reduce friction between the brake linings and drum or rotor under hard, prolonged braking
Gas filter
A device for screening the Gasoline to remove the impurities.
Also See
Fuel filter.
Gas flame
See
Oxygen-LP gas flame
Gas flow
The flow of the air/fuel mixture or the exhaust gases in an engine
Gas Forced-air
See
Heat Pipe Gas Forced-air
Gas forced-air heat pipe
High efficiency gas furnace that uses vertical liquid filled pipes. The pipes are heated by a burner at their base, and the liquid boils and vaporizes within the pipe. The furnace blower circulates air over the pipes for heating.
Gas Furnace
See
High Efficiency Gas Furnace
Gas gage
See
Gas gauge.
Gas gauge
An instrument, usually located on the Dashboard or center console, which indicates the amount of fuel in the Fuel tank. Most gauges have a Needle which fluctuates between E (empty) and F (full). Others show a digital readout of how many gallons or liters left in the tank. Also called fuel gauge.
Gas guzzler
A vehicle which uses a lot of gasoline per distance traveled.
Gas Hydrates
See
Natural Gas Hydrates
Gasification
A method for converting coal, petroleum, biomass, wastes, or other carbon-containing materials into a gas that can be burned to generate power or processed into chemicals and fuels.
Gasket
Gasket
A material made of Asbestos, cardboard, cork, paper, rubber, or soft metal placed between two metal parts to insure proper sealing.
Also See
Base gasket
Blown head gasket
Foam Gasket
Head gasket
Hollow-tube Gasket
Liquid gasket
Magnetic Gasket
Oil pan gasket
Reservoir Diaphragm Gasket
Rocker cover gasket
Shim-type Head Gaskets
Valve cover gasket
Gasket, foam
Joint sealing material made of rubber or plastic foam strips.
Gasket kit
A collection of gaskets required to overhaul an engine or part of an engine.
Also See
Bottom end gasket kit
Carburetor kit
Top end gasket kit
Gasket punch
A tool used to cut out holes in a sheet of gasket material to shape a gasket to size.
Gasket scraper
Gasket scraper
A scraper with a sharp chisel edge for removing old gasket material from a surface before installing a new gasket\
Gas Liquids
See
Natural Gas Liquids
Gas metal-arc welding
Welding using a continuously fed consumable electrode and a shielding gas. Also called sigma welding.
Gas, noncondensable
Gas which will not form into a liquid under the operating pressure-temperature conditions.
Gasohol
A blend of Gasoline and ethanol Alcohol or methanol that usually is 90 to 94.3% Gasoline and 5.7 to 10% ethanol. This term was used in the late 1970s and early 1980s but has been largely replaced by terms such as E10, Super Unleaded Plus Ethanol or Unleaded Plus Ethanol. Ethanol is the Alcohol found in intoxicating beverages. It may attack rubber and plastic parts of Fuel systems not designed to handle alcohol-blended fuels, but it is not poisonous to human beings like wood alcohol or Methanol.
Gas oil
European and Asian designation for No. 2 heating oil and No. 2 diesel fuel.
Also see
Automotive Gas Oil
Light Gas Oils
Gasoil
Designation for No.2 heating oils and diesel fuels. A clean distillate fuel oil.
Gasoline
A Hydrocarbon fuel used in an Internal combustion engine. Gasoline is refined from crude oil which is made up of fossilized plant and animal remains. In Britain it is called petrol.
Also See
Aviation Gasoline
Casing Head Gasoline
Ethyl gasoline
Lead-free gasoline
Leaded gasoline
Leaded Premium Gasoline
Midgrade Gasoline
Motor Gasoline
Natural Gasoline
Oxygenated gasoline
Premium gasoline
Pump gasoline
Purple Gasoline
Reformulated gasoline
Regular gasoline
Regular Grade Gasoline
Unleaded gasoline
Unleaded Midgrade Gasoline
Unleaded Premium Gasoline
Unleaded Regular Gasoline
Gasoline And Isopentane
See
Natural Gasoline And Isopentane
Gasoline Blending
See
Motor Gasoline Blending
Gasoline blending components
Naphthas which will be used for blending or compounding into finished aviation or motor gasoline (e.g., straight-run gasoline, Alkylate, Reformate, Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene). Excludes oxygenates (alcohols, ethers), Butane, and Pentanes plus
Also see
Motor Gasoline Blending Components
Gasoline grades
The classification of gasoline by octane ratings. Each type of gasoline (conventional, oxygenated, and reformulated) is classified by three grades - Regular, Midgrade, and Premium. Note: Gasoline sales are reported by grade in accordance with their classification at the time of sale. In general, automotive octane requirements are lower at high altitudes. Therefore, in some areas of the United States, such as the Rocky Mountain States, the octane ratings for the gasoline grades may be 2 or more octane points lower.
1. Regular gasoline: Gasoline having an antiknock index, i.e., octane rating, greater than or equal to 85 and less than 88. Note: Octane requirements may vary by altitude.
2. Midgrade gasoline: Gasoline having an antiknock index, i.e., octane rating, greater than or equal to 88 and less than or equal to 90. Note: Octane requirements may vary by altitude.
3. Premium gasoline: Gasoline having an antiknock index, i.e., octane rating, greater than 90. Note: Octane requirements may vary by altitude.
Gasoline Injection
See
Electronic Gasoline Injection
Gasoline Prices
See
Retail Motor Gasoline Prices
Gasoline pump
A device which pulls fuel from an underground storage tank into a vehicle's Gas tank.
Gas Oxygen Sensor
See
Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor
Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor
Gas pedal
The device actuated by the operator's foot for increasing or decreasing the amount of fuel entering the Combustion chamber. Also called throttle pedal or accelerator.
Also See
Accelerator
Depress the gas pedal
Ease up on the gas pedal
Pumping the gas pedal
Step on the gas pedal
Take foot off the gas pedal
Gas pockets
Cavities in weld metal caused by trapped gas.
Gas Policy Act Of 1978
See
Natural Gas Policy Act Of 1978
Gas pressure regulator
A device for controlling a selected outlet gas pressure.
Gas prop
A gas-assisted strut like a hatch strut, hood strut, or tailgate strut
Gas pump
Gas pump
A device at a Service station which pulls gasoline from a storage tank (usually located underground) into the vehicle's Gas tank. Commercial units also record the amount of fuel dispensed as well as the cost.
Gas purification
See
Exhaust gas purification system
Gas Purification System
See
Exhaust Gas Purification System
Gas recirculation
See
Exhaust gas recirculation
Gas Recirculation System
See
Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
Gas Recirculation Valve
See
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
Gasser
A vehicle which burns normal Gasoline instead of racing fuel.
Also See
Gas burner.
Gas shock
A gas-assisted shock absorber
Gas shock absorber
A gas-assisted shock absorber
Gassing
The small hydrogen bubbles rising to the top of the Battery Electrolyte during Battery charging.
Gas spring
A pressurized, nitrogen-filled sphere, used in Hydragas and hydropneumatic suspension systems
Gas station
A place where gasoline is dispensed.
Gas system
See
Inert gas system
Gas tank
Gas tank
The container for holding or storing fuel. Also called Fuel tank.
Gas-tight
Sealed to prevent the passage of gas
Gas to liquid
(GTL) A process that combines the carbon and hydrogen elements in natural gas molecules to make synthetic liquid petroleum products, such as diesel fuel.
Gas Tube System
See
Perimeter Hot Gas Tube System
Gas tungsten-arc welding
Welding using a tungsten electrode and a shielding gas.
Gas turbine
Gas Turbine
An internal-combustion rotating engine with one main moving part the Rotor with pinwheel-like blades attached. Air is compressed by the first rows of blades and delivered to the combustion chambers, from which the exhaust is directed to pass the remaining blades and to generate the power. Power is extremely smooth due to the absence of explosions and Reciprocating parts.
Gas turbine Engine
See
Gas turbine
Gas valve
Device in a pipeline for starting, stopping, or regulating flow of gas.
Gas Vehicle
See
Natural Gas Vehicle
Gas vent
A passageway, composed of listed factory-built components assembled in accordance with the terms of listing, for conveying flue gases from gas utilization equipment or their vent connectors to the outside atmosphere.
Gas welding
A welding process widely used in body repair shops (now being gradually replaced by MIG welding). Also called oxyacetylene welding.
Also See
Hot gas welding
Metal Inert Gas Welding
Gate
1. The slotted guide for the Gearshift of an Internal combustion engine.
2. The slotted guides in a shift drum.
3. A Tailgate.
Also See
Anchor Gate
Balance Gate
Garden Gate
J gate transmission shifter
Shift gate
Texas gate
Waste gate
Gate transmission
See
J gate transmission shifter
Gate transmission shifter
See
J gate transmission shifter
Gating
A device that permits a wave to pass another wave in a circuit in specific intervals
GATT
Acronym for General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
Gauge
This is the British and Canadian spelling while in the United States it is sometimes spelled without the u (gage). It is becoming standard to use gage for wire size and gauge for an instrument.
1. An instrument or meter that registers the quantity of a substance
Also See
Ammeter
Auxiliary Gauge
Boost gauge
Bowden Gauge
Fuel gauge
Gas gauge
Hydrostatic Gauge
In-dash gauge
Low-pressure Gauge
Low Side Gauge
Oil gauge
Oil level gauge
Oil pressure gauge
Oil temperature gauge
Outdoor Temperature Gauge
Outside temperature gauge
Pounds Per Square Inch Gauge
Temperature gauge
Turbo gauge
Vacuum gauge
Voltmeter
Water temperature gauge
2. A tool for measuring Clearances, pressures, sizes, etc.
Also See
Adjusting gauge
B & S gauge
Beta Thickness Gauge
Birmingham Gauge
Birmingham Wire Gauge
Bridge Gauge
Standard Wire Gauge
Broad Gauge
Brown and Sharpe Wire Gauge
Buckley Gauge
Caliper gauge
Compression gauge
Compression tester
Depth gauge
Dial gauge
Disc brake gauge
Draft Gauge
Feeler gauge
Frame gauge
High-pressure Gauge
Ignition gauge
Micron Gauge
Pressure Gauge
Screw pitch gauge
Sighting point gauge
Spark plug gauge
Step Feeler Gauge
Throttle gauge
Tire gauge
Tire pressure gauge
Tram gauge
Tread depth gauge
Vernier gauge
Wheel alignment gauge
3. A measurement of tubing.
Also See
Plain gauge tubing
Gauge box
A container which measures a known quantity of material such as cement, sand, or rocks for testing or making mixtures
Gauge, compound
Instrument for measuring pressures both above and below atmospheric pressure.
Gauge, high-pressure
Instrument for measuring pressures in range of 0 psia to 500 psia (101.3 kPa to 3600 kPa).
Gauge, low-pressure
Instrument for measuring pressures in range of 0 psia to 50 psia 10 kPa to 350 kPa.
Gauge, manifold
1. Chamber device constructed to hold both compound and high-pressure gauges. Valves control flow of fluids through it.
2. The one essential diagnostic tool required for every air conditioner service procedure. A typical gauge set includes high and low side gauges and valves for checking, measuring and controlling pressure and vacuum, and a third valve for controlling discharging, evacuation and charging procedures. Also called gauge set
Gauge port
Opening or connection provided for a service technician to install a gauge.
Gauge, pressure
Reading in pounds per square inch (psi) above atmospheric pressure.
Gauge set
See
Gauge, manifold
Gauge tubing
See
Plain gauge tubing
Gauge, vacuum
Instrument used to measure pressures below atmospheric pressure.
Gauntlet
A long-sleeved leather glove used by motorcyclists to prevent wasps from flying up the sleeve, as one did to me.
GAWR
Acronym for Gross Axle Weight Rating -- Maximum weight an axle is rated to carry by the manufacturer. Includes both the weight of the axle and the portion of a vehicle's weight carried by the axle.
Gaylord
A vehicle brand of which the 1955-57 models are Milestone cars.
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ha"
• Hz
H
1. A letter rating for tires to indicate that they are theoretically rated for Speeds up to 210 kph (130 mph), as in P185HR13. The next higher rating is V and the one lower rating is T.
2. Système International (SI) symbol for Henry
3. Symbol for Hydrogen
H2O
Acronym for Water
Habits
See
Driving habits
HAC
Acronym for High Altitude Compensator
Hackney Carriage
Black taxis in London.
Hacksaw
Hacksaw
A tool for cutting metal, with a narrow blade attached to a frame
HAI
1. Acronym for Heated air inlet system
2. Acronym for hot air intake
Hair
See
Helmet hair
Hairline crack
A tiny stress crack which forms due to strains in the material or extreme temperature differences; as opposed to crazing, a single crack of this type will often occur alone
Hair pin
Hair pin
A roadway with several sharp turns usually on an hill.
Hair pin cotter
Hair pin cotter
A securing device shaped somewhat like a U in which the legs have a series of waves or bends. Insert one leg into the hole of a rod so that the bent leg will encircle the rod.
Also See
Hitch pin clip where one leg is straight
Hairpin valve spring
A valve spring formed from a wire or metal strip bent to form two levers emanating from a half-loop or coil; used on some classic cars and motorcycles
HAIS
Acronym for Heated Air Intake System (Chrysler)
Half
See
Crankcase half
Half dog point
The same as a dog point but half as long; used on short screws for the same purposes as the dog point, but in a shallower hole or slot.
Half dog point socket set screw
A headless socket set screw threaded the entire length. It has a hexagonal drive at one end and a protruding tip with a flat surface at the other end.
Half-life
See
Biological Half-life
Half link
Half link
Every Chain has Rollers which are connected by side plates or Keepers. When counting the number of links in a length of Chain, it is easiest to count the number of side plates on one side of the Chain and multiplying the number by two. When a Chain needs to be an odd number, a half link is included. The term half link is a misnomer. It should be called a single link. The side plate on a half link is not flat but has a step down shape. For this reason, it is called an offset link.
Half moon key
See
Half-moon key.
Half-moon key
Half-moon key
A driving key serving the same purpose as the regular key but it is shaped somewhat like a half circle. Also called a Woodruff key.
Half-moon slip joint pliers
A multiple-slip joint pliers with groove joint
Half-round body file
A body file with domed file surface for working reverse-crowned panels
Half-round file
A special file that's flat on one side and convex on the other
Half shaft
A rotating shaft that transmits power from the final drive unit to one side of the drive wheels, but usually refers to the two shafts that connect the road wheels to the final drive with Independent rear suspension or Front-wheel drive as opposed to the axle shafts of a live rear axle. Also called an Axleshaft
Half step gearing
See
Half-step gearing.
Half-step gearing
A Gearing system of a Bicycle in which a shift between Chainrings in a double chainring set is equivalent to half a gear step on the Freewheel.
Halftrack
Halftrack
Vehicle with caterpillar tracks over the rear wheels to provide motive power but steered by normal front wheels
Half wave rectifier
See
Rectifier.
Half-wave rectifier
See
Rectifier.
Halide Lamp
See
Metal Halide Lamp
Halide refrigerants
Family of refrigerants containing halogen chemicals.
Halide torch
Type of torch used to safely detect halogen refrigerant leaks in system.
Hall effect
In electrical conductors where electric current flows perpendicular to a magnetic field, a so-called Hall voltage is produced perpendicular to the direction of current flow and to the magnetic field
Also see
Quantum Hall Effect
Hall-effect ignition system
Transistorized ignition with Hall generator
Hall-effect sensor
A Hall generator
Hall-effect switch
A Hall vane switch
Hall element
A pulse generator that makes use of the Hall effect and consists of a rotor with vanes, a conductive element with a permanent magnet and the Hall IC. Also called Hall generator. When the air gap is unobstructed, a Hall voltage is generated; when a vane stands in the air gap, the magnetic flux cannot reach the Hall IC. Hall generators used as ignition pulse generators have as many vanes and Hall windows as the engine has cylinders, dwell being determined by the width of the vanes. Hall generators used in electronic-map ignition systems to provide the engine starting signal have only one Hall window
Hall generator
A pulse generator that makes use of the Hall effect and consists of a rotor with vanes, a conductive element with a permanent magnet and the Hall IC. Also called Hall element.
Also See
Transistorized ignition with Hall generator
Hall IC
A solid state device with the actual Hall generator and integrated circuits for voltage amplification and potential reversal, producing the pulses for the control unit
Hall module
A Hall IC
Hall sensor
A Hall generator.
Also See
Transistorized coil ignition with Hall sensor
Hall vane switch
A switch that makes use of the Hall effect. When the air gap is free, a magnetic field acts on the Hall IC and the Hall voltage reaches its maximum (high). When a rotor vane obstructs the air gap, shielding the Hall IC from the magnetic flux, the Hall voltage reaches its minimum (low). The signal produced is a square wave
Hall voltage
See
Hall effect
Halogen
One of the chemical elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, or astatine.
Also See
Quartz halogen bulb
Halogenated substances
A volatile compound containing halogens, such as chlorine, fluorine or bromine.
Halogen bulb
A bulb containing a trace of a halogen, such as iodine. A halogen bulb gives off a brighter light.
Also See
Quartz halogen bulb
Halogen headlamps
Tungsten-halogen bulb used in sealed beam unit or as separate bulb in composite headlamp
Halogen headlight
High intensity reflector with inner halogen bulb, precision lens, and 3-prong attachment. Don't touch the glass of a halogen bulb with your fingers. The oil left on the glass will cause the glass to break or reduce the life of the bulb. If the glass is accidentally touched, it may be cleaned with methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth
Halogen lamp
A type of Incandescent lamp that lasts much longer and is more efficient than the common incandescent lamp. The lamp uses a halogen gas, usually iodine or bromine, that causes the evaporating tungsten to be redeposited on the filament, thus prolonging its life.
Halogens
Substance containing fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine.
Hamlin switch
A suspended-mass-type sensor used in new air bag systems; avoids the ecological problems associated with the earlier mercury-type switches
Hammer
1. To hit with a hammer.
2. To ride hard and fast.
3. Someone who rides hard and fast.
4. Trucker slang for the accelerator pedal as in "When we get past this parking lot we can really hit the hammer."
5. A hand tool with a head (usually metal) and a handle. It is used to force one item against or through another. Several types of hammers are available
Also See
Air hammer
Ball-pane Hammer
Ball peen hammer
Ball pien hammer
Blacksmith hammer
Body hammer
Boilermakers Hammer
Brass hammer
Bricklayer hammer
Bumping hammer
Chipping hammer
Claw hammer
Club hammer
Copper-faced hammer
Curved pein and finishing hammer
Fender bumping hammer
Finish hammer
Grooving hammer
Machinists' hammer
Nail hammer
Nylon hammer
Panel hammer
Peen hammer
Pein hammer
Pick and finishing hammer
Pick hammer
Planishing hammer
Prospector's pick
Reverse curve panel hammer
Ripping hammer
Riveting hammer
Rotary hammer
Rubber mallet
Shingler's hammer
Shrinking hammer
Sledge hammer
Slide hammer
Soft face hammer
Tack hammer
Tile setter hammer
Tinner's hammer
Two-way hammer
Water Hammer
Welding hammer
Wide-nose peen hammer
Wing bumping hammer
Wood mallet
Hammer down
Trucker slang for driving fast as in "We got a southbound smokey with the hammer down".
Hammer drill
Electric hand drill that hammers as well as rotates
Hammerform
A shaped wooden block used in panel beating, on which a desired form is produced by hammering
Hammer welding
Metalworking technique that includes gas welding, preferably without the use of filler rod, followed by hammer and Dolly work on the welded joint to smooth out any remaining imperfections
Hand
See
Left hand gear lever
Left hand monkey wrench
Left hand thread
Right hand thread
Right hand turn signal
Third hand
Handbook
A manual which gives instructions or information.
Also See
Owner's handbook
Owner's manual
Handbrake
A brake operated by a hand lever. It may also refer to the Parking brake.
Handbrake turn
180° turn achieved by applying the handbrake (acting on the rear wheels) hard when the vehicle is starting to turn
Handbrake warning light
A light on the instrument panel that illuminates when the handbrake is applied; on most new cars it has been superseded by a multifunction brake warning light
Hand controls
An auxiliary set of components to allow disabled people to operate a vehicle.
Hand Crafted
Something that is built by hand rather than in an assembly line (i.e., mass produced).
Hand crank
Before Cadillac invented and first produced electric Starters, engines were started by means of a handle which was inserted into the front of the engine and rotated manually. After 1930 it became obsolete.
Hand cycle
Hand cycle
A human powered cycle that is propelled by rotating the crank with your hands rather than your feet. Usually there is one wheel up front and two (often smaller) in the back. It is designed for people who are unable to use their legs.
Hand drill
Hand drill
A power-driven device for boring holes or (with the correct attachment) removing or securing screws and bolts
Handed
Something that is made for a specific side of a unit. For example, left hand arm rests are not interchangeable with right hand arm rests.
Hand file
A flat File for shaping metal, with a rectangular cross section, constant blade width and one smooth edge
Hand gear
See
Left hand gear lever
Hand gear lever
See
Left hand gear lever
Hand lapped valves
A process of grinding valves by hand so that there is a perfect match between the valve and its seat.
Handle
1. The reaction of a vehicle under a particular circumstance, especially regarding cornering, roadholding, and maneuvering.
2. To deal with or to cope with (e.g., "the tires can handle 50 psi" means the tires can withstand pressure up to 50 psi).
3. A CB user's code name.
Also See
Boot handle
Brake Handle
Door handle
Drive handle
File handle
Flexible drive handle
Grab handle
Offset handle
Pull-out door handle
Ratchet handle
Spinner handle
Starting handle
Trunk handle
Handlebar
A steering device found on Bicycles and Motorcycles. Grips, brake levers, and shifters, etc. are attached to the handlebar.
Also see
Bullhorn handlebar
Handlebar bag
Handlebar bag
A container, usually leather and nylon, which mounts on the front of a bicycle's handlebars.
Handlebar riser
A bracket which lifts the base of the handlebar up higher.
Handler
See
Air Handler
Handling
The relative ability of a vehicle to negotiate curves and respond to road conditions. It is a factor of the weight of the vehicle, the suspension, tires, air flow, etc.
Also See
Neutral handling
Performance handling system
Handling system
See
Performance handling system
Hands
See
Glad hands
Hands-free
A car cell phone that allows the driver to dial and talk on the phone without handling the phone.
Handshaker
A colloquial term for a passenger car with a manual transmission
Hand shield
An eye and face protector held in the hand. It enables a person to look directly at the electric arc through a special lens without being harmed.
Hand thread
See
Left hand thread
Right hand thread
Hand turn
See
Right hand turn signal
Hand turn signal
See
Right hand turn signal
Hang a left
To make a left-turn
Hang a right
To make a right-hand turn
Hang a U-ey
To make a U-turn
Hanger
1. A flexible ring or strap to hold a pipe, e.g., an exhaust pipe.
2. A mounting bracket, e.g., a Spring hanger for a Leaf spring.
3. A component of sighting point gauges, used to install the gauge at the vehicle chassis.
4. Device attached to walls or other structure for support of pipe lines.
Also See
Ape Hangers
Bridge Hanger
Derailleur Hanger
Dropout hanger
Replaceable Derailleur Hanger
Spring Hanger
Hanger Bolt
Hanger bolt
A fastener where one end is gimlet pointed and has a wood screw thread. The other end consists of a coarse machine screw thread. The center section is unthreaded.
Hangover
A modification of custom cars with separate chassis, e.g., pick-ups, which raises the floorpan and lowers the body, to give the impression that the body has been pulled down over the chassis right down to street level
Hard aground
A ship which has gone aground and is not able to move under her own power.
Hard anodic coating
Hard, wear-resistant, oxide layer produced in an anodic oxidation process
Hard anodizing
A special type of anodizing adapted to the production of thick, hard, abrasion-resistant films
Hardboard
A board-like building material made of compressed wood chip fibers and sawdust
Hard chromium plating
An electrolytic deposition of a hard, wear-resistant, chromium layer
Hard code
A type of trouble code that causes the ECU to disengage the ABS and not re-engage it until the problem is repaired
Hard-dry
The condition of paint when it is hard enough to polish
Harden
1. The action of turning from a liquid to a solid.
2. To set or to cure.
3. The action of making the surface a metal tougher.
Also See
Case harden.
Hardenability
In a ferrous alloy, the property that determines the depth and distribution of hardness induced by quenching.
Hardened
See
Case-hardened
Chrome-hardened
Strain hardened
Work hardened
Hardened pushrods
Specially treated pushrods designed for use with pushrod-guided rocker arms
Hardener
Chemical added to plastic filler to induce hardening as used in auto body repair.
Hardening
1. The process of paint, epoxy, or glue becoming hard. The drying or hardening of paint film goes through several stages. The first stage is called dust-free; at this stage, the paint has hardened sufficiently to prevent dust from becoming embedded in the paint film. The second stage is called touch-dry; at this point, the paint film can actually be touched with light finger pressure. The third and final stage is referred to as hard-dry; at this point, the paint film is hard enough to polish.
2. A method of heat treating metals by heating to a temperature within, or above, the critical range, holding at that temperature for a given time, and then cooling rapidly, usually by quenching in oil or water.
Also See
Age-hardening
Flame hardening
Induction Hardening
Hardening media
A liquid into which steel is immersed in order to harden the steel. Usually involves cold water, brine, oil, and special polymers.
Hardness
1. The toughness of the surface of a metal. Normally stated in terms of Rockwell or Brinell scale of measurement, hardness shows resistance of a fastener to rough marks and abrasions, can indicate yield strength and brittleness, and has a direct relationship to tensile strength in alloy steel fasteners. However, for stainless, brass, and silicon bronze, the correlation between hardness and tensile or yield is tenuous with no definite relationship. Case-hardening uses surface heat treatment on ferrous material to cause a harder outside surface than the center. Through-hardening hardens the entire fastener. Bright hardening calls for heat treatment without oxygen, so no oxides are formed on the material surface.
2. Resistance to plastic deformation by indentation, penetration, scratching or bending.
Also See
Abrasion hardness
Brinell hardness
Indentation hardness
Rockwell hardness
Shore hardness
Work Hardness
Hard pedal
A loss in braking efficiency so that an excessive amount of pressure is need to actuate brakes
Hard rubber
See
Ebonite
Hard-sided caravan
A British term for a trailer with foldable, hard wall panels
Hard-sided trailer
A trailer with foldable, hard wall panels
Hard shoulder
A part of the road that is divided by broken or continuous yellow lines from the rest of the road and should be used only by certain road users in certain situations
Hard solder
Uniting two pieces of metal with a material having a melting point higher than soft solder e.g., silver soldering
Hard spots
Shiny bluish/brown glazed areas on a brake drum or disc friction surface, caused by extreme heat. Excessive heat has changed their molecular structure. Hard spots can usually be removed by resurfacing
Hard stop
Hard braking, but not necessarily with locked wheels
Hardtail
A term for a bike (motorcycle or bicycle) which has no rear suspension
Hardtop
Hardtop
A two-door or four-door vehicle without a center door post, i.e., no B-post. It gives the impression of uninterrupted glass along the side of the car. The term is derived from Hardtop convertible. Other generic names have included sports coupe, hardtop coupe, or pillarless coupe. In the face of proposed rollover standards, nearly all automakers turned away from the pillarless design to a pillared version by 1976-77.
Also See
Colonnade Hardtop
Formal Hardtop
Four-door Hardtop
Four-door Pillared Hardtop
Two-door hardtop
Hardtop convertible
An automobile with a fixed roof that does not retract into the Trunk, but gives the appearance of being a Convertible
Hardtop stand
A foldable stand that holds a detached hardtop in a vertical position when stored
Hard-top trailer
Hard-top trailer
A vacation trailer with a hard top and (most often) canvas sides.
Hard trim
Instrument panel moldings, center consoles and similar plastic trim
Hardy disc
A disc-style flexible coupling
Hardy-Spicer joint
A type of universal joint commonly used with prop shafts
Hardy-Spicer universal joint
A type of universal joint commonly used with prop shafts
Harley-Davidson
A motorcycle manufacturer
Harm
See
Bodily harm
Harmful
See
Ecologically harmful
Harmonic balancer
Also called Vibration damper. It usually is a solid Crankshaft Fan belt Pulley that has a weight ring bonded by rubber to the inner crankshaft-mounted ring. The outer ring absorbs and cancels out Crankshaft vibrations that otherwise might cause the Crankshaft to break. Formerly, two gearwheels carrying an unbalanced weight, mounted in bearings below the middle main crankshaft bearing, driven at twice engine speed and rotating in opposite directions to counterbalance the secondary vibrations in a four-cylinder reciprocating engine.
Also See
Crankshaft pulley
Damper
Harmonic balance wheel
A grooved wheel attached to the front end of the crankshaft which is connected by accessory belts to the fan, alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor, and other devices so that the rotating crankshaft can drive these other parts as well. The crankshaft pulley usually has timing marks located on it, and these are necessary for checking and adjusting timing with a timing light.
Harmonic Distortion
See
Total Harmonic Distortion
Harmonic voltage
A voltage whose frequency is a multiple of the fundamental frequency.
Harness
1. A belt system used with child seats and in cars, consisting of two shoulder belts and two lap belt portions fastened by a central buckle.
2. A bundle of electrical wires. For convenience in handling and for neatness, all wires going to certain part of the vehicle are bundled together into a harness. A Wiring harness.
Also See
Four-point Racing Harness
Brinell hardness
Wiring harness
Harness Connector
See
Wiring Harness Connector
Harness ties
Self-tightening nylon straps used to bundle wires into harnesses. Once tightened, they can't be removed unless they are cut
Harness wrap
One of several materials used to bundle wires into manageable harnesses
Also See
Loom
Split loom
Loom tape
Harness ties
Harvey wallbanger
Trucker slang for a reckless driver as in "That 4-wheeler is a real harvey wallbanger."
Hat
The portion of a detachable brake disc that comes in contact with the wheel hub
Also see
Rotor Hat
Hatch
1. The rear opening of a vehicle which allows passage into its cab.
2. A Hatchback.
3. A Tailgate.
4. An opening in a deck through which cargo and stores are loaded or unloaded.
Also See
Cross-hatch
Hot hatch
Hatchback
Hatchback
A car design in which the rear Trunk and lid are replaced by a rear hatch that includes the Backlight (i.e., rear window). Usually the rear seat folds down to accommodate more luggage. Originally a hatch was a small opening in the deck of a sailing ship. The term hatch was later applied to airplane doors and to passenger cars with rear liftgates. Various models appeared in the early 1950s, but weather-tightness was a problem. The concept emerged again in the early 1970s, when fuel economy factors began to signal the trend toward compact cars. Technology had remedied the sealing difficulties. By the 1980s, most manufacturers produced one or more hatchback models, though the question of whether to call them two-door or three-door never was resolved. Their main common feature was the lack of a separate trunk. Liftback coupes may have had a different rear-end shape, but the two terms often described essentially the same vehicle.
Also See
Five-door hatchback
Four-door hatchback
Liftback station wagon
Hatchback coupe
Hatchback coupe
Originally a small opening in the deck of a sailing ship, the term hatch was later applied to airplane doors and to passenger cars with rear liftgates. Various models appeared in the early 1950s, but weather-tightness was a problem. The concept emerged again in the early 1970s, when fuel economy factors began to signal the trend toward compact cars. Technology had remedied the sealing difficulties. By the 1980s, most manufacturers produced one or more hatchback models, though the question of whether to call them two-door or three-door never was resolved. Their main common feature was the lack of a separate trunk. Liftback coupes may have had a different rear-end shape, but the two terms often described essentially the same vehicle.
Also See
Three-door hatchback coupe
Two-door hatchback coupe
Hatch battens
Flat bars which are wedged against hatch coamings to secure tarpaulin
Hatch beam
Portable beam across a hatch to support hatch covers
Hatch coaming
The vertical plating bounding a hatch for the purpose of stiffening the edges of the opening and resisting water entry
Hatched marking
Chevron markings on the road which help separate traffic lanes
Hatchway
An opening in a deck through which cargo and stores are loaded or unloaded
Hat section
See
Top hat section
Haul
See
Long-haul
Haul Distance
See
Average Haul Distance
Hauling
See
Compensated Intracorporate Hauling
Intracorporate Hauling
Hauling snow
The loading, removing, and disposing of snow piles after snowplowing operations
Haul road
See
access road
Hawse pipe
Tube through which anchor chain is led overboard from the windlass on the deck
Hawser
Strong rope or steel cable used for securing or mooring ships
Hazard
Anything that could be a source of danger on the road
See
Road hazard
Hazard flasher switch
A switch (usually located on the steering column below the steering wheel) which makes all the signal lights flash simultaneously, to warn other vehicles that your car is disabled or going very slowly down the road. Also called 4-way warning light switch.
Hazardous location
Any area or space where combustible dust, ignitable fibers, or flammable, volatile liquids, gases, vapors or mixtures are or may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
Hazardous wastes
Automotive wastes that are on the EPA's list of hazardous materials or that have one or more hazardous characteristics
Hazard warning flasher
Actuates warning system of flashing front and rear turn signal lamps
Hazard warning switch
A switch (usually located on the steering column below the steering wheel) which makes all the signal lights flash simultaneously, to warn other vehicles that your car is disabled or going very slowly down the road. Also called 4-way warning light switch.
Hazmat
Hazardous materials, as classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Transport of hazardous materials is strictly regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ia"
• Ia
• Ib
• Ic
• Id
• Ie
• If
• Ig
• Ih
• Ii
• Il
• Im
• In
• Io
• Ip
• Ir
• Is
• It
• Iu
• Iv
• Iz
i
Short form for injection indicating that the engine is fuel-injected, e.g., GTi, EFi, 1.6i, SSEi
I2R Loss
Power loss due to the current (I) flow through the resistance (R) of a conductor.
IA
Acronym for Intake Air
IAC
Acronym for Idle air control valve
IACV
Acronym for Idle Air Control Valve
I & C systems
Acronym for instrumentation and control systems
IAR
Acronym for Integral alternator/Regulator
IAS
Acronym for Inlet Air Solenoid (Ford)
IASCA
Acronym for International Auto Sound Challenge Association.
IAT
Acronym for Intake Air Temperature
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ja"
• Ja
• Jb
Jack
1. To lift a vehicle off the ground in order to effect repairs
2. To steal a vehicle
3. A characteristic of swing-axle Rear suspensions. Cornering forces can act on these suspensions to lift the body of the vehicle so that the outer wheel tucks or jacks under the vehicle. When carried to the extreme, jacking forces could tip the vehicle over.
4. A device for lifting the vehicle, or part of the vehicle, off the ground to facilitate repairs.
Also See
Body jack
Bottle jack
Bumper jack
Floor jack
Garage jack
Hi-lift jack
Hydraulic jack
Jib-jack
Scissors jack
Tire jack
Tower jack
Tripod jack
Trolley jack
Jacker
See
Car jacker
Jacket
The enclosure on a water heater, furnace, or boiler.
See
Japanese lantern-type jacket tube
Water jacket
Jacket tube
See
Japanese lantern-type jacket tube
Shaft Jacking
Jacking
See
Car jacking
shaft jacking
Jack knife
1. The action of a vehicle (tractor) with a trailer in which the trailer and the vehicle form a V instead of normally being pulled in a straight line. Usually this is the result of a Skid in which the trailer swings around dangerously and tries to overtake the cab.
2. Skidding of an articulated vehicle sometimes results in rotation at the articulation (hitch) point so that the tractor is rotated against the trailer in a manner similar to the closing of a jackknife.
3. To place the trailer at a very sharp angle to the tractor.
Jackshaft
See
Intermediate shaft
Jackson Head
A machine screw with a small oval head.
Jack stand
Jack stand
A safety device that keeps the vehicle from falling to the ground if the lifting jack is removed or faulty. Most jobs require two jack stands for safety. Also called an Axle stand or Safety stand
Jack up
To raise using a Jack
Jacking point
A strengthened place on the underbody to put the jack. Small cars have one point on each side but larger cars may have two
Jaguar
A vehicle brand produced by Jaguar Cars Limited of which the 1932-1940 SS models except 4-cyl. are Classic cars. The 1957-64 3.4/3.8 Sedans are Milestone cars. Includes 1½ Litre saloon (1935-1949), 2½ Litre saloon (1935-1948), 3½ Litre saloon (1937-1948), 240 (1966-1968), 340 (1966-1968), 420 (1966-1968), 420G (1966-1970), E-Type (1961-1974), Mark 1 (1955-1959), Mark 2 (1959-1967), Mark V (1948-1951), Mark VII (& VIIM) (1951-1957), Mark VIII (1957-1959), Mark IX (1959-1961), Mark X (1961-1970), S-type (1963-1968, 1999-2008), Vanden Plas (2002-05), X-type (2001-current), XF (2008-current), XJ (X350) (2003-current), XJ6 Series 1, 2 & 3 (1968-1987), XJ6 (XJ40) (1986-1994), XJ6 (X300 & X301) (1995-1997), XJ8 (X308) (1997-2002), XJ8 (1998-2007), XJ12 (1972-1992), XJ12 (XJ81) (1993-1994), XJ12 (X300 & X301) (1995-1997), XJR (1995-2007), XJR-S (1993), XJ-S (1975-1996), XJ Sport (2002-03), XJ Super (2002-07), XK8 (1997-2006), XK (X100) (1997-2005), XK (X150) (2006-current), XK120 (1948-1954), XK140 (1954-1957), XK150 (1957-1961), and XKR (2000-06)
Jaguar Drophead
A vehicle brand of which the 1951 Mark V Drophead is a Milestone car.
Jaguar E-type
A model of automobile manufactured by Jaguar in England. The 1961-67 E-Type models are Milestone cars.
Jaguar Mark
A model of automobile manufactured by Jaguar in England. The 1946-48 models with 2.5 Litre, 3.5 Litre Mark IV (not 4-cyl.) are Classic cars. The 1951-54 Mark VII and '54 Mark VII M models are Milestone cars. The 1956-57 Mark VIII models are Milestone cars. The 1958-61 Mark IX models are Milestone cars. The 1962-64 Mark X models are Milestone cars.
Jaguar XJ
A model of automobile manufactured by Jaguar in England
Jaguar XK
A model of automobile manufactured by Jaguar in England. The 1945-54 XK 110 models are Milestone cars. The 1954-57 KX 140 models are Milestone cars. The 1958-61 XK 150 models are Milestone cars.
Jake brake
A device which shuts off the Exhaust valves manually so that in the Exhaust stroke, the burned gasses cannot escape through the Exhaust valves. Instead they press against the Head of the piston and causes the Piston to slow down. When the Intake valve opens, some of the exhaust escapes out the intake valve and gives a distinctive loud rapping noise. Jake brakes are used in large truck engines to assist in slowing the vehicle. Many municipal bylaws prohibit the use of jake brakes because of the excessive noise. The most common type is called a Jake Brake because the predominant manufacturer is Jacobs Vehicle Equipment Co. Other types of retarders include exhaust retarders, transmission-mounted hydraulic retarders and axle-mounted electromagnetic retarders. Also called a retarder.
Jalopy
A worn-out old car
Jam
See
Traffic jam
JAMA
Acronym for Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association
Jamb switch
A push-button light switch located in a door jamb (e.g., for courtesy lights, trunk light)
Jam nut
1. A second nut (usually thinner) on a screw or bolt which locks against the first nut (i.e., jams against it) so that the nut won't come loose.
2. A self-locking nut
Jam on the brakes
The action of quickly depressing the brake pedal (pulling the brake lever on a motorcycle or bicycle) especially in an emergency situation.
Jam the brakes
The action of quickly depressing the brake pedal (pulling the brake lever on a motorcycle or bicycle) especially in an emergency situation.
JAP
English engine manufacturer. Founded in 1903 by John A. Prestwich, the company was bought by Villiers in 1957
Japanese lantern-type jacket tube
A web-type jacket tube of a steering column which, on impact, folds like a Japanese lantern
Japanese Motorcycle
See
Universal Japanese Motorcycle
JAS
Acronym for Jet Air System: (Mitsubishi)
Javelin
An automobile manufactured by AMC
Jaws
See
Ratchet Jaw
Towing jaws
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ka"
•
Kadenacy effect
When a port of a two-stroke engine opens abruptly, as is the case with a rectangular exhaust port, the cylinder pressure gives rise to a positive pressure wave transmitted down the exhaust pipe at the speed of sound
KAIDA
Acronym for Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association.
Kaiser
A vehicle brand of which the 1954 Darrin 161 is a Milestone car. The 1951-52 Deluxe and Deluxe Virginian are Milestone cars. The 1951-53 Dragon models are Milestone cars. The 1954-55 Manhattan models are Milestone cars. The 1949-50 Vagabond models are Milestone car. The 1949-50 Virginian (Hardtop) models are Milestone cars.
Kaizen Activities
Activity through which continuous improvement is sought.
KAM
See
Keep alive memory
KAMA
Acronym for Korean Automotive Manufacturers Association
Kamm back
It was once thought that a long tapered end in the shape of a vehicle would give it the most aerodynamic configuration. W. Kamm discovered that the length of the end would have to be so long as to make the vehicle impractical. There would also be an increase in surface area which would also create its own FrictionDrag. He found that if he cut the theoretically long tail in half he would have both good Aerodynamics and minimal surface Drag. This sharply cut off rear end is named after him.
Kamm tail
It was once thought that a long tapered end in the shape of a vehicle would give it the most aerodynamic configuration. W. Kamm discovered that the length of the end would have to be so long as to make the vehicle unpractical. There would also be an increase in surface area which would also create its own FrictionDrag. He found that if he cut the theoretically long tail in half he would have both good Aerodynamics and minimal surface Drag. This sharply cut off rear end is named after him.
Kangarooing
A colloquial term for moving forward in a succession of sudden jerks as a result of improper use of the clutch, (a characteristic of beginner drivers or those not used to standard shifting)
Kaplan turbine
A type of turbine that that has two blades whose pitch is adjustable. The turbine may have gates to control the angle of the fluid flow into the blades.
KAPWR
Acronym for Direct Battery Power
Karosserie
German term for Coachwork.
Kata thermometer
Large-bulb alcohol thermometer used to measure air speed or atmospheric conditions by means of cooling effect.
Kawasaki
A motorcycle manufacturer
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "La"
• La
• Lb
• Lc
• Ld
• Le
• Lf
• Lh
• Li
• Lj
• Ln
• Lo
• Lp
• Lr
• Ls
• Lt
• Lu
• Lv
• Lw
• Ly
L
1. Low gear in an automatic transmission.
2. Designation for luxury or Luxe
3. The symbol for Inductance
4. Acronym for Liters
l/100 km
This is the metric measurement of fuel consumption or Fuel economy. The lower the number the more economical the vehicle. Thus a vehicle that gives 7 l/100 km is better than one that gives 8 l/100 km. A vehicle that gives 7.3 l/100 km is giving 32.2 mpg US and 38.7 mpg Imperial.
L4
Acronym for Four Cylinder Inline Engine
LAADA
Acronym for Latvian Authorized Automobile Dealers Association.
Label
See
Safety Compliance Certification Label
Labeling Act
See
American Automobile Labeling Act
Labor
An engine which is struggling to keep turning due to lack of revs or the use of too high a gear
Laboratories
See
Underwriters Laboratories
Laboratory Horsepower
See
Gross Laboratory Horsepower
Laboring
An engine that is Lugging because it has difficulty in turning over.
Lack of parallelism
A measurement of brake rotor thickness variation at various points around a rotor.
Lacquer
1. A fast drying automotive body pyroxylin paint.
2. A glossy coating made by dissolving cellulose derivatives in a rapidly evaporating solvent.
3. Protective coating or finish which dries to form a film by evaporation of a volatile (easily goes from liquid to gas) constituent.
Also See
Clear lacquer
General purpose lacquer thinner
Lacquer thinner
See
General purpose lacquer thinner
Ladder
See
Sand ladders
Ladder bars
A rigid triangular suspension devices used to locate an axle front to rear. These are used almost exclusively in drag race cars due to the fact that they bind when cornering. A panhard rod or a watts link is used to locate the axle side to side.
Ladder chassis
See
Ladder frame
Ladder diagram
Electrical diagram that indicates order of electrical devices in a specific electrical circuit.
Ladder Form Electrical Diagram
See
Schematic Ladder Form Electrical Diagram
Ladder frame
Ladder Frame
A type of Frame design which has two long parallel sections which run from the front to the rear of the vehicle. In various places there are shorter sections which connect the long sections. The result looks like a ladder. The connecting pieces hold various Components such as the engine. This design is not used today because it is too heavy and lacks rigidity. Also called ladder chassis
Laden
Vehicle carrying some or full payload.
Laden weight
See
Gross vehicle weight.
Lading
The load or freight that a vehicle carries.
Also See
Bill of lading
Ladies' frame
The type of Frame in which the Top tube is replaced by a second Down tube to make mounting and dismounting the bike easier.
Ladle
See
Casting Ladle
Lag
Delay in response.
Also See
Heat Lag
Ignition lag
Injection Lag
Lead and lag
Turbo lag
Lag bolt
Lag bolt
A full-bodied fastener with hex head or a square head, spaced coarse-pitch threads and gimlet or cone point. Designed for insertion in wood or other resilient materials and producing its own mating thread. Also called lag screw.
Lagging
The process of covering hot fluid lines with a non-conducting material in order to maintain its temperature.
Lagging power factor
A designation of the relative instantaneous direction of the currents to the voltages: (angle is 0 to +90°)
Lago
See
Talbot Lago
Lagonda
A vehicle brand of which all 1925-48 models except Rapier are Classic cars. The 1948-49 V-12 models are Milestone cars.
Also see
Lagonda club
Lagonda Drophead
A vehicle brand of which the 1949-53 2.5 Liter Drophead Coupes are Milestone cars.
Lag screw
See
Lag bolt
Lake pipes
Nonfunctional side pipes attached along the lower sides of a vehicle for decorative purposes only. Also called Lakes pipes or lakers
Laker
A type of ship which trades only in the Great Lakes of North America. The cargo is usually grain and ore.
Lakers
Lakers
Nonfunctional side pipes attached along the lower sides of a vehicle for decorative purposes only. Also called lake pipes or Lakes pipes
Lakes pipes
Nonfunctional side pipes attached along the lower sides of a vehicle for decorative purposes only. Also called lake pipes or lakers
Lakes ship
See
Great Lakes ship
Lambda
1. Eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet. Upper case=Λ (looks like A without the cross bar), lower case=λ (looks like an up-side-down y).
2. Bosch's term for oxygen
Also see
K-jetronic with Lambda
Lambda control
Bosch's term for a closed loop system that adjusts the air-fuel ratio to lambda-1, based on sensing the amount of excess oxygen in the exhaust
Lambda control valve
See
Frequency valve
Lambda probe
See
Oxygen sensor
Lambda sensor
See
Oxygen sensor
Lambda-sond
A device that senses if the fuel mixture is rich or lean and adjust the control units Lambda regulator accordingly so that the catalytic converter can operate most effectively
Lambda valve
In Bosch CIS, a device that regulates pressure in the lower chamber of the differential-pressure valve, in response to a signal from the lambda (oxygen) sensor. Also called Frequency valve or a Timing valve
Lambda window
A narrow range (where lambda = 1), which yields the lowest emission values for CO, NOx, and HC
Lamborghini
A model of automobile manufactured in Italy
LAMBSE
Acronym for Short Term Fuel Trim
Laminate
1. To build up or construct out of a number of thin sheets which are bonded together. The MagnetoCoil has a laminated Core.
2. A sheet of material made of several different bonded layers.
Also See
Balanced Laminate
Sandwich construction
Laminated
Something made up of many layers.
Laminated spring
Laminated spring
A series of curved or flat spring steel used to support suspension. Also called leaf spring
Laminated contact
The contacts of a switch with several layers so that as you apply more and more pressure the resistance is reduced and more voltage is permitted.
Laminated glass
A sandwich-type construction of two or more panes of glass laminated together with an extremely tough, crystal-clear plastic film; on severe impact, laminated glass will crack, but not shatter like ordinary glass, nor craze over like toughened glass
Laminated iron core
The core of an ignition coil consisting of pieces of soft iron laminations, insulated from one another
Laminated windshield
Older safety Windshields were made of Tempered glass which is heat treated so that the surface is very tough. When a vehicle with tempered glass is involved in an accident, the windshield shatters into a spider web of little crystals. Its adhesive property is greatly diminished so that an object (your body) can easily be ejected through the windshield. Laminated windshields, however, are made with two sheets of glass with a thin layer of rubbery plastic in between. When your head hits the windshield, the windshield bows out without being punctured. The plastic sandwich prevents the glass from splintering. The plastic sandwich can also contain a tint to reduce heat in the passenger compartment and protect the eyes from glare (like sunglasses). Compare Toughened windshield
Laminated windshield glass
See
Laminated windshield.
Laminating
Covering sheets with a particular layer or covering molded parts with a specific plastic film
Lamination
1. The act of laminating. The process of bonding two or more layers or plies of material together with an adhesive
2. A thin layer.
3. A structure made up of thin layers
Lamp
1. A device for giving off light without being consumed itself.
2. Artificial light. The term is often used when referring to a bulb or tube.
Also See
Automatic Arc Lamp
Auxiliary driving lamp
Ballast Lamp
Blowlamp
Carbon-arc Lamp
Clearance lamp
Dome lamp
Driving lamp
Gas discharge lamp
Gaseous discharge lamp
Headlight
Headlight retractor indicator lamp
Infrared Lamp
Inspection lamp
Low-Pressure Sodium Lamp
Marker lamp
Mercury Vapor Lamp
Metal Halide Lamp
Numberplate lamp
Parking lamp
Puddle lamp
Quartz-iodine Lamp
Rear fog lamp
Rear lamp cluster
Rear license plate lamp
Repeater lamp
Retractor Indicator Lamp
Side marker lamp
Strobe lamp
Tail lamp
Test lamp
Warning lamp
Lamp aperture
An opening in a sheet metal panel for mounting the headlight or taillight
Lamp blackening
The blackening of a light bulb; gradual blackening of conventional, i.e., non-halogen light bulbs, occurs as a result of metal vapor deposition on the glass envelope which reduces light emission; severe blackening indicates imminent bulb failure
Lamp cluster
A group of lights behind a cover; the rear lights of most cars are grouped together in clusters.
Also See
Rear lamp cluster
Lamp panel
A panel that encloses part or all of the headlight or taillight cutout and may extend across the width of the car to include both cutouts; in the latter case, it forms an additional panel to be joined to the smaller front or rear valances
Lamp socket
A device which holds a light bulb and provides electricity to the bulb. The British term is Bulb holder
Lamp unit
A sealed light unit with reflector and lens all-in-one
Lanchester
A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models with required application are Classic cars.
Lancia
A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models with required application are Classic cars. The 1959-64 Flaminia Zagato models are Milestone cars. The 1961-63 Flaminia GT Two Passenger Coupe or Convertible are Milestone cars. The 1962-66 Flavia Coupe are Milestone cars. The 1951-59 Aurelia B.20 and B.2O Coupe are Milestone cars. The 1953-59 Aurelia B.24 Spyder and Convertible are Milestone cars.
Lancing
See
Wax lancing
Land
The smooth, open area of a grooved surface, such as the bands of metal between the grooves in a piston which carry the piston rings. The metal separating a series of Grooves.
Also See
Head land
Piston Land
Piston lands
Landau
A closed-type body on the sides, it has provision for opening or folding the fabric top over the rear quarter. This precludes the use of rear quarter windows. Landau irons are fairly common but not a mandatory feature.
Landau bar
See
Landau bars.
Landau bars
S-shaped bars or irons on the C-post. On Convertibles, they are functional; but decorative on other body styles.
Landaulet
A classic car style characterized by the fact that only the rear seats were protected by a hard or convertible top, whereas the driver was exposed to the open air in order to be more aware of road and weather conditions; an imitation landaulet style is still found on some American sedans. Also called Landau
Landaulet sedan
This body style is similar to the landau Sedan in appearance, but with a stationary rear quarter. Landau irons are mounted on the rear quarter but are non-functional.
Landfill gas
Gas that is generated by decomposition of organic material at landfill disposal sites. The average composition of landfill gas is approximately 50 percent methane and 50 percent carbon dioxide and water vapor by volume. The methane percentage, however, can vary from 40 to 60 percent, depending on several factors including waste composition: (e.g. carbohydrate and cellulose content). The methane in landfill gas may be vented, flared, combusted to generate electricity or useful thermal energy on-site, or injected into a pipeline for combustion off-site.
Landing
See
Hood landing panel
Log deck landing
Quarter-space Landing
Landing Gear
The retracting legs which support the front of a semitrailer when it is not coupled to a tractor.
Also see
Bogie Landing Gear
Landing panel
See
Bonnet landing panel
Hood landing panel
Landing section
See
Fender landing section
Wing Landing Section
Landline
Slang for telephone as in "It is hard to find a landline when you need one."
Land management
See
Bureau of land management
Land Rover
An SUV built in England including Defender 90 (1994-97), Defender 110 (1993), Discovery (1994-2004), Discovery Series II (1999-2002), Freelander (2002-05), LR3 (2005-07), Range Rover (1970-2007), and Range Rover Sport (2006-07)
Lands
The Piston metal between the Ring grooves.
Also see
Piston lands
Land tractor
Commonly called "an agricultural tractor," or "farm tractor" -- these vehicles are designed to work on land in connection with agricultural, forestry or land drainage-type operations and are driven on a public road only when proceeding to or from the site of such work
Lane
1. A narrow road, often in the country.
2. A track on a road, defining lines of traffic.
Also See
Auxiliary lane
Bike lane
Crawler lane
Fast lane
High Occupancy Vehicle lane
Non-Car lane
Outer lane
Passing lane
Runaway Lane
Single lane
Splitting lanes
Traffic lane
Lane mile
A measure of road length that reflects the number of miles in each driving lane. For example: Three miles of a four-lane highway equals twelve lane miles.
Lane splitting
Riding between lanes of traffic on a freeway (i.e., straddling the white line)
Langley
A unit or measure of solar radiation; 1 calorie per square centimeter or 3.69 Btu per square foot.
Language
See
Query Language
Lantern-type jacket tube
See
Japanese lantern-type jacket tube
Lanyard
Lanyard
A line (made of rope, nylon, etc.) which is attached at one end to a frame or large item while the other end is attached to a smaller piece that might get lost. The picture shows a lanyard attached to a hitch pin.
Lap
1. One complete trip around a race track or route laid out for racing.
2. To fit two surfaces together by Coating them with Abrasive and then rubbing them together (e.g., to lap valves into valve seats).
3. The upper surface of the human body from waist to knees when seated.
4. A rotating disc covered with fine abrasive for polishing.
Also See
Pace lap
Turn a lap
Lap belt
A 2-point belt pulled across the hips, or lap belt portion of a combined lap/shoulder belt; mostly only on the rear center seat, on some models on all rear seats.
Also see
Submarining
Lap joint
1. A piston ring gap in which the two ends of the ring are shaped like the letter L.
2. A welding term describing a union in which the edges of the two metals to be joined overlap one another.
Lapped Valves
See
Hand Lapped Valves
Lapper
See
Valve lapper
Lapping
Smoothing a metal surface to high degree of refinement or accuracy using a fine abrasive.
Lapping compound
See
Valve grinding compound
Large passenger car
A passenger car with more than 120 cubic feet of interior passenger and luggage volume.
Large pickup truck
A pickup truck weighing between 4,500-8,500 lbs gross vehicle weight: (GVW).
Large SUV
Long wheelbase sport utility vehicle based on a pickup truck chassis. Some examples are the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia.
Also see
Premium large SUV
LaSalle
A vehicle brand of which the 1927-1933 models are Classic cars.
Laser
See
Carbon Dioxide Laser
Lash
1. The amount of free motion between two components (e.g., two gears). The British term is free play.
2. Acronym for Lighter Aboard Ship a ship designed to carry floating containers or Lighters.
Also See
Backlash
Hot Lash
Valve lash
Whiplash
Last station memory
An audio and video term describing the circuit which ensures that when the unit is turned on, the tuner automatically tunes to the station that was received before the unit was turned off
Latch
A fastening device for a door or panel. It consists of a small metal bar, either mounted on the movable part (always on doors and on some tailgates), or on the car body (always on hoods and trunks), which engages with a striker on the opposite part.
Also See
Door latch
Latching pillar
See
B-pillar
Latching Type valve
A manual gas valve which requires at least two separate actions or movements to turn on the valve, as for example, pushing in on the valve handle to unlatch the valve before the valve handle can be rotated to turn on the fuel.
Latch pillar
See
B-pillar
Late braking
Braking later into the turn, thus moving the entry point and axis of the vehicle
Latent heat
The heat absorbed or radiated during a change of state (i.e., melting, vaporization, fusion) at constant temperature and pressure. Called latent cause it is hidden -- cannot be felt or measured with a thermometer
Latent heat of condensation
The amount of heat given off when a substance changes from a vapor to the liquid without changing temperature
Latent heat of evaporation
The amount of heat required to change a liquid into a vapor without raising the temperature of the vapor above that of the original liquid
Latent heat of vaporization
Amount of heat required, per pound of substance, to change its state from a liquid to a vapor (gas).
Lateral
Relating to the side.
Lateral acceleration
The acceleration created when a vehicle corners that tends to push a vehicle sideways. Because of Centrifugal force, the vehicle is pushed outward. For this reason, you need to accelerate a little as you reach the Apex of the curve to pull you through the curve. An inexperienced Driver may panic in a curve as the lateral acceleration pushes his vehicle into the left lane. He might hit the brakes to slow the motion only to find that the problem actually increases. The proper way to take a sharp corner is to slow down before the curve, then accelerate at the Apex of it to bring the vehicle around. To increase your frustration, try following an inexperience Driver as he drives on mountain roads. He maintains his Speed to the corner and brakes at the Apex.
Also See
Acceleration
Lateral acceleration sensor
A device that signals the ECU when the vehicle is being subjected to high g-force from a turn; the signal voltage varies according to the amount of g-force
Lateral acceleration switch
Similar to a lateral acceleration sensor, but the switch provides a simple on-off signal, rather than the variable voltage signal provided by the sensor
Lateral air passage
A passage at the nozzle of a spray gun for shaping the spray pattern to a long or elongated oval
Lateral arm
A suspension member connecting the upright to the chassis.
Also see
Transverse arm.
Lateral atomization orifice
An additional passages at the nozzle of a spray gun for supplying additional air to break up the paint into smaller droplets
Lateral clearance
The smallest distance laterally between the tire and the nearest fixed point of the vehicle.
Lateral grip
The ability of a tire to maintain its course, or remain under normal steering control, while being subjected to directionally disturbing influences
Lateral impact
A side crash
Lateral link
A Suspension link that is aligned to resist sideways motions in a wheel.
Lateral run-out
1. Amount of side (i.e., side-to-side) movement of a rotating wheel, tire, or the rotor from the vertical.
2. A tire assembly that does not run true to its plane; i.e., a damaged wheel moving in a wobbling, side to side manner.
3. A measurement of the lateral change in position of the disk-brake-rotor surface during one revolution.
Lateral runout
See
Lateral run-out
Lateral stability
Limiting side movement. (1) Tread grooves running circumferentially around the tire resist side forces for maximum traction on sums. (2) Stabilizing tread plies limit side to side movement of the tread ribs caused by the expansion and contraction of tread areas as sidewalls flex. Also called Lateral grip
Lateral stiffness
The resistance of a vehicle body structure to lateral impact
Lateral tire clearance
The distance between the tire sidewall and the nearest point on the vehicle, reduced by any increase in rim offset and 1/2 any increase in tire section from the existing tire.
Latex
An artificial rubber compound used in tires, tubes, etc.
Latex tube
An bicycle inner tube for tires because of its lighter weight. Can be hard to repair, must be reinflated for each ride.
Lathe
A device for shaving the metal from the outside or inside of a Cylinder.
Also See
Bar Lathe
Brake drum lathe
Brake Lathe
Capstan Lathe
Lathe-cut
A process of cutting rubber seals to a precise shape on a rotating drum.
Law
See
Ampere's Law
Babos Law
Barbas Law
Biot-Savart Law
Boyle's Law
Capacitor-resistance Law
Charles's Law
Dalton's Law
Joule's Law
Newton's law
Ohm's Law
Pascal's law
Law Of Absorption
See
Bouguer Law Of Absorption
Law Of Thermodynamics
See
First Law Of Thermodynamics
Second Law Of Thermodynamics
Lay-by
A British term for a rest stop, i.e., a place at the side of a road where drivers can stop (to rest)
Layer
A certain weld metal thickness made of one or more passes.
Also See
Barrier Layer
Boundary Layer
Catalytic layer
Gamma layer
Zinc-iron alloy layer
Layer Control
See
Boundary Layer Control
Layering
This occurs in tanks when a high density fuel is mixed with a low density fuel.
Layer Noise
See
Boundary Layer Noise
Layer of pure zinc
The top layer on hot-dip galvanized steel which, in contrast to zinc-iron alloy layers, almost completely consists of zinc
Layer thickness
A coating thickness (indicated in micrometers or millimeters)
Laying the bike down
A crash where you slide down on one side of the bike
Laying up
The process of adding several layers of fibreglass mat and resin to form a GRP shell
Layout
See
Drive layout
East-west layout
Engine layout
North-south layout
Layrub coupling
A universal joint using four molded rubber inserts mounted on a round steel plate
Layshaft
A British term for a Countershaft -- the intermediate shaft between and parallel to the input and output shafts, carrying the two pairs of gearwheels which provide the required changes in gear ratio
Lay-up resin
The resin substance used to laminate GRP parts. The resin available on the do-it-yourself market for fibreglass mat repairs also belongs to this category
Lazy tongs
1. Any device with extensible arms (often in the form of a series of crossed, hinged bars) for handling objects at a distance.
2. A specific type of pop rivet gun with such arms
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ma"
•
M100
100% (neat) Methanol
M85
85% Methanol and 15% unleaded Gasoline by volume, used as a motor fuel in FFVs.
M+S
Acronym for mud and snow, as in M+S tire. A tire with a tread design (usually large lugs with wide spaces between them) which gives the maximum traction in mud and snow.
M+S tire
Mud and snow tire
Acronym for mud and snow tire, as in M+S tire. A tire with a tread design which gives the maximum traction in mud and snow.
MAC
Acronym for motor assisted bicycle -- usually an electric motor
Machine
See
Air-cooled Machine
Automatic Screw Machine
Automatic Screw Machine
Balancing Machine
Bolt-making Machine
Boring Machine
Injection molding machine
Milling machine
Perpetual motion machine
Picture Machine
Wheeling machine
Machineability
1. Relative ease or difficulty in forming.
2. The malleable characteristics of metal when cutting or forming on screw machines. Same as free machining
Machine drive
The direct process end use in which thermal or electric energy is converted into mechanical energy. Motors are found in almost every process in manufacturing. Therefore, when motors are found in equipment that is wholly contained in another end use: (such as process cooling and refrigeration), the energy is classified there rather than in machine drive.
Machined surface
A smooth surface of metal such as the top of a cylinder block.
Machine patch
A new layer of asphalt is placed on sections of the road, perhaps leaving some gaps depending on condition. First a layer of liquid asphalt or tack coat is sprayed on the road. Next, fabric may be placed on any badly broken areas for added strength. Finally hot asphaltic concrete is applied, raked and rolled to a prescribed density. Work moves quickly and you can drive on the new asphalt as soon as the rolling is complete. The work must be done when the ground is dry and reasonably warm.
Machine room
Area where commercial and industrial refrigeration machinery -- except evaporators -- is located.
Machinery cargo
See
Heavy Machinery cargo
Machinery spaces
See
Unmanned machinery spaces
Machine screw
1. A screw with thread running the length of the shank and available with a variety of different heads
2. A straight shank fastener for binding metal to metal by going through a pre-tapped hole or nut. Its head may be one of four common shapes:
o flathead
o ovalhead
o roundhead machine screw
o fillister-head machine screw
Also see
Sems screw
Structure Machine Screws
Machining
An operation which shapes metal parts by carving away excess material as chips produced in a sequential process of turning, milling and grinding operations.
Machinists' caliper
A measuring tool with two curved arms for inside or outside measurement; the reading taken with the arms is transferred to a steel rule or micrometer to attain the exact value
Machinists' hammer
A Ball pien hammer
MacPherson strut
Click image to supersize
A Suspension piece which employs a Coil spring and Shock absorber attached to the lower A-arms and the top of the front body structure. Originally it had a Lateral link with an Anti-roll bar instead of the lower A-arm. It was first invented by a Ford of England engineer, Earle S. MacPherson.
MacPherson strut tower
A sheet metal panel surrounding the upper mount of the MacPherson strut at the side panels of the engine compartment; it may be a separate panel fitted by spot-welding or a deep-drawn section of the side panel shaped to take the upper strut end. Also called suspension leg turret
MacPherson suspension
A suspension layout incorporating Macpherson struts
Macromolecule
Any very large molecule, such as a synthetic polymer used in the manufacture of plastic
Macromolecular
With very large molecules
Made available
A vehicle is considered Made available if it is available for delivery to dealers or users, whether or not it was actually delivered to them. To be Made available, the vehicle must be completed and available for delivery; thus, any conversion to be performed by an OEM Vehicle Converter or Aftermarket Vehicle Converter must have been completed.
MAF
Acronym for Mass airflow meter. A sensor used to measure the amount of intake air entering the engine on some fuel injection systems
MAF RTN
Acronym for Mass Airflow Sensor Ground
MAFTS
Acronym for manifold air/fuel temperature sensor
MAG
Swiss engine makers, the initials stand for Motosacoche Acacias Geneva. The company also produced complete Motosacoche motorcycles
Mag
1. Abbreviation for Magneto.
2. Abbreviation for magnesium wheel, or Mag wheels
Mag alloy
Magnesium alloy, a strong lightweight metal used for many components, particularly wheels
Magnaflux
1. A special chemical process, used to check parts for cracks.
2. A magnetic method of determining surface and subsurface defects in metals.
Magnesium acetate
See
Calcium magnesium acetate
Magnesium chloride
A soluble compound in liquid form produced from magnesium carbonate and hydrogen chloride used to deice road or pre-wet salt before applying it to roads. It works like anti-freeze by lowering the freezing temperature of water, preventing ice from forming a strong bond to the road.
Magnesium wheel
An alloy wheel.
Also see
Mag wheel
Magnet
1. A piece of magnetized steel that will attract all ferrous material. The Permanent magnet does not need electricity to function and will retain its magnetism over a period of years. Often shaped into the letter U.
2. The part of the electric actuating mechanism, which when energized is attracted to the armature, creating a controlled force to apply the brake(s).
Also See
Alnico® magnet
Ball-ended Magnet
Bar magnet
Blowout Magnet
Brake Magnet
Permanent magnet
Magnetic
See
Clutch Magnetic
Flux Magnetic
North Pole Magnetic
South Pole Magnetic
Magnetically controlled electronic ignition
See
Electronic ignition system.
Magnetic blowout
A device which extinguishes an electric arc. A magnetized coil moves one terminal to a cool surface or stretches out the arc.
Magnetic clutch
1. A coupling device used to turn the compressor off and on electrically.
2. Clutch built into automobile air conditioning compressor flywheel and is operated magnetically which allows the pulley to revolve without driving compressor when the refrigerating effect is not required.
Also See
Electromagnetic clutch
Magnetic core
Magnetic center of a magnetic field.
Magnetic drain plug
A plug or bolt fitted in the sump or oil pan to collect metal filings
Magnetic Electric Brake
See
Spot Magnetic Electric Brake
Magnetic field
The area encompassed by the magnetic lines of force surrounding either a bar Magnet or electromagnet. The flow of magnetic force between the opposite poles of a magnet.
Also See
Field
Primary magnetic field
Magnetic flux
Lines of force of a magnet.
Magnetic gasket
Door-sealing material which keeps door tightly closed with small magnets inserted in gasket.
Magnetic materials
An object made of certain pure metals (esp. iron and nickel) or an alloy of them such that when it encounters a magnetic field it is demonstrates an attraction or repulsion.
Magnetic north pole
End of magnet Out of which magnetic lines of force flow.
Magnetic permeability
A test that determines the level of magnetism.
Magnetic pick-up
1. A pulse generator consisting of a stator with a permanent magnet and a rotor, which induces an AC voltage in the inductive winding by the periodic change of the air gap between stator and rotor. Magnetic pick-ups attached to the distributor for ignition triggering have as many teeth on the pole piece (stator) and on the trigger wheel (rotor) as the engine has cylinders. Some magnetic pick-ups have a bowl-like rotor with ferrite rods inserted in the walls. Magnetic pick-ups on the crankshaft flywheel act as reference mark sensors.
2. A tool with flexible or rigid shaft and magnetic tip used to retrieve dropped nuts, bolts, and other metal parts from hard-to-reach places.
Also See
Pick-up tool
Transistorized ignition with magnetic pick-up
Magnetic pick-up assembly
A pulse generator consisting of a stator with a permanent magnet and a rotor, which induces an AC voltage in the inductive winding by the periodic change of the air gap between stator and rotor. Magnetic pick-ups attached to the distributor for ignition triggering have as many teeth on the pole piece (stator) and on the trigger wheel (rotor) as the engine has cylinders. Some magnetic pick-ups have a bowl-like rotor with ferrite rods inserted in the walls. Magnetic pick-ups on the crankshaft flywheel act as reference mark sensors
Magnetic pick-up tool
A tool with flexible or rigid shaft and magnetic tip used to retrieve dropped nuts, bolts, and other metal parts from hard-to-reach places.
Also See
Pick-up tool
Magnetic plug
A plug or bolt fitted in the sump or oil pan to collect metal filings
Magnetic screwdriver
1. A Screwdriver with a magnetized shank.
2. A screwdriver tool with hexagon socket end to accept and operate hex bits and hold them securely by magnetism. Some also have a hollow handle for storing the bits
Magnetic south pole
The part of a magnet into which magnetic flux lines flow.
Magnetism
1. A field of force which causes a magnet to attract materials made of iron, nickel-cobalt or other ferrous material.
2. As related to stainless fasteners, 300 series stainless is non-magnetic in its raw material condition. Cold working can sometimes induce traces of magnetism in 300 series, depending on the severity of cold working and chemical composition of the stainless. A rise in magnetism is related to an increase in tensile strength and work hardening caused by the heat and friction of cold forming and does not reduce corrosion resistance or cause any molecular change in austentic raw material. A higher portion of nickel can increase stability in stainless, thus decreasing work hardening and any possibilities of magnetism. Brass and silicon bronze are non-magnetic.
Also see
Induced Magnetism
Magnetization
See
Amperes Theory Of Magnetization
Magnetized
Made magnetic
Magneto
An electrical device which generates electrical Current when it is rotated by an outside source of power. It needs no outside source of power such as a Battery. It may produce either low or high tension Current.
Also See
Flywheel magneto
Magneto file
A tool for filing ignition points and other small objects
Magneto ignition
A compact assembly of a magneto generator, an ignition coil, and a distributor. Ignition voltage is induced within the magneto by the movement of a coil relative to the poles of a permanent magnet. Because it needs no battery, the system is particularly suited for small engines, e.g., motorcycles, outboard engines, etc.
Magnetomotive force (mmf)
The magnetic energy supplied with the establishment of flux between the poles of a magnet
Magneto puller
A tool which screws into the center of the magneto to force the magneto away from the shaft on which it rides.
Magnet sensor
See
Hall vane switch
Mags
See
Mag wheel.
Mag wheel
Mag wheel
Lightweight, sporty wheels made of magnesium. The term mag is often applied to Aluminum and aluminum and steel combination wheels.
Also See
Alloy wheels
Main
British term for household AC voltage.
See
Blast Main
Four Bolt Main
Two Bolt Main
Main bar
The bar on a convertible top which carries the main load when the top is raised and taut, and defines the hinge point for the folding motion. Also called main bow
Main beam
British term for High beam
Main beam indicator
British term for High beam indicator
Main bearings
The bearings in the engine block that support the Crankshaft.
Main bearings
See
Main bearing
Main bearing support
A steel plate that is installed over the main bearing caps to increase their strength for racing purposes.
Main bearing supports
See
Main bearing support.
Main bow
The bar on a convertible top which carries the main load when the top is raised and taut, and defines the hinge point for the folding motion. Also called main bar
Main burner
A device or group of devices essentially forming an integral unit for the final conveyance of fuel or a mixture of fuel and air to the combustion zone, and on which combustion takes place to accomplish the function for which the equipment is designed.
Also see
Individual Valve Main Burner
Main combustion chamber
With diesel engines, the fuel may be injected in three different locations in the prechamber, the swirl chamber, or the main combustion chamber (for direct injection engines), depending on the process used
Main deck
The continuous deck of a ship running from fore to aft. The freeboard is measured from this deck.
Main jet
The primary, large fuel orifice in a carburetor through which most of the fuel flows.
Mainline pressure
See
Line pressure
Main member
The primary chassis rail
Main metering circuit
The cruising circuit or the high speed circuit. It supplies the correct air/fuel mixture to the engine during cruising and high-speed conditions. Also called Main metering system
Main mixing well
Main well main nozzle Main delivery tube
Main mixture discharge nozzle
The jet through which the gasoline and air is fed into the carburetor barrel where it becomes the air/fuel mixture
Main petal
The primary petal of a dual-stage reed valve. The opposite is Subsidiary petal. In dual-stage reed valves, the subsidiary petal opens first
Main pressure
See
Line pressure
Main regulating system
The carburetor components are divided into the fuel intake control, the main regulating system, the idle system, and the staring aids. The main regulating system includes the main jet, jet needle, needle jet, and throttle valve, whose purpose it is to provide an appropriate amount of fuel and air to the carburetor
Mains
The caps which secure the crankshaft.
See
Bolt Mains
Four bolt mains
Main Seal Bearing
See
Split-lit-type Rear Main Seal Bearing
Main shaft
The transmission Output shaft
Main sun visor
In dual visor systems, the main visor is moved sideways and the secondary visor is flipped down, thus shielding the driver from the sun from both the front and side
Maintenance
The work undertaken by a car owner to keep his vehicle in good working order; typically checking the tires, lights, oil and coolant levels, windscreen wipers, and seat belts. Compare Service
Maintenance-free
Something that requiring no work in order to be kept operational
Maintenance-free battery
A battery with a permanently sealed top, thus requiring no topping-up
Maintenance manual
A book of instructions detailing routine maintenance
Maintenance Reporting Standards
See
Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards
Main triangle
See
Front triangle.
Main Valve Shutoff
See
Manual Main Valve Shutoff
Main venturi
Large venturi cast into the carburetor main body
Main well
The reservoir in which fuel for the main system is stored. The main well is located in the main body casting. It is connected to the venturi area by the discharge nozzle
Main-well tube
A perforated tube which extends from an air bleed in the top of the air horn down into the main well. Admits air from the air bleed into the main well to emulsify the fuel in the main well. Improves idle response and stability when the engine is hot and prevents fuel percolation and general hot-starting problems. Also improves response in the main metering circuit during part throttle conditions. Also called Emulsion tube
Major diameter
1. On a bolt or screw, the diameter measured from the crest of a thread to the corresponding crest on the opposite side of the bolt or screw
2. Largest or outside diameter of the screw threads.
3. On a straight thread, the diameter of the coaxial cylinder which would pass through the crests of an external thread or the roots of an internal thread.
Make
Brand name of a car or truck (i.e., Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Honda).
Make-and-break Switch
See
Quick Make-and-break Switch
Maker
See
Automatic Ice Cube Maker
Solid-state Controlled Ice Maker
Male end
A plug, pin, or protrusion which fits into a receptacle (female end).
Make the trip?
Trucker slang for cb signal reception as in "Did my signal make the trip?"
Male thread
Something with external threads like a bolt or screw. Female threads are found in nuts.
Malfunction
Problem in system that affects normal operation
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL) an electric circuit between the computer and the check engine or service engine soon light on the dash panel of a computer equipped vehicle
Malibu Hybrid
A Chevrolet midsize Hybrid sedan similar to the Saturn Aura Green Line that uses a Belt Alternator Starter hybrid system.
Malleable castings
1. Cast forms of metal which have been heat-treated to reduce their brittleness.
2. A casting which has been toughened by annealing
Mallet
See
Bossing mallet
Rubber mallet
Wood mallet
Man
Short form for Manual transmission
Management
See
Bureau Of Land Management
Thermal Management
Total Energy Management
Total Quality Management
Management Control System
See
Energy Management Control System
Management District
See
Air Quality Management District
Management system
See
Engine management system
Mandrel
A round shaft used to mount a stone, cutter, saw, etc.
Maneuver
To drive or steer a vehicle around obstacles, change direction, or moving in a confined space.
Maneuverability
The ease with which a vehicle can be steered around objects
Manganese
A non-magnetic metal which improves strength and hardness to steel and bronze
See
Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl
Manganese bronze
An alloy of copper, zinc, and manganese
Manganese phosphate coating
A phosphate coating with added manganese to increase resistance to wear and fatigue
Manganese Tricarbonyl
See
Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl
Manhattan
See
Frazer.
Manhole
A hole or opening in a street, with a removable cover, through which an underground structure, such as a sewer or conduit, can be entered for repair or inspection.
Manifold
1. A pipe or number of pipes connecting a series of holes or outlets to a common opening.
2. A device which controls refrigerant flow for system test purposes by means of hand valves which can open or close various passageways connected together inside the manifold. Used in conjunction with manifold gauges and service hoses
3. The conduit of an Appliance that supplies gas to the individual burner.
Also See
Air injection manifold
Dry Manifold
Exhaust manifold
Gauge Manifold
High-rise manifold
Inlet manifold
Intake manifold
Log manifold
Ram intake manifold
Service Manifold
Split manifold
Variable intake manifold
Wet Manifold
Manifold absolute pressure
(MAP) manifold pressure measured on the absolute pressure scale, an indication of engine load. At sea level, MAP = 1 bar (14.5 psi)
Manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP)
1. A sensor which monitors the engine's intake manifold pressure and transmits the data to the engine controller. A pressure-sensitive disk capacitor used to measure air pressure inside the intake manifold. The Map sensor sends a signal to the computer which uses this information to determine load conditions so it can adjust spark timing and fuel mixture. Also called Manifold pressure sensor or Pressure differential sensor
2. A sensor that measures absolute air pressure in the intake manifold.
Also see
Barometric And Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
Manifold air temperature sensor
(MAT sensor) sensor that monitors the temperature of the air entering the intake manifold
Manifold charge temperature sensor
(MCT) same as the air charge temperature sensor (ACT)
Manifold control valve
(MCV) a thermostatically operated valve in the exhaust manifold for varying heat to the intake manifold with respect to the engine temp. Also called exhaust heat control valve
Manifold gauge set
A complete, testing assembly consisting of a high side gauge, a low side gauge and a high side gauge, a test manifold, and a set of service or charging hoses. Also, can be used to discharge refrigerant, evacuate air and moisture, and charge air conditioning system with refrigerant
Manifold heat control valve
A valve placed in the Exhaust manifold, or in the Exhaust pipe, that deflects a certain amount of hot gas around the base of the Carburetor to aid in warmup.
Manifold heater
A system used to improve the cold start behavior of an engine, consisting of heating ducts incorporated into the intake manifold that are connected to the water cooling system of the engine; alternatively, an electric heater may be used.
Also See
Intake manifold heater
Manifold pressure controlled
(MPC) a fuel injection system which determines engine load based on intake man pressure
Manifold pressure sensor
A sensor that reads pressure changes in the intake manifold in relation to barometric pressure. Also known as Manifold vacuum sensor, Manifold absolute pressure sensor, Pressure differential sensor, or Vacuum sensor
Manifold runners
Single passage in a manifold from one cylinder to the major manifold opening
Manifold, service
Chamber equipped with gauges and manual valves, used by service technicians to service refrigerating systems.
Manifold surface temperature sensor
A sensor that provides information on the surface temperature of the intake manifold
Manifold vacuum
As the Pistons move down on the Intake stroke, they create a suction or Vacuum in the Intake manifold. This vacuum reading can be used to determine how well the engine is running.
Manifold vacuum sensor
(MVS) A sensor that reads pressure changes in the intake manifold in relation to barometric pressure. Also known as Manifold pressure sensor, Pressure differential sensor, or Vacuum sensor
Manifold vacuum zone switch
A type of manifold vacuum sensor (MVS) that dramatically changes the sensor output signal level upon reaching a preselected level or zone of manifold vacuum.
Manoeuvrability
British spelling of Maneuverability
Manoeuvre
British spelling of Maneuver
Manometer
1. A device for measuring a vacuum, consisting of a U shaped tube partially filled with fluid. One end of tube is open to air, the other is connected to a chamber in which vacuum is to be measured. A column of mercury 30 in. high equals 14.7 psi, which is atmospheric pressure at sea level. Readings are given in inches of mercury (Hg)
2. Instrument for measuring pressure of gases and vapors. Gas pressure is balanced against column of liquid, such as mercury, in U-shaped tube.
Manual
1. Originally something done by hand, but later has come to mean something that is done without power assistance. For instance, manual brakes on a car are operated by the driver's foot, not hand; but if the brakes are power assisted, they are no longer manual brakes.
2. A colloquial term for a vehicle with manual transmission.
3. A book of instruction.
Also See
Flat rate manual
Maintenance manual
Manual choke
Manual steering
Manual transmission
Owner's manual
Repair manual
Service manual
Manual adjuster
A type of brake adjuster that must be adjusted from time-to-time, with the use of a hand tool
Manual bleeding
A technique for bleeding hydraulic brakes that requires two people. One pumps the brakes, and the other opens and closes the bleeder screw.
Manual choke
A Linkage system which begins with a knob on the Dash which can be pulled to activate and pushed to de-activate. The knob is attached to a cable and the other end of the cable is attached to a the Butterfly valve on the Carburetor. Because many Drivers had difficulty knowing when to use the choke knob, manufacturers developed the Automatic choke system which decides this information for the Driver.
Manual-crank window
See
Manually operated window
Manual frost control
Manual control used to change operation of refrigerating system to produce defrosting conditions.
Manual gearbox
See
Manual transmission
Manual hydraulic brake system
A hydraulic-type brake system that uses unassisted driver effort.
Manual Main valve shutoff
A manually operated valve in the fuel line for the purpose of completely turning on or shutting off the fuel supply to fuel utilization equipment, except to a pilot provided with independent shutoff valves.
Manually operated window
A window (usually a side windo) operated by turning a lever by hand. Compare Electric window
Manual panel cutter
Cutting tool drawn manually across a panel surface to cut to the desired shape
Manual steering
A Steering system that does not have a Power booster to reduce the effort of steering changes especially during slow movements such as parallel parking.
Manual transmission
(MT or M/T) A Transmission system in which gears are selected by the Driver by means of a hand-operated Gearshift and a foot-operated Clutch. In a Motorcycle the Clutch is hand-operated and the gearshift is foot-operated. Contrasts with an Automatic transmission. Also called a standard transmission.
Manual valve
(MV) A control in an automatic transmission which distributes Line pressure to the various control valves and pistons which operate the multi-plate or band brakes or the clutches; operated by the driver via the selector lever
Manual valve shutoff
A manually operated valve in a fuel line for the purpose of completely turning on or shutting off the fuel supply to fuel utilization equipment.
Manual version
A passenger car with a manual transmission
Manufactured gas
A gas obtained by destructive distillation of coal or by the thermal decomposition of oil, or by the reaction of steam passing through a bed of heated coal or coke. Examples are coal gases, coke oven gases, producer gas, blast furnace gas, blue: (water) gas, carbureted water gas. Btu content varies widely.
Manufacturer
See
Automobile manufacturer
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Manufacturers And Traders
See
Society Of Motor Manufacturers And Traders
Manufacturers Association
See
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
Manufacturer discounts
In some leases, particularly subvented leases, the manufacturer reduces the MSRP which lowers the purchase price of the vehicle, which the lease is based on. This is a form of capitalized cost reduction.
Manufacturer's performance ratings
The performance data as specified by the car manufacturer
Manufacturer's suggested retail price
(MSRP) The suggested retail price the dealer is asking. Generally the same as the sticker price. Dealers typically sell at a discount to this price.
Manufacturer Vehicle
See
Original Equipment Manufacturer Vehicle
Manufacturing
1. Process technology (i.e., metal forming, machining, injection molding, blow molding, die casting, forgings, electronics/electrical, assembly, coating/plating); capacity utilization (in percent); production volumes; strategic alliances (e.g., joint ventures, technology agreements).
2. An energy-consuming subsector of the industrial sector that consists of all facilities and equipment engaged in the mechanical, physical, chemical, or electronic transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. Assembly of component parts of products is included, except for that which is included in construction.
Manufacturing division
One of ten fields of economic activity defined by the Standard Industrial Classification Manual. The manufacturing division includes all establishments engaged in the mechanical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products. The other divisions of the U.S. economy are agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and trapping; mining; construction; transportation, communications, electric, gas, and sanitary services; wholesale trade; retail trade; finance, insurance, and real estate; personal, business, professional, repair, recreation, and other services; and public administration. The establishments in the manufacturing division constitute the universe for the MECS: (an EIA survey).
Manufacturing establishment
An economic unit at a single physical location where mechanical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products are performed.
MAP
1. Acronym for Manifold absolute pressure
2. Acronym for manifold air pressure sensor
Map
A pictorial representation of a series of data points stored in the memory of the control unit of system with complete engine management. The control unit refers to the map to control variables such as fuel injection pulse width and ignition timing
Also See
Characteristic map
Dwell-angle map
Engine map
Ignition map
Map-controlled ignition
A microprocessor-controlled ignition system with electronic ignition timing by means of an ignition map stored in the control unit memory. The engine speed is sensed by Hall generators at the distributor or magnetic pick-ups on the crankshaft, the load signal being given by pressure sensors which measure the air mass or air per unit of time
Map light
An interior light to facilitate, for example, map reading.
Also See
Gooseneck map light
MAPP
A stabilized methyl acetylene-propadiene fuel gas. It is a Dow Chemical Co. product.
Mapped ignition
A microprocessor-controlled ignition system with electronic ignition timing by means of an ignition map stored in the control unit memory. The engine speed is sensed by Hall generators at the distributor or magnetic pick-ups on the crankshaft, the load signal being given by pressure sensors which measure the air mass or air per unit of time
Mapping
See
Characteristic map
MAP sensor
Manifold absolute pressure system sensor tells computer how much pressure is in the intake manifold
Maquila
Mexican assembly plant located near the U.S.-Mexican border where most production is exported to the United States.
Maquiladora
Mexican assembly plant located near the U.S.-Mexican border where most production is exported to the United States.
Marbling
A special decorative painting effect with rotating brushes
Margin
The return an intermediary achieves on the selling price of the article. That is, if the intermediary buys a product for $1 and sells it for $1.50, the margin is calculated. For example, .50 (i.e., $1.50 - $1) divided by $1.50, or 33%.
Also See
Gross margin
Valve margin
Margin bracket
A bracket connecting a side frame to the margin plate at the bilge
Margin line
A line, not less than 3 inches below the top of the bulkhead deck at side, defining the highest permissible waterplane in the final condition of sinkage, trim and heel
Marine Diesel Oil
(MDO) Marine Diesel oil is a middle distillate fuel oil which can contain traces often percent: (10%) or more residual fuel oil from transportation contamination and/or heavy fuel oil blending. The MDO does not require heated storage.
Marine freight
Freight transported over rivers, canals, the Great Lakes, and domestic ocean waterways.
Mark
See
Beach Marks
Burn Mark
Draft marks
Jaguar Mark
Reference mark sensor
Skid mark
Swirl marks
Timing mark
Tracking mark
Witness mark
Marker
See
Mile Markers
Pavement markers
Spark Plug Cable Marker
Spark Plug Wire Marker
Marker lamp
A light which is mounted on the extreme edges of the roof of a truck to show the maximum height and width of a vehicle. Also called clearance lamp.
Also see
Side marker light
Marker light
A Side marker light
Market
See
Aftermarket
Do-it-yourself market
Grey market
Mechanic installed market
Replacement market
Gray Market Vehicles
Market share
The percentage of total sales represented by an individual manufacturer/importer, make or nameplate.
Market Vehicles
See
Gray Market Vehicles
Marking
See
Hatched marking
Pavement markings
Size marking
Tire Size Markings
Water marking
Wheel marking
Mark sensor
See
Reference mark sensor
Mark-up
The return an intermediary achieves on the cost price of an article. Using the same example described above, mark-up is .50 divided by $1, or 50%.
Marles steering
A form of cam-and-roller steering
Marmon
A vehicle brand of which all 16-cyl.; 1925 74; 1926 74; 1927 75; 1928 E75; 1930 Big 8; 1931 88 and Big 8 models are Classic cars.
Marque
A particular brand name of a vehicle. Also spelled marquee
Marquee
A particular brand name of a vehicle. Also spelled marque
Martensitic
Named for Robert Martens, a German metallurgist, martensitic grades of stainless steel (types 410, 416, and 420) have a high carbon content which reduces corrosion resistance, but allows a sharp increase in tensile strength after heat treatment. Because of its high tensile strength, martensitic stainless is used for highly stressed parts such as control rod mechanisms, valves, shafts, pump parts under high stress. Martensitic stainless is magnetic, contains no nickel, loses toughness in very cold temperatures, and may have tendency to become brittle. Used in approximately 5% of stainless fasteners. Its corrosion resistance is not as good as austentic or ferritic stainless, so martensitic fasteners are used in mild atmospheres.
Martin
See
Aston Martin.
MAS
Acronym for mixture adjust screw
Mascot
See
Emily
Maserati
Click image for books on
Maserati
A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models with required application are Classic cars. The 1957-64 3500/3700 GT models are Milestone cars.
Masher
A cyclist who habitually pedals hard in a high gear, at a slow cadence. The opposite of a spinner.
Mask
To cover the surrounding area when paint spraying to protect it from splashes
Masking
See
Aural Masking
Masking tape
An adhesive tape used to cover surfaces that border an area to be painted, so as to protect them
Mass
The quantity of matter a body contains. Mass is measured in kilograms (and often incorrectly called weight). The mass of a body does not change if, for example, it is moved to the Moon where the force of gravity is less.
Also See
Relative Atomic Mass
Sprung weight
Unsprung weight
Weight
Mass airflow meter
(MAF) device for measuring the mass flow of air into an engine.
Also See
Air flow sensor
Hot-wire airflow meter
Mass damper
A device which reduces or prevents vibrations or oscillations, usually a weight which counteracts (balances) undesirable motions; used on drive shafts of some FWD cars
Mass Flow
See
Air Mass Flow
Mass Meter
See
Air Mass Meter
Mass-produced car
A car which is manufactured in great numbers to a standard pattern and with extensive mechanization
Mass Sensor
See
Air Mass Sensor
Mass tone
The tone of a paint as it appears from the color of the paint in the can; this is required for formulating the ingredients of a paint tone.
Also See
Tint tone
Mass transit system
A system designed to transport large numbers of people or goods
Mast
A tall vertical or raked structure, usually of circular section, located on the centerline of a ship and used to carry navigation lights, radio antennas and cargo booms
Master
The primary or controlling device. A secondary or dependent device is called a slave.
Also See
Brake master cylinder
Tandem master cylinder
Master link
Master brake cylinder
See
Brake master cylinder.
Master con rod
In a two-stroke dual piston engines, the connecting rod that is articulated directly on the crankshaft.
Also See
Slave con rod
Master cylinder
1. The primary component for pressurizing fluid in a hydraulic system. Used in the braking system, it supports a reservoir for holding brake fluid and is activated each time the driver depresses the brake pedal.
2. The device that converts mechanical pressure from the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure that is routed to the wheels to operate the friction assemblies.
Also See
Brake master cylinder
Dual Master Cylinder
Single Master Cylinder
Slave cylinder
Tandem master cylinder
Vacuum-powered Master Cylinder
Master cylinder pushrod
The rod that transmits the movement and force of the driver from the brake pedal lever to the master cylinder piston.
Master Gauge
A thread-plug gauge which represents the physical dimensions of the nominal or basic size of the part. It clearly establishes the minimum size of the threaded hole and the maximum size of the screw at the point at which interference between mating parts begin.
Master link
A special link on a Chain that can be opened by flexing a plate, removing a screw, or some other means besides driving out a Rivet. The retaining spring clip is shaped like a fish with a round head and twin tails. This illustration helps to determine the position of the clip because the fish moves in the direction of Chain movement. When installed in reverse, the clip may come off.
Master model
The first precision model of an automobile based on a clay model or CAD-data; essential for the manufacture of prototypes
Master pattern
The first precision model of an automobile based on a clay model or CAD-data; essential for the manufacture of prototypes
Master switch
See
Battery master switch
Master vac
See
Vacuum brake booster
Master vac servo unit
See
Vacuum brake booster
Masthead light
A white light situated on the fore and aft centerline of a ship
Mastic
Any heavy-bodied adhesive of such a consistency that it must be applied by notched trowel, gob, or by buttering methods
Mastication
The reduction of rubber to a pulp preparatory to making tires
Mastic seam sealant
Soft waterproof sealant for joints
Mat
1. A dull, not shiny, paint finish. Also spelled matt.
2. A covering.
3. Acronym for Manifold Air Temperature
Also See
Bead seat mat
Fiberglass mat
Floormat
Matador
Click image for books on
Matador
An automobile manufactured by AMC
Matching
See
Paint color matching
Mate
To fit together
Material
See
Active Material
American Society For Testing Materials
Base material
Bearing material
Bridges And Materials
Friction Material
Metallic Friction Material
Molding material
Moulding Material
Noncombustible Materials
Organic Friction Material
Performance characteristics of materials
Piston material
Soundproofing material
Viscoelastic materials
Waste Materials
Material safety data sheets
Sheets that contain information on the handling of hazardous wastes, the use of protective equipment and the procedures to follow in case of an accident
Mating
Fitting together; matching
Mating gears
Gears which mesh together
Mating surface
A surface which interacts perfectly with another
Mating thread
A thread which engages with a corresponding thread, such as the male and female threads of a nut and bolt
MAT sensor
Acronym for Manifold air temperature sensor
Matter
See
Particulate matter
Polycyclic Organic Matter
Total Particulate Matter
Volatile Matter
Matrix
That portion of the mold which surrounds the tire transferring heat to the uncured rubber and forming the tread pattern.
Matt
A dull, not shiny, paint finish. Also spelled mat
Maxima
A model of automobile manufactured by Nissan in Japan
Maximum brake power
The maximum power of an engine as measured by a dynamometer
Maximum diameter brake drum
The largest diameter to which a brake drum can be machined or worn before it becomes unsafe. This dimension is usually stamped or cast into the drum near the hub. Typically, this is 0.060" over original diameter.
Maximum ignition Time
The maximum allowable time for the specified function of any device.
Maximum Material Limit
The maximum limit of size of an external dimension or the minimum limit of size of an internal dimension.
Maximum operating pressure
(MOP) The steady-state or transient gauge pressure at which a part or system operates. It shall not exceed the allowable working pressure, and it is usually kept at a suitable level below the setting of pressure-limiting/relieving devices to prevent their frequent functioning.
Maximum power
The maximum power of an engine as measured by a dynamometer
Maximum regulation capacity
The high limit of flow below which is found acceptable regulating characteristics.
Maximum trailer weight
Also known as towing capacity; the heaviest trailer the vehicle is rated to tow. Towing capacity is typically based on the vehicle plus a driver of 150 pounds. The weight of additional passengers and/or cargo should be deducted from the maximum trailer weight.
Maybach
A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models are Classic cars.
Mays
See
Raymond-Mays
Mazda
Click image for books on
Mazda
A model of automobile manufactured in Japan by the Mazda Motor Corporation. It includes 323 (1980-94), 626 (1983-2002), 929 (1981-95), B2200 (19__-93), B2300 (1994-2007), B2500 (1998-2001), B2600 (19__-93), B3000 (1994-2007), B4000 (1994-2007), CX-7 (2007), CX-9 (2007), MAZDA3 (2004-08), MAZDA5 (2006-07), MAZDA6 (2003-08), Mazdaspeed3 (2007), MAZDASPEED6 (2006-07), Miata MX-5 (1990-2008), Millenia (1995-2002), MPV (1989-2006), MX-3 (1992-95), MX-6 (1988-97), Navajo (1991-94), Protege (1990-2003), Protege5 (2002-03), RX-7 (1993-95), RX-8 (2004-07), and Tribute (2001-06)
Mazda RX
A model of automobile with a Rotary engine manufactured in Japan by the Mazda Motor Corporation. It began with the R100 and included the RX2, RX3, RX4, RX5, RX7, and RX8.
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Na"
• Na
• Nc
• Nd
• Ne
• Ng
• Nh
• Ni
• Nl
• Nm
• No
• Np
N
1. A gear selection indication for Neutral
2. Symbol for Nitrogen
N2O
Short for nitrous oxide
NAAMSA
Acronym for National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa
NAAQS
Acronym for National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NACA duct
This is an air opening which was named after the National Advisory Committee for Aerodynamics. It was the American organization which developed the kinds of designs for low Drag air ducts for jet engines. NACA ducts are used on cars to force air for engine Breathing and cooling, for forcing air through the Radiators, and for providing fresh air for the passenger compartment.
Nacelle
A plastic or metal covering. A headlight nacelle on a Motorcycle is the bucket surrounding the Headlight.
NADA
Acronym for National Automobile Dealers Association
NADA Used Car Guide
A listing of current car prices, based on age, condition, and optional equipment; published by National Automobile Dealers Association
NAFTA
Acronym for North American Free Trade Agreement
on http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/am00635e.html.
N.A.G.
A vehicle brand of which these models, with required application, are Classic cars.
NAICS
Acronym for North American Industrial Classification System. A coding system developed jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico to classify businesses and industries according to the type of economic activity in which they are engaged. NAICS replaces the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.
Nail hammer
A hammer designed to hit the head of nails and usually has a claw device which allows for the removal of nails.
Nail Point
A sharp pyramidal point of approximately 30 degrees or 45 degrees included angle.
Nail punch
See
Drift punch
Naked bike
A motorcycle without any type of fairing
Nameplate
A metal tag attached to a machine or appliance that contains information such as brand name, serial number, voltage, power ratings under specified conditions, and other manufacturer supplied data.
Also see
Import nameplate
NAPA
Acronym for National Automotive Parts Association
Naphtha
An artificially produced petroleum or coal tar fraction with a volatility between Gasoline and Kerosene. It is colorless and has an approximate boiling range between 50°C and 204°C. Used primarily as paint solvent, cleaning fluid, and blendstock in Gasoline production, to produce motor gasoline by blending with straight-run gasoline.
Also see
Petrochemical feedstock
Special Naphthas
Naphtha-type jet fuel
A fuel in the heavy naphtha boiling range having an average gravity of 52.8 degrees API, 20 to 90 percent distillation temperatures of 143°C to 243°C, and meeting Military Specification MIL-T-5624L (Grade JP-4). It is used primarily for military turbojet and turboprop aircraft engines because it has a lower freeze point than other aviation fuels and meets engine requirements at high altitudes and speeds. Note: Beginning with January 2004 data, naphtha-type jet fuel is included in Miscellaneous Products.
Naphthenes
One of three basic hydrocarbon classifications found naturally in crude oil. Naphthenes are widely used as Petrochemical feedstock.
NAQS
Acronym for National Air Quality Strategy in the UK
Narrow width chain
A chain used on multi-speed bicycles with a cassette of 8 or more sprockets.
Also see
Derailleur Chain Narrow Width
NAS
Acronym for National Aerospace Standards
NASCAR
Acronym for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing or North America Stock Car Auto Racing or
NAS Drawings and Specifications
Dimensional and material standards for aircraft fasteners developed by the National Aerospace Standards Committee. All drawings and specifications are prefixed by NAS.
Nash
A vehicle brand of which the 1930 Twin Ignition 8; 1931 Series 900; 1932 Series 990, Advanced 8, and Ambassador 8 with required application are Classic cars. The 1951-54 Healey models are Milestone cars.
Also See
Frazer Nash.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) Ambient standards for criteria air pollutants specifically regulated under the CAA. These pollutants include ozone, CO, NO2>, lead, particulate matter, and SOx. Urban areas are required to achieve attainment in regard to ambient concentrations of these criteria pollutants.
National Automotive Technical Education Foundation
A consortium of automotive education experts which has established a steering committee to administer the CHAMP certification process at educational institutions.
National coarse thread
(NC) A standard for the threads of nuts and bolts in which the number of threads per inch is much fewer than a fine (NF) nut or bolt. Observe the difference in the number of threads per inch (TPI) of the NF and NC in the following chart. Also called Unified National Coarse thread (UNC)
WIDTH NF TPI NC TPI
#10 32 24
#12 28 24
1/4 28 20
5/16 24 18
3/8 24 16
7/16 20 14
1/2 20 13
9/16 18 12
5/8 18 11
3/4 16 10
7/8 14 9
1 14 8
1-1/8 12 7
1-1/4 12 6
1-3/8 12 6
1-1/2 12 5
1-3/4 n/a 4
2 n/a 4.5
2-1/4 n/a 4.5
2-1/2 n/a 4
2-3/4 n/a 4
3 n/a 4
National electrical code (NEC)
A code for the purpose of practical safeguarding of persons and property from the hazards arising from the use of electricity. It is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Institute. It is used to serve as a guide for governmental bodies whose duty is to regulate building codes
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
An organization which establishes certain voluntary industry standards relating to electric motors. These standards refer to the operating characteristics, terminology, basic dimension, ratings, and testing
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) The National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision-making processes by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions.
National fine thread
(NF) A standard for the threads of nuts and bolts in which the number of threads per inch is much greater than a coarse (NC) nut or bolt. Also called Unified National Fine thread (UNF). Observe the difference in the number of threads per inch (TPI) of the NF and NC in the following chart
WIDTH NF TPI NC TPI
#10 32 24
#12 28 24
1/4 28 20
5/16 24 18
3/8 24 16
7/16 20 14
1/2 20 13
9/16 18 12
5/8 18 11
3/4 16 10
7/8 14 9
1 14 8
1-1/8 12 7
1-1/4 12 6
1-3/8 12 6
1-1/2 12 5
1-3/4 n/a 4
2 n/a 4.5
2-1/4 n/a 4.5
2-1/2 n/a 4
2-3/4 n/a 4
3 n/a 4
National flag
The flag flown by a ship to show her nationality.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) A US regulatory body which determines the regulations for vehicles.
National Low-Emission Vehicle
A light-duty passenger car or truck up to 6,000 lb GVWR that meets the National Low-Emission Vehicle Program standards.
National Low-Emission Vehicle Program
(NLEV) Still under development, this program creates voluntary requirements which automakers can adopt in lieu of compliance with other vehicle emission control measures. The program applies to the manufacture of new light-duty vehicles and new light-duty trucks up to 6,000 lb GVWR. Vehicle exhaust emission standards have been established for the 13 northeastern states of the Ozone Transport Commission, applicable on and after the 1997 model year. Standards are extended to the rest of the U.S., except California, on and after the 2001 model year. In general, the standards lie between levels established for the federal Tier I Program and the California LEV Program. Automakers can use a manufacturer's effective average standard to meet the non-methane organic gas standard. Vehicles are certified with California test procedures.
National Off-Road Bicycle Association
(NORBA) The US governing body for off-road racing
National Petroleum Council
(NPC) An advisory body of appointed members whose purpose is to advise the Secretary of Energy.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) The part of the U.S. federal Clean Water Act, which requires point source discharges to obtain permits.
National priorities list
The Environmental Protection Agency's list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites identified for possible long-term remedial action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The list is based primarily on the score a site receives from the Environmental Protection Agency Hazard Ranking System. The Environmental Protection Agency is required to update the National Priorities List at least once a year.
National Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) Under the U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. NHTSA investigates safety defects in motor vehicles, sets and enforces fuel economy standards, helps states and local communities reduce the threat of drunk drivers, promotes the use of safety belts, child safety seats and air bags, investigates odometer fraud, establishes and enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations and provides consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics.
National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB) An independent Federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in the other modes of transportation -- railroad, highway, marine and pipeline -- and issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.
Native gas
Gas in place at the time that a reservoir was converted to use as an underground storage reservoir in contrast to injected gas volumes.
NATO towing hook
Large, robust, four-bolt attachment towing pintle with top-closure and, usually, 360° rotational capability about the longitudinal axis originally specified for NATO 7.5 tonne military vehicles. Suitable for off-road towing.
Natural convection
1. Movement of a fluid caused only by temperature differences (density changes).
2. Circulation of a gas or liquid due to difference in density resulting from temperature differences.
Natural frequency
The frequency at which an object, circuit, or system oscillates or vibrates when set in free vibration. Large heavy objects have low natural frequencies and small light objects have high natural frequencies.
Natural gas
(NG) A gaseous mixture of hydrocarbon compounds, the primary one being Methane and occurs naturally in the earth. The Energy Information Administration measures wet natural gas and its two sources of production, Associated-dissolved natural gas and Nonassociated natural gas, and Dry natural gas, which is produced from Wet natural gas. As an alternative, environmentally friendly fuel, it can be stored under pressure in the trunk of a vehicle as Compressed natural gas (CNG).
Also See
Associated-Dissolved Natural Gas
Dry Natural Gas
Liquefied natural gas
Nonassociated Natural Gas
Salable Natural Gas
Synthetic Natural Gas
Wet Natural Gas
Natural Gas Act
The Natural Gas Act was passed in 1938, giving the Federal Power Commission (now the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC) jurisdiction over companies engaged in interstate sale or transportation of natural gas. The act instituted federal oversight of rates charged by interstate gas-transmission companies, and also limited certification authority. Nobody was allowed to build an interstate pipeline to deliver gas into a market already served by another gas pipeline without first obtaining a Federal Power Commission certificate. The principle aims of the Natural Gas Act were to: 1) provide a stable financial and regulatory environment for the financing and construction of interstate gas pipelines; and 2) prevent the "naturally monopolistic" pipelines from engaging in undue discrimination and other feared abuses, including those attendant on their control by utility holding companies or major oil and gas producers.
Natural gas hydrates
Solid, crystalline, wax-like substances composed of water, methane, and usually a small amount of other gases, with the gases being trapped in the interstices of a water-ice lattice. They form beneath permafrost and on the ocean floor under conditions of moderately high pressure and at temperatures near the freezing point of water.
Natural gas liquids
(NGL) Those hydrocarbons in natural gas that are separated from the gas as liquids through the process of absorption, condensation, adsorption, or other methods in gas processing or cycling plants. Generally such liquids consist of Propane and heavier hydrocarbons and are commonly referred to as lease condensate, natural gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gases. Natural gas liquids include natural gas plant liquids (primarily ethane, Propane, Butane, and Isobutane; see Natural Gas Plant Liquids) and lease condensate (primarily pentanes produced from natural gas at lease separators and field facilities; see Lease Condensate).
Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978
(NGPA) Signed into law on November 9, 1978, the NGPA is a framework for the regulation of most facets of the natural gas industry. The gas market before 1978 was drastically different than the one currently existing in the United States. The changes in the market since the 1970's have come partially from increasing technology, but also largely from changes in natural gas regulation. The Natural Gas Policy Act was one of the first efforts to deregulate the gas industry. Congress intended to allow the supply, demand, and thus the price of natural gas to be dictated by market forces, rather than regulation. Other deregulation bills include Order 636.
Natural Gas Vehicle
(NGV) A natural gas vehicle is a new breed of car, bus or truck that is powered by a natural gas, either in compressed or liquefied form, rather than the traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. These vehicles offer an extremely clean, safe and efficient alternative to traditional transportation. With the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments and the Energy Policy Act of 1992, these alternative fuel vehicles are expected to proliferate in the later 1990's. Already, major car manufacturers are offering natural gas vehicles, and there are over 700 fueling stations nationwide.
Natural gasoline
A term used in the gas processing industry to refer to a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons (mostly pentanes and heavier hydrocarbons) extracted from natural gas. It includes isopentane.
Natural Gasoline and Isopentane
A mixture of hydrocarbons, mostly pentanes and heavier, extracted from natural gas, that meets vapor pressure, end-point, and other specifications for natural gasoline set by the Gas Processors Association. Includes isopentane which is a saturated branch-chain hydrocarbon, (C5H12), obtained by fractionation of natural gasoline or isomerization of normal pentane.
Naturally aspirated engine
A conventional engine that takes in air at normal pressure, i.e. not turbocharged or supercharged. The opposite is forced-induction engine
Natural oxide film
A transparent film which forms naturally on an aluminum surface due to oxidation
Natural oxide skin
A transparent film which forms naturally on an aluminum surface due to oxidation
Natural rubber
(NR) An elastomer produced from latex, a milky sap, obtained from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and other plants. An elastic and porous form of rubber.
Also See
Synthetic rubber
Natural weathering
A corrosion test by means of which the corrosion resistance of a material is tested in the open air
Nautical Mile
The Knot is the unit of measurement for water speed. It is nearly equivalent to miles per hour for land. It is also used to measure wind speeds over water.
Naval brass
A corrosion resistant metal containing 60 per cent copper, 39 1/4 per cent zinc and 3/4 per cent tin.
See
Tobin bronze
Naval bronze
Basic brass with a small addition of tin for added corrosion resistance against salt water. Also called naval brass
Nave
A wheel hub
Nave plate
A hub cap
Navigating bridge
The command post of a ship.
Navigator
See
Electronic navigator
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Oa"
O2
Acronym for Oxygen
O2S-11
Acronym for Oxygen Sensor Signal (Bank 1)
O2S-21
Acronym for Oxygen Sensor Signal (Bank 2)
O2 sensor
A device that detects the amount of oxygen in the exhaust stream and sends that information the ECM. Also called an Oxygen sensor or an Exhaust oxygen sensor
O3
See
Ozone
OAC
Acronym used by car dealers to indicate on approval of credit.
OASIS
Acronym for Ford Motor Company Online Automotive Service Information System
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Pa"
p
1. A tire designation for Passenger, as used in rating tires such as P185R13.
2. A tire designation for speeds up to 150 kph (95 mph) as in P195PR78 (the first P is passenger, but the second P is the Speed rating.
3. The designation for park on the gear selector of an automatic transmission.
Also see
PRNDL
PA
1. Acronym for Pressure Air (Honda)
2. Acronym for Power antenna.
P/a
An abbreviation for Power-assisted
P&D
Acronym for Pickup and delivery
Pace car
A vehicle which leads the pack of racers during the first part of the race (usually one lap) so that the racers can warm up their engines, etc. The pace car never runs the actual race. They also lead during parade, pace lap, caution periods, and restarts.
Pace lap
The warm-up part of the race before the actual race begins.
Pacer
Click image for books on
Pacer
An automobile manufactured by AMC
Pack
See
Blister Pack
Glass pack muffler
Hydration Pack
Rectifier pack
Package
See
Accessory package
Equipment package
Trailer-towing package
Package units
Complete refrigerating system including compressor, condenser, and evaporator located in refrigerated space.
Packard
Click image for books on
Packard
A vehicle brand of which all sixes and eights 1925-34; all 12-cyl. models; 1935 Models 1200-1208; 1936 Models 1400-1408; 1937 Models 1500-1508; 1938 Models 1603-1608; 1939 Models 1703-1708; 1940 Models 1803-1808; 1941 Models 1903-1908; 1942 Models 2004-2008 plus 2023; 1946-47 Models 2106 and 2126; all Darrin-bodied with required application are Classic cars. The 1953-56 Caribbean models are Milestone cars. The 1946-50 Clipper and Custom Eight are Milestone cars. The Pacific sedan and convertible for 1954 are Milestone cars. The 1954 Panther Daytona is a Milestone car. The Patrician 400 for 1951 to 56 are Milestone cars.
Packed gland
A cylindrical recess that accommodates a number of rings of packing around the shaft or shaft sleeve of a Pump. Pumps used for high-temperature fluids are provided with jacketed, water-cooled packed glands. Also called stuffing box.
Packing
Sealing device consisting of soft material or one or more mating soft elements. Reshaped by manually adjustable compression to obtain or maintain a leak-proof seal.
Also See
Stuffing-box packing
Pack muffler
See
Glass pack muffler
Steel pack muffler
PAD
Acronym for Program Associated Data.
Pad
A common term for a brake shoe used in disc brakes
Also See
Backing pad
Brake pad
Ceramic brake pad
Disc Brake Pad
Door Pad
Door Trim Pad
Pillion pad
Sintered metal brake pad
Skid pad
PADD
Acronym for Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts
Padding disc
An insert in the crankcase area designed to reduce the internal volume of the crankcase and thus to increase the precompression ratio; this helps to increase the output of a two-stroke engine
Paddle
See
Solder paddle
Stirring paddle
Paddling
See
Foot Paddling
Paddling the lead
The act of filling repair areas by smoothing the body lead layer until a smooth surface is achieved
Pad retainer
A pin which locates the brake pad in a disc brake
Pad retainer pin
A pin which locates the brake pad in a disc brake
Pad Sets
See
Hybrid Pad Sets
Pad wear indicator
Mechanical or electrical devices which warn the driver when the lining material on the brake pads has worn to the point that they should be replaced.
Also See
Brake pad wear indicator
PAFS
Acronym for Pulse Air Feeder System (Chrysler)
Pagoda roof
An unusual roof design, introduced on the Mercedes-Benz SL Hardtop, which was slightly lower in the center than at the sides
Pagoda-style roof
An unusual roof design, introduced on the Mercedes-Benz SL Hardtop, which was slightly lower in the center than at the sides
PAH
1. Acronym for Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
2. Acronym for polyaluminum hydroxide
3. Acronym for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Paid value
See
Duty paid value
Paige
See
Graham-Paige
Paint
1. A liquid or paste consisting of a suspension of a Pigment in oil or water, etc. When spread over a surface, it dries to form a hard, thin covering colored by the pigment. The primary purpose of paint is to help in the preventing of rusting. A secondary purpose is to provide a variety of color.
2. The act of spray painting a surface.
Also See
Acrylic paint
Barrier paint
Bituminous paint
Candy apple paint
Candy paint
Coach paint
Dust-free paint
Finishing paint
Flame paint
Heavy paint
Light paint
Liquid paint
Low-bake paint
Metallic paint
Nitrocellulose paint
Overlay paint
Polyurethane paint
Pyroxylin paint
Refinishing paint
Soft paint
Solder paint
Solid paint
Tire paint
Two-pack paint
Two-tone paint
Zinc-rich paint
Paint booth
A closed area where coats of paint are applied
Paint chip book
A Color chart
Paint color matching
The process of determining the correct paint shade with the aid of color charts and special mixing devices and through spectral analysis
Paint film
The actual thickness of the paint on a surface.
Paint gun
See
Spray gun
Painting
See
Cataphoretic painting
Electrophoretic painting
Electrostatic painting
Off-line painting
On-line painting
Painting line
The route taken by the bodywork of a newly manufactured vehicle on its way through the paint shop
Painting robot
A robot used for paint application
Paint refinishing
The various steps involved in repainting a secondhand car
Paint shop
1. The production stage in an automobile manufacturing plant during which the bodywork is treated with paint.
2. A separate paint repair shop, usually near a body repair shop (i.e., for damaged vehicles)
Paint stripper
A liquid paint remover
Paint system
The sum of all coats of paint on a work
Paintwork
The overall result of painting; the paint coating or finish
PAIR
Acronym for Pulsed Secondary Air Injection
PAIR system
See
Pulse air system
Palladium
A white, ductile, malleable, noble metal of the platinum family; atomic number 46, atomic weight 106.4; resembles platinum and together with other platinum metals is used as a catalyst in automotive exhaust converters. Compare Platinum metals
Palletized construction
The process of building a vehicle where the workers assemble a complete Chassis at a comfortable workbench height, in a well-lighted area, away from the main line -- not underneath a moving body. Working conditions and product quality are vastly improved.
Palm spinner
Palm spinner
A device which is attached to a steering wheel to allow disabled people to insert a hand into its bracket in order to steer a vehicle.
Pan
A thin stamped Cover that is bolted to the bottom of the Crankcase, it forms a Sump for the engine oil and keeps dirt, etc. from entering the engine.
Also See
Floor pan
Oil pan
Panamax
A water-borne vessel (i.e., ship) designed small enough for passage through the Panama Canal
Pancake engine
An engine in which the Cylinders are on a horizontal plane, this reduces the overall height and enables them to be used in spots where vertical height is restricted.
Also see
Flat engine.
Pan drain plug
See
Oil pan drain plug
Pane
A sheet of window glass
Panel
1. A flat piece of metal that is stamped to create a body Component such as a door panel.
2. A plastic molding; e.g., interior trim of doors.
Also See
A-panel
Access panel
Aperture panel
Back panel
Body panel
Bonnet landing panel
Closing panel
Cluster panel
Corner panel
Cowl panel
Cowl side panel
Dashboard
Dash panel
Deck panel
Door panel
Front panel
Full panel
Grille face panel
Grille panel
Header panel
Headlight mounting panel
High crown panel
Hinge panel
Hood landing panel
Inner fender panels
Instrument panel
Kick panel
Lamp panel
Low crown panel
Lower Back Panel
Manual panel cutter
Off-the-dolly panel beating
On-the-dolly panel beating
Parent panel
Patch panel
Pattern panel
Pressed panel
Quarter light filler panel
Quarter panel
Quarter window filler panel
Radiator support panel
Rear corner panel
Rear deck panel
Rear panel
Rear Quarter Panel
Replacement panel
Rocker panel
Roof panel
Scuttle panel
Scuttle side panel
Seat well
Shelf panel
Side bumper panels
Side panel
Solar Thermal Panels
Splash panel
Squab panel
Straightened panel
Sunroof aperture panel
Trim panel
Under sill panel
Wheel house panel
Wheel panel
Windshield corner panel
Windshield header panel
Windshield panel
Panel beater
1. A person who beats out the dented bodywork of a damaged vehicle.
2. A Panel hammer
Panel beating
Beating out the dents in damaged bodywork.
Also See
Off-the-dolly panel beating
On-the-dolly panel beating
Panel bonding
A new repair process using a special adhesive to glue body panels in place instead of spot-welding them
Panel contour
The normal shape of a new, undented body panel as produced by the factory
Panel cutter
An air-operated tool used to cut out old panels. It is a relatively coarse tool and is thus suited mainly for cutting sheet metal in areas where minor distortion along the cutting lines does not matter.
Also see
Manual panel cutter
Panel file
See
Body file
Panel flanger
See
Joggler
Panel hammer
A special hammer for metalworking that has two different fly-shaped heads for different purposes, e.g., cross-pein and shrinking hammer.
Also see
Curved pein and finishing hammer
Pick and finishing hammer
Planishing hammer
Reverse curve panel hammer
Shrinking hammer
Paneling
1. A combination of separate sheet metal panels to form a complete assembly, e.g., the outer panels of the body or even the panels surrounding the engine
2. A plastic molding; e.g., interior trim of doors.
Also See
Cladding
Underside paneling
Panel picking
The act of straightening very fine indentations or marks of very small diameter on a panel surface with a pick hammer
Panel puller
Slide Hammer Dent Puller
A tool with a slide hammer and hook or self-threading screw tip to pull dented doors, fenders, and other sheet metal panels back into place. After drilling a hole in the deepest part of the dent, the hook or screw tip is inserted to pull out the dent by means of slide hammer impact. Also called Knocker
Panel release tool
See
Trim panel release tool
Panel repair
A type of repainting job involving an entire panel but not the entire vehicle
Pan gasket
See
Oil pan gasket
Pan guard
See
Oil pan guard
Panhard
A vehicle brand of which the Dyna for 1946-67 models are Milestone cars.
Panhard rod
A rod or Linkage on the axle which runs from side to side. Usually one end is attached to the body and the other end is connected to the axle. Also called a track bar.
Panhard rod mounting box
Box section used to mount the Panhard rod of the rear axle
Panhead
Harley-Davidson's second generation overhead-valve Big Twin, introduced in 1948.
Pan head
A type of screw with a dome shaped head. Flat top surface rounded into cylindrical sides, and a flat bearing surface. The recessed pan head has a rounded top surface blending into cylindrical sides and a flat bearing surface.
Pannier
A luggage bag used in pairs and fastened alongside one or both wheels of a motorcycle or bicycle.
Also see
Saddlebag.
Panniers
Luggage bags used in pairs and fastened alongside one or both wheels of a motorcycle or bicycle.
Also see
Saddlebags.
Panoramic windshield
A windshield style popular in the 1950s and '60s that featured recessed screen pillars, giving a wide, unobstructed view of the road; entry for the front passengers was awkward, since the screen pillar comers projected into the door opening
P. ant
Abbreviation for Power antenna.
Pantechnicon
A British term for a large van or truck, especially one for moving furniture
Pantera
Click image for books on
Pantera
A model of automobile manufactured in Italy
Panting
The pulsation in and out of the bow and stern plating as the ship alternately rises and plunges deep into the water
Panting frame
The frames in the forward and after portions of the hull framing to strengthen against shell Panting
Paper
See
Abrasive paper
Paper air cleaner
An Air cleaner that makes use of special paper through which the air to the Carburetor is drawn.
PAR
Acronym for a parabolic aluminized reflector lamp
Parabolic dish
A high-temperature (above 82°C) solar thermal concentrator, generally bowl-shaped, with two-axis tracking.
Also see
Solar Thermal Parabolic Dishes
Parabolic reflector
An old headlight reflector in the shape of a parabola, now replaced by ellipsoidal reflectors
Parabolic spring
A leaf spring tapered in the shape of a parabola. Also called tapered leaf spring
Parabolic trough
A high-temperature (above 82°C) solar thermal concentrator with the capacity for tracking the sun using one axis of rotation.
Also see
Solar Parabolic Trough
Parachute
See
Automatic Parachute
Brake Parachute
Paraffin
1. A British term for Kerosene a solvent for removing grease
2. A light-colored, wax-free oil obtained by pressing paraffin distillate.
3. The wax removed from paraffin distillates by chilling and pressing. When separating from solutions, it is a colorless, more or less translucent, crystalline mass, without odor and taste, slightly greasy to touch, and consisting of a mixture of solid hydrocarbons in which the paraffin series predominates.
Paraffinic hydrocarbons
Straight-chain hydrocarbon compounds with the general formula CnH2n+2.
Paraffins
Group of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, including Methane, ethane, Propane and Butane and noted by the suffix -ane.
Parallel
1. The same distance apart at every point.
2. Two or more electrical components each receiving the same voltage resistors connected in parallel. Opposite to Series.
3. To connect in parallel
Also see
Circuit Parallel
Parallel action locking pliers
A locking pliers with parallel action jaws, e.g., for pinching off hoses when servicing cooling systems
Parallel circuit
1. An electrical circuit with two or more Resistance units so wired as to permit Current to flow through both units at the same time. Unlike the Series circuit, the Current in the parallel circuit does not have to pass through one unit to reach the other. A method or pattern of connecting units in an electrical circuit so that they are connected negative-to-negative and positive-to-positive. In a parallel circuit, current can flow independently through several components at the same time.
2. Arrangement of electrical devices in which the current divides and travels through two or more paths and then returns through a common path.
Also see
Series-parallel circuit
Parallel connection
A way of joining photovoltaic cells or batteries by connecting positive leads to positive leads to keep the voltage output the same, but increase the amperage. Some 12-volt vehicles running two batteries to give more winter starting power must connect the batteries in parallel. If they were Connected in series the output would be 24 volts and fuses would blow or components would burn out.
Parallelism
The same thickness of brake discs all the way around. The relationship between one friction surface of a brake disc and the other.
Also See
Axle parallelism
Lack Of Parallelism
Parallel key
See
Feather key
Parallel middle body
The amidships portion of a ship in which the contour of the underwater hull form is unchanged
Parallelogram steering
See
Parallelogram steering linkage
Parallelogram steering linkage
Parallelogram steering linkage
A Steering system using two short Tie rods connected to the Steering arms and to a long center link. The link is supported on one end on an Idler arm and the other end is attached directly to the Pitman arm. The arrangement forms a parallelogram shape.
Parallelogram steering system
See
Parallelogram steering linkage
Parallelogram suspension
See
Double wishbone suspension
Parallel parking
The action of bringing a vehicle to a stop behind another vehicle (or between two vehicles) so that your front bumper is right behind the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of you. The technique of parallel parking involves driving beside the other vehicle and then backing up while turning the steering first to the right and then at the correct time turning it to the left. It is one of the testing requirements for obtaining a license.
Parallel trailing link suspension
A front suspension layout used primarily by Volkswagen on rear-engined cars
Parallel twin
A type of engine usually found on two-cylinder motorcycles where the cylinders are beside each other and on the same side of the crankshaft. An Opposed twin has two cylinders that are on either side of the crankshaft.
Parallel-twin engine
A two-cylinder engine with its cylinder placed side-by-side in an upright position
Parallel valves
The intake and exhaust valves with parallel valve stems
Parameters
See
Engine parameters
Parapet
Concrete rails on a bridge.
Parent panel
The panel left in place on the car to which a new panel is welded after all the rusted metal has been cut out
Parison
A short length of glass
Park
(P)
1. One of the positions of the gear selector for an automatic gearbox; when engaged (after the vehicle has come to a complete standstill) the driving wheels are locked.
2. To leave a vehicle in a particular place.
3. A Parkade.
Also See
Car park
Multi-storey car park
Parkade
A place where vehicles can be parked on one of several levels.
Also See
Car park
Multi-storey car park
Park and Ride
Provision of long stay parking areas at the edge of a built up area which are linked by frequent bus (or other public transport) services to the City center and potentially other locations.
Park Avenue
Click image for books on
Park Avenue
A model of automobile manufactured by the Buick division of General Motors
Park brake
See
Parking brake
Park brake extension
Park brake extension
A device which is attached to the parking brake to help disable people to operate the parking brake more easily.
Parkbrake warning light
A light on the instrument panel that illuminates when the parkbrake is applied; on most new cars it has been superseded by a multifunction brake warning light
Parking
The action of placing a vehicle at a full stop out of the flow of traffic.
Also See
Angle parking
Attendant parking
Echelon parking
Parallel parking
Self-parking
Valet parking
Parking brake
1. Hand or foot operated brake which prevents vehicle movement while parked by locking rear wheels, or Transmission Output shaft. One type applies the rear Brake shoes by mechanical means and the other type applies a Brake band to a Brake drum installed in the Drivetrain.
2. The secondary brake system used to hold a stationary vehicle from moving. The system is applied with a hand or foot lever, and operates on only two wheels.
3. The mechanically actuated portion of a drum brake or disc brake caliper, used to prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is parked, applied by a lever, pedal, or rod
Also See
Auxiliary Drum Parking Brake
Emergency brake
Parking-brake cable
Cables that transmit brake actuating force in the parking-brake system.
Parking brake console
The reinforcing member incorporated in the center tunnel area of the floorpan to provide the mounting support for the handbrake
Parking-brake equalizer
A device to equalize pull between the parking-brake actuator and two wheels.
Parking brake lever
1. A lever inside the drum brake which spreads the brake shoes outward; the long end is connected to the parking brake cable, the opposite end to one brake shoe and to a push bar which acts on the other shoe.
2. A lever inside the passenger compartment attached to the end of the parking brake rod and which activates the parking brake cable.
Parking brake lever strut
A push bar between the shoes in a drum brake
Parking brake pedal
Foot-operated pedal for the parking brake
Parking brake warning switch assembly
A unit used to actuate a warning device indicating the parking brake application mechanism is not in the fully released position.
Parking disc
A marker displayed on the inside of a parked car showing time of arrival or latest permitted time of departure in a British parking lot
Parking heater
An air heating system which operates independently of the engine
Parking interlock
See
Parking lock
Parking lamp
An energy-saving vehicle illumination mode on British cars for long-term roadside parking; includes only one front sidelight and one taillight; the parking light can be switched to illuminate the left side or the right side
Parking light
An energy-saving vehicle illumination mode on British cars for long-term roadside parking; includes only one front sidelight and one taillight; the parking light can be switched to illuminate the left side or the right side
Parking lock
(PL) A lock gear and pawl that lock the transmission mechanically
Parking lot
A ground level, outdoor area where vehicles can be left temporarily.
Parking lot stencil
A printing device which is placed on the ground so that information like handicap parking signs can be made.
Parking meter
A coin-operated timing device that indicates how long a vehicle may legally remain parked
Parking space
A parking place reserved for a particular vehicle
Parking ticket
A written fine for a parking offence, especially where a vehicle has exceeded the time limit for parking
Park light
A low intensity light which is often incorporated into the front signal lights. The park lights are to be illuminated when the vehicle is still running, but pulled off the road. However, many people drive with them on -- an action which is illegal in some parts of North America.
Park safety switch
A switch which allows the starter to be engaged only when the automatic shift lever is in either park or neutral
Part
A component of a vehicle.
Also See
Aftermarket part
Integral Part
Molded part
New-old-stock part
Spare part
Structural part
Partial flow filter
A Bypass filter
Partial oxidation
Fuel reforming reaction where the fuel is partially oxidized to carbon monoxide and hydrogen rather than fully oxidized to carbon dioxide and water. This is accomplished by injecting air with the fuel stream prior to the reformer. The advantage of partial oxidation over steam reforming of the fuel is that it is an exothermic reaction rather than an endothermic reaction and therefore generates its own heat.
Partial oxidation burner
Heat source for the partial oxidation reactor.
Partial pressures
Condition where two or more gases occupy a space and each one creates part of the total pressure.
Partial respray
A respraying of only part of the bodywork, opposite to Full respray or Complete respray
Participation
See
Dealer participation
Particulate
A small, discrete mass of solid or liquid matter that remains individually dispersed in gas or liquid emissions. Particulates take the form of aerosol, dust, fume, mist, smoke, or spray. Each of these forms has different properties.
Also See
Diesel particulate filter
Particulates
Particulate catalyst
A Pellet catalyst
Particulate emission
An emission of solid particles of carbon and unburnt hydrocarbons from the exhaust system
Particulate emission limit
The weight of particulate emissions in the exhaust of diesel engines, specified in grams per mile
Particulate filter
See
Diesel particulate filter
Particulate ignition temperature
In diesel filtration tests, the exhaust gas temperature at which there is an equilibrium between particulate burn-off and deposit build-up
Particulate matter
(PM)
1. Suspended solids of carbon and unburnt hydrocarbons from the exhaust system
2. A generic term for a broad class of chemically and physically diverse substances that exist as discrete particles (liquid droplets or solids) over a wide range of sizes. A NAAQS pollutant.
3. Particles formed by incomplete combustion of fuel. Compression ignition (diesel) engines generate significantly higher PM emissions than spark ignited engines. The particles are composed of elemental carbon, heavy hydrocarbons (SOF), and hydrated sulfuric acid (sulfate particulates).
Also see
Diesel Particulate Matter
Total Particulate Matter
Particulates
1. (PM) Suspended solids of carbon and unburnt hydrocarbons from the exhaust system
2. Small pieces (particles) of matter; dust is a common particulate.
Particulate Trap
Diesel vehicle emission control device that traps and incinerates diesel particulate emissions after they are exhausted from the engine but before they are expelled into the atmosphere.
Part-load
The throttle opening between idle and fully open
Part-load enrichment
Extra fuel injected during throttle opening to enrich the mixture during transition. Usually occurs during closed-loop operation
Part-load operation
The operation of systems and components under conditions below full load
Partnership
Business owned by at least two people
Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles
(PNGV) established in 1993, this partnership, between the United States Federal Government and the Automotive industry, was founded to establish global technical leadership in the development and production of affordable, fuel-efficient, low emission vehicles that meet today's performance standards.
Part number
(p/n, PN) A reference number attributed to a particular part. Each company uses its own system of numbering the parts.
Part out
To dismantle a vehicle and sell the parts. British term is break up
Part panel
See
Patch panel
Parts car
A vehicle that has been damaged beyond repair or Restoration, or that has deteriorated badly. It is useful only as a source of parts. It may be Driveable though unsafe, but it usually is not in driveable condition.
Parts catalog
A directory listing available parts for a particular product
Parts per million
(ppm) Unit of concentration of one element in another.
Parts store
See
Auto parts store
Part Throttle
See
Adjustable Part Throttle
Part-throttle operation
Driving without using full throttle
Part-time four-wheel drive
A manually selectable four-wheel drive
PAS
1. Acronym for Power-assisted steering
2. Acronym for Passive Anti-Theft System
Pascal (pa)
SI measurement of pressure, it equals one newton per square meter.
Also see
Kilopascal
Pascal's law
A principle which states that when pressure is exerted on a confined liquid, it is transmitted undiminished. The law is particularly valid for Hydraulic systems. Discovered by Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
PA sensor
Acronym for Atmospheric pressure sensor
Pass
1. The act of overtaking a vehicle which is traveling in the same direction you are.
2. The act of going past a vehicle which is traveling is the opposite direction from you.
3. Weld metal created by one progression along the weld.
4. Acronym for Personalized Automotive Security System
Also see
Bypass
Passage
See
Lateral air passage
Oil Bleed Passage
Oil passage
Scavenging passage
Transfer passage
Water passage
Passenger capacity
The maximum number of people that a vehicle can carry.
Passenger car
A four-wheeled motor car powered by an engine and designed for passengers and/or their luggage.
Also see
Large Passenger Car
Passenger car wheel
A one-piece wheel made of sheet steel. The rim and disc are welded together or made of light-alloy (cast or forged), and designed for tubeless tires. Rims for passenger cars are almost exclusively designed as 5° drop center rims incorporating a safety bead seat (double hump and combination hump are most common; flat hump designs are less common) and a J-flange. The B-flange type is reduced in height and used on passenger cars with small rim diameter and rim width
Passenger cell
That part of the vehicle in which the driver and passengers sit
Passenger compartment
That part of the vehicle in which the driver and passengers sit
Passenger-miles traveled
The total distance traveled by all passengers. It is calculated as the product of the occupancy rate in vehicles and the vehicle miles traveled.
Passenger ship
A ship authorized to carry more than twelve passengers.
Passenger-side air bag
An air bag restraint system designed to protect the front passenger; introduced on some cars in the early 1990s, it usually occupies the space normally provided for a glove compartment
Passenger vehicle
Four wheeled motor vehicle that also includes mini-vans and sport utility vehicles.
Passer
See
Slow Passer
Passing
1. The action of overtaking another vehicle going in the same direction you are.
2. The action of going past another vehicle which is going in the opposite direction you are.
Passing gear
An Automatic transmission gear that shifts a vehicle into a lower gear for a short burst of extra power to pass other cars on the highway. The gear is engaged by sharply depressing the Gas pedal. When the pedal is released, the vehicle returns to normal to normal driving gear.
Also see
Forced downshift.
Passing lane
The outside lane (far left lane in North America, etc. or the far right lane in Britain, Australia, etc.). Also called the fast lane
Passivate
1. To reduce the reactivity of a chemically active metal surface by electrochemical polarization or by immersion in a passivating solution
2. A process of surface treatment for neutralizing stainless steels. An oxydizing solution, such as nitric acid is applied to the surface. This strengthens the normal protective film which helps in resisting corrosion. It also removes any foreign substance which might cause local corrosion.
Passivating
1. Technical definition: a process of dipping a metal object into a nitric acid solution to rapidly form a chromium oxide on the surface of the material, creating a passive film that protects stainless from further oxidation called a passive film. The purpose of passivating is to remove both grease left from manufacturing and traces of steel particles which may have rubbed off manufacturing tools onto the object. Contrasts with commercial definition of cleaning.
2. Commercial definition: cleaning. A wide range of cleaning methods using different mixtures containing nitric, phosphoric and other acids or simply exposing cleaned stainless objects to air for a period of time will result in a "passivated" condition. For metal objects that have been properly cleaned, it is impossible to determine the method of cleaning or passivation that was used.
Passive film
The major characteristic of stainless steel is its ability to form a thin layer of protection, called a "passive film," on its outside surface. This film results from a continual process of low-level oxidation, so oxygen from the atmosphere is needed for the passive film to exist. Once formed, it prevents further oxidation or corrosion from occurring. Even if chipped or scratched, a new passive film on stainless will form.
Passive restraint system
See
Airbag restraint system.
Passive safety
Any device which automatically provides protection for the occupants of a vehicle such as the bumpers, Seat belt, padded dash, Laminated windshield, head restraints, collapsible steering column, air bags, etc. In contrast with Active safety.
Passive safety features
Items in a vehicle which do not require action on the part of the driver to avoid a hazard, e.g., crumple zones, bumpers, side impact beams, and roll-over bars.
Also see
Passive safety.
Passive solar heating
A solar heating system that uses no external mechanical power, such as pumps or blowers, to move the collected solar heat.
Passive state
A state for the fuel cell internal components normally entered when the power plant is purged with steam, air or nitrogen, or per the manufacturer's instructions when the power plant is turned off or prior to when the power plant is turned on (initialization).
Passport
Click image for books on
Honda Passport
A model of automobile manufactured by Honda
Paste
See
Glass reinforced filler paste
Grinding paste
Patch
1. To repair a component.
2. The added part used to repair a component, e.g., a rubber disc glued to a tube to cover a nail hole.
3. The footprint of a tire in its contact with the ground.
Also See
Contact patch
Balance patch
Machine patch
Plug patch
Tire Contact Patch
Patching
1. A repair method for welding up local corrosion damage by using smaller panels made up from sheet metal.
2. A repair method for gluing a rubber patch to a tube which has a hole in it.
Patch panel
A small sheet metal panel that is usually made up specially to repair minor rust holes
Path
See
Heat path
Pathfinder
Click image for books on
Pathfinder
A model of SUV manufactured by Nissan in Japan
Patter
See
Wheel patter
Pattern
See
Bitter Pattern
Contact pattern
Heavy side pattern
Herringbone Pattern
Ignition pattern
Master pattern
Primary pattern
Reference ignition pattern
Secondary pattern
Spray pattern
Tread pattern
Wear pattern
Pattern Nuts
Special nuts usually furnished in plain or chamfered face unless otherwise specified, and threads are unified Coarse or unified Fine, Class 2B. (also small and extra small)
Pattern panel
A body panel made by somebody other than the original manufacturer, usually for repair purposes; this also includes panels remanufactured after the factory has discontinued making and supplying those parts.
Pattern percentage
See
Tread pattern percentage
Pattern snips
See
Straight pattern snips
Pavement
See
Bare pavement
Pavement markers
Three-dimensional markers, reflectorized or non-reflectorized, epoxied onto pavement.
Pavement markings
Traffic markings such as lines, arrows, bicycle symbols, and words like "only" and "school".
Paving
See
Spot Paving
Tactile paving
True and Level Paving
Pawl
1. A bar, pin, or Stud that can be moved, pivoted, or slid into engagement with teeth cut on another part, such as the parking pawl on the Automatic transmission that can be slid into contact with teeth on another part to lock the rear wheels.
2. A catch at the bottom of a lever which connects with a toothed rack to hold the lever in position (e.g., with a handbrake lever or in ratchets).
3. An arm pivoted so that its free end can fit into a notch, slot, or groove at certain times in order to hold a part stationary
Payload
1. The actual weight of cargo being carried, including packaging, etc. (GVW -- Unladen weight = payload).
2. The revenue-earning cargo of a commercial vehicle.
Also see
Interior payload
Payment
See
Monthly payment
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Qa"
• Q_
• Qb
• Qc
• Qd
• Qe
• Qf
• Qg
• Qi
• Qm
• Qp
• Qua
• Que
• Qui
• Quo
• Qs
• Qt
• Qv
• Qw
Q
1. The letter on the sidewall of a tire denoting the maximum speed for which it is designed (160 kph or 100mph).
2. A symbol for throughput.
3. A symbol for the quantity of water discharged, usually in m3s-1.
4. A symbol of merit, often called the Q-factor, for an energy-storing device, resonant system, or tuned circuit.
5. A symbol for Charge.
Also see
Speed rating
QAM
Acronym for Quadrature amplitude modulation
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ra"
• Ra
• Rb
• Rc
• Rd
• Re
• Rf
• Rh
R
1. Letter designation for tires to indicate that they are Radial as in P185R13 tire.
2. Reverse.
3. A letter on a fuel gauge indicating low fuel; when first illuminated it indicates that there is approximately five liters left in reserve.
4. Symbol for Resistance
Also see
Speed rating.
R-11
(trichloromonofluoromethane) Low pressure, synthetic chemical refrigerant which is also used as a cleaning fluid.
R-12
(dichlorodifluoromethane) Popular refrigerant known as Freon 12.
R-22
(monochlorodifluoromethane) Low temperature refrigerant with boiling point of -40.5°C at atmospheric pressure.
R-113
(trichlorotrifluoroethane) Synthetic chemical refrigerant which is nontoxic and nonflammable.
R-160
(ethyl chloride) Toxic refrigerant now seldom used.
R-170
(ethane) Low temperature application refrigerant.
R-290
(propane) Low temperature application refrigerant.
R-500
Refrigerant which is an azeotropic mixture of R-12 and R-152a.
R-502
Refrigerant which is azeotropic mixture of R-22 and R-115.
R-503
Refrigerant which is azeotropic mixture of R-23 and R-13.
R-504
Refrigerant which is azeotropic mixture of R-32 and R-115.
R-600
(butane) Low-temperature application refrigerant; also used as a fuel.
R-611
(methyl formate) Low pressure refrigerant.
R-717
(ammonia) Popular refrigerant for industrial refrigerating systems; also a popular absorption system refrigerant.
RABS
Acronym for Rear-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (Ford)
RAC
Acronym for the Royal Automobile Club.
Race
Bearing Race
1. The inner or outer ring that provides a contact surface for the balls or Rollers in a bearing.
2. A competition (usually based on Speed) between two vehicles.
3. To run an engine at high speed when not in gear.
Also See
Ball Race
Bearing race
Drag race
Inner Race
Race camshaft
Race cam
A type of camshaft for race car engines which increases lift of valve, speed of valve opening and closing, length of time valve is held open, etc. Also called Full cam, Three-quarter cam, or Semi-race cam, depending upon design.
Race camshaft
A Camshaft, other than stock, designed to improve engine performance by altering Cam profile. Provides increased lift, faster opening and closing, earlier opening and later closing, etc. Race camshafts are available as semi-race or street grind, Three-quarter race camshaft or full race. Grinds in between these general categories are also available.
Also see
Three-quarter Race Camshaft
Racer
See
Boy racer
Cafe racer
Factory Racers
Sports Racer
Racing
See
Banger racing
Cyclo-Cross Racing
Racing Green
See
British Racing Green.
Racing harness
See
Four-point Racing Harness
Racing start
A start on a normal street, e.g., at traffic lights, using excessive throttle resulting in wheelspin and screeching tires.
Rack
1. A long, toothed bar.
2. Removable wood or metal wall sections attachable to flatbed trailers to make sides for confining loads.
Also See
Headache Rack
Hitch Rack
Luggage rack
Roof rack
Steering rack
Trunk rack
Rack and pinion
See
Rack and pinion gearbox.
Rack and pinion gearbox
Rack and pinion gearbox
A type of Steering system with a Pinion gear on the end of the Steering shaft. The pinion engages a long rack (a bar with a row of teeth cut along one edge). When the Steering wheel is turned, the pinion turns and moves the rack to the left or right. This movement is carried through Tie rods to the Steering arms at the wheels.
Rack and pinion steering
Rack and pinion steering
The pinion gear rotates with the steering shaft, moving the rack from side to side. Several full turns of the pinion are required to shift the rack from lock to lock. Because there are so few parts in the steering linkage, rack and pinion is a very precise and responsive steering system and is often used in sports cars.
Also See
Rack and pinion gearbox
Rack-and-pinion steering
See
Rack and pinion steering
Rack galvanizing
A galvanizing method for objects which can be placed on a rack.
Rad
Abbreviation for Radiator.
RAD
Acronym for radiator temperature switch
Radar detector
A device which will sense the presence of a radar device which law enforcement officers might be using to spot speeders.
Radial
See
Radial engine
Radial tire
Steel Belted Radial
Radial bearing
A bearing designed to absorb the radial forces acting on a pump. Compare Thrust bearing
Radial clearance
See
Radial play.
Radial commutator
Electrical contact surface on a rotor which is perpendicular or at right angles to the shaft center line.
Radial compressor
A compressor with pistons radiating out from the centerline of the compressor. The Harrison (Frigidaire) is a typical example.
Radial cooling fins
Brake drum cooling fins that are parallel to the centerline of the axle.
Radial cracking
Cracking of sidewall rubber running perpendicular to the tire beads. May result from underinflation or exposure to ozone.
Radial discharge nozzle
Booster venturi with four spokes or arms which carry fuel to the outer circumference of the booster before discharging it from tiny holes in the ends of the spokes. Used only on the Corvair Model H carburetor.
Radial engine
Radial Engine
An internal combustion engine with a number of Cylinders arranged in a circle around the Crankshaft center line. As the crankshaft turns, the pistons are in various stages of the strokes (i.e., intake, exhaust, compression, power). A design often used for aircraft engines.
Radial-flow pump
Radial-flow pump
An end-suction centrifugal pump with the liquid flowing perpendicular to the pump shaft. The liquid enters at the center of the impeller and is directed out along the impeller blades in a direction at right angles to the pump shaft.
Radial load
A load perpendicularly applied to the axis of rotation.
Radial play
A bearing clearance in the radial direction.
Radial ply
Radial ply
The ply or plies used in tire in which the cords run at right angles to the bead and parallel to the tire radius.
Also see
Radial tire.
Radial ply tire
A type of tire construction in which sidewall structural plies run radially out towards the tread instead of criss-cross diagonally. With their thinner, more flexible sidewalls, radial tires have lower rolling resistance than cross-ply tires (yielding better fuel consumption) as well as giving longer tread life. They can accommodate the use of low inflation pressures without overheating, due to their flexible sidewalls, but are sometimes more prone to sidewall damage when operating in rocky or stony conditions. Because radial tires invariably also have a braced tread area of great dimensional stability, they "track-lay" the tread (like a bulldozer), do not suffer from "tread shuffle" and so achieve more traction in limiting off-road conditions.
Radial runout
1. A tire assembly that does not form a true circle; the radii of the circle are not equal. Most usual causes are bent wheel (out of round) or tire not mounted properly (beads not seated). This is one of the main causes of vehicle vibration.
2. A variation in the diameter of a brake disc, wheel, or tire from a specified amount.
Radial shaft seal
A typical seal design used to prevent leaks between stationary parts and rotating shafts and to exclude foreign matter. A lip seal, typically of neoprene, is held in a metal retainer and applies a sealing pressure to a rotating shaft, the pressure being provided by an annular garter spring winch surrounds the sealing lip; radial shaft seals are used wherever a shaft penetrates a casing, such as on crankshafts, camshafts, water pump shafts, etc.
Radial tire
Radial tire
A type of tire construction which has the main carcass Plies or cords which run at right angles to the bead and parallel to the radius. By itself, this construction is very weak because when the Bias angle is smaller, the structure is stiff. However, the radial tire has a very large Bias angle. In order to strengthen the tire, a belt surrounds the circumference. This belt is made of low-angle plies (usually about 15 degrees). In this way, the Tread area is stiff and the Sidewalls are flexible. In this way the sidewalls can act independently of each other. In a P185/80R13 tire, R indicates a radial tire.
Also See
Steel belted radial tire
Radiant barrier
A thin, reflective foil sheet that exhibits low radiant energy transmission and under certain conditions can block radiant heat transfer; installed in attics to reduce heat flow through a roof assembly into the living space.
Radiant drier
See
Infrared radiant drier.
Radiant energy
Energy that transmits away from its source in all directions.
Radiant heating
Heating system in which warm or hot surfaces are used to radiate heat into the space to be conditioned.
Radiation
1. The transfer of heat from one object to another when the hotter object sends out invisible rays or waves that upon striking the colder object, cause it to vibrate and thus heat.
2. The process by which energy (such as heat) is emitted by one body, as particles or waves, transmitted through an intervening medium or space (like air), and absorbed by another body. Also refers to the energy transferred by this process
3. The transfer of heat through matter or space by means of electromagnetic waves.
Also See
Background Radiation
Beta Radiation
Black-body Radiation
Quantity Of Radiation
Solar Radiation
Thermal radiation
Radiation shield
A separate panel or panels interposed between surfaces and jackets to reduce heat losses through radiation.
Radiative forcing
A change in average net radiation at the top of the troposphere (known as the tropopause) because of a change in either incoming solar or exiting infrared radiation. A positive radiative forcing tends on average to warm the earth's surface; a negative radiative forcing on average tends to cool the earth's surface. Greenhouse gases, when emitted into the atmosphere, trap infrared energy radiated from the earth's surface and therefore tend to produce positive radiative forcing.
Also see
Greenhouse gases
Radiatively active gases
Gases that absorb incoming solar radiation or outgoing infrared radiation, affecting the vertical temperature profile of the atmosphere.
Also see
Radiative forcing
Radiator
Radiator
A device that cools the liquid in the Cooling system by allowing it to circulate through a series of water Channels, which are exposed to air Ducts.
Also See
Crossflow radiator
Downflow radiator
Heat exchanger
Rodding the radiator
Radiator cap
Pressure cap
1. A Pressure cap at the top of the radiator.
2. A high pressure cap used in radiators to allow operation at high temperature. Higher pressure raises the boiling point of the coolant.
Radiator drain cock
Radiator drain cock
A radiator tap; unlike the Radiator drain plug, tools are not required to drain the coolant from a radiator with a drain cock.
Radiator drain plug
A threaded closure plug located at the underside of a radiator used to drain the coolant; usually equipped with a hex or Allen head.
Radiator fan
Two types are used on automobiles a crankshaft-driven fan connected by a temperature-sensitive viscous coupling, or a fan driven by an electric motor.
Radiator fan motor
An electrically operated motor responsible for driving the radiator fan. An electric motor allows much more freedom in radiator location and engine bay design and permits aftercooling of the engine with the engine switched off most engines mounted crosswise at the front (as on most front-wheel-drive subcompacts) use electric radiator fans which also lead to reduced power losses, since the vehicle's engine is not also required to drive the radiator fan also. The problem with them, however, is that even with the engine off, the fan may start up unexpectedly for the person inspecting the engine bay.
Radiator fill hole
An opening at the top of the Radiator through which new water and Coolant can be added when the engine and radiator is cool. In modern vehicles, an overflow reservoir is the location for topping off the radiator fluid since opening a hot radiator cap can be dangerous. The Pressure cap seals the fill hole.
Radiator grille
The grating that admits cooling air to the radiator.
Radiator grille surround
The sheet metal panel for mounting the radiator grille; often combined with the front apron to form a single front panel.
Radiator guard
See
Side radiator guard.
Radiator hose
The rubber pipe connecting the radiator to the cylinder block.
Radiator hose shark tooth pliers
A special automotive tool for removing and installing radiator and heater hoses; round and toothed jaws securely grip the hose while the handles provide leverage to twist the hose free.
Radiator overflow tank
Radiator overflow tank
A small bottle that acts as a reservoir for liquid expelled from the Cooling system through the Overflow pipe and returns the liquid to the system when it cools down. A special Radiator Pressure cap is also part of the kit. It is also called a Closed Cooling System when it is part of the Original equipment.
Radiator pressure cap
See
Pressure cap.
Radiator shell
Radiator shell
A metal or plastic enclosure which surrounds the outside perimeter of the radiator and mounts to the frame of the vehicle. In modern motorcycles, it is usually chromed.
Radiator support panel
A panel located behind the radiator grille surround which provides a mounting for the radiator and connects the mudguard skirts at their front edge.
Radiator tank
A reservoir containing the coolant in a radiator. Early units were made from sheet metal, typically brass or aluminum. Newer versions used advanced polymer technology and injection molding processes have made it possible to produce radiator tanks from thermoplastics. Since all modern cars use forced circulation systems, there is no need for a vertical flow through the radiator. Thus most radiators are mounted horizontally. Also called Radiator Overflow Tank
Radii adapter
A mounting device that is used to center a drum or rotor on the arbor of a lathe. A radii adapter centers the drum or rotor through contact with the bearing races.
Radio
A device which receives radio signals (either AM, FM, or both) and plays the sound through the speakers. Automobile radios began to appear in vehicles in 1928. Even in the mid-1960s, many cars came without radios.
Also See
Car radio
CB radio
Citizens band radio
DIN radio
Mobile two-way radio
Radio/cassette deck
(r/c) A combined radio and tape deck.
Radio choke
An electric coil used to prevent static in the radio caused by opening and closing of the contact points in the instrument voltage regulator.
Radio Data System
(RDS) A system which interrupts a radio broadcast with the latest information on e.g., traffic problems.
Radio frequency interference
(RFI) interference generated by the ignition system and other electrical apparatus; counteracted by suppressors.
Radiograph
A photograph obtained by passing X-rays or gamma rays through the object to be photographed and recording the variations in density on a photographic film.
Radius
See
Buffered radius
Crown radius
Free radius
Loaded radius
Radius rods
Rolling radius
Scrub radius
Turning radius
Radius arm
An additional suspension link in a beam axle layout providing fore-and-aft location of the axle.
Radius rod
An additional suspension link in a beam axle layout providing fore-and-aft location of the axle.
Radius rods
Rods or arms which are part of the Suspension, usually a live rear axle. They are attached to the axle and pivoted on the Frame. They are used to keep the axle at right angles to the Frame (i.e., prevent lateral movement) and yet permit an up and down motion. On some cars like the Triumph Spitfire, they are used to help locate the Swing axles.
Radius seat
A spherical seat that provides positive centering of the wheel bolt head in the wheel.
Radon
A naturally occurring radioactive gas found in the United States in nearly all types of soil, rock, and water. It can migrate into most buildings. Studies have linked high concentrations of radon to lung cancer.
RAF
Acronym for Reactivity Adjustment Factor
Raft
See
Suspension Raft
Rag
See
Tack rag.
Rage
See
Road rage.
Ragtop
Colloquial term for Convertible.
RAI
Acronym for Nederlandse vereniging de Rijwiel-en-Automobiel Indusrie (Netherlands).
Rail
1. A Dragster built around a relatively long pipe Frame. The only body panels used are around the Driver's cockpit area.
2. A common pressure accumulator.
Also See
Bull-headed Rail
Common Rail Injection
Drip rail
Fender rail
Fuel rail
Light Rail
Oil rail
Roof rail
Running on rails
Seat rail
Shift rails
Rail console
See
Seat rail console.
Railer
See
RoadRailer®
Rail job
A vehicle that has been transformed into a dragster built around a long pipe frame with minimal body panels.
Rail Joint
See
Cast Welded Rail Joint
Railroad locomotive
Self-propelled vehicle that runs on rails and is used for moving railroad cars.
Railton
A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models, with required application, are Classic cars.
Railway
See
Cable Railway
Railway Container
A cargo container that can be loaded or stacked on a railroad flat car.
Rain
See
Acid rain.
Rain grooves
Channels cut into a road's surface to help water run off the road during a rainstorm
Raising
The action of beating a rounded shape out of a flat panel by starting in the center and working outward in a spiral to the edge; the metal is shrunk around the edge but remains about the same in the center.
Rake
1. The angle at which a rod is attached.
2. The fore-and-aft inclination from the vertical.
Also see
Back Rake
Fork rake
Raked
A vehicle which has the Ground clearance or body altered so that either the front or rear of the vehicle is increased or lowered, thus giving the vehicle a tilted appearance.
Rake the leaves
Trucker slang for the last vehicle in a string as in "Looks like I get to rake the leaves tonight."
Rally
See
Iron Butt Rally
RAM
Acronym for Random Access Memory -- memory that serves as a temporary storage place for data from the sensors.
Ram air
1. In a ram air system, carburetors get fresh air to be mixed with the gasoline via forward facing ducts. The idea is that as the vehicle moves faster, more air is forced or rammed into the carburetors resulting in improved performance.
2. A term referring to the air forced through the condenser coils by vehicle movement or fan action.
Ram induction
Using the forward Momentum of vehicle to scoop air and force it into Carburetor via a suitable passageway.
Ram intake manifold
An Intake manifold that has very long passageways that at certain Speeds aid the entrance of fuel mixture into the Cylinders.
Ramp
1. Equipment used to support a vehicle's front or rear for underbody work.
2. A device used to raise a vehicle in the air.
Also see
Head Ramp
Runaway Truck Ramp
Ramp angle
A measure of vehicle under-belly clearance or the ability to drive over a sharp ridge or ramp without touching the underside of the vehicle on the obstacle. The ramp angle is the angle measured from the lowest part of the chassis at mid-wheelbase down to the periphery of front and rear wheels. Obviously a short wheelbase vehicle with large wheels will have the smallest ramp angle and best under-belly clearance.
Ramp breakover angle
See
Ramp angle
Ramp-over angle
An indication of how high a hump the vehicle can negotiate without scraping the undercarriage or becoming high-centered; that is, stuck with the center of the vehicle on the hump and the wheels in the air.
Ram pressure
The pressure generated by the deflection of the fluid flow due to the curvature of the stator blades, resulting in a momentum acting on the turbine.
Ram tube
A tube of a specific length and shape in the intake manifold that promotes performance at certain engine speeds by ramming air into the cylinders.
R&D
Acronym for Research & Development.
Random access memory
(RAM) A type of volatile memory that is used to store information for either short or long term usage. This type of memory can be written to. If energy is removed from the RAM device, the contents in memory are destroyed.
Also see
Non-volatile Random Access Memory
Randonnée
A long bicycle touring ride of 160 to 1200 kilometers made up of several controls (checkpoints).
Randonneur
A male long-distance cyclist.
Also see
Randonneuse
Super Randonneur
Randonneur 5000
One of the most prestigious awards a Randonneur can earn. To be one of the recipients, a randonneur must do a full series of 200, 300, 400, 600, and 1000km Brevets, a Paris-Brest-Paris randonneur event, a Flèche team ride, and the remaining distances ridden on sanctioned brevets for a total of 5000 kilometers. The qualifying events must all be completed within a four-year period.
Randonneuring
Long distance bicycle riding within a specified length of time. First developed in France in 1891 a few years before the Tour de France which later spun off from randonneuring. It is not considered a race but a ride. Everyone who completes the ride within the time limit is awarded the same medal regardless of how quickly he/she rides the distance.
Randonneurs Mondiaux
An umbrella organization of national randonneuring groups. Its primary functions are to organize foreign (i.e., France, Spain, United Kingdom, Holland, Belgium, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Austria, Germany, Russia, South Africa, Canada, and the United States) participation in Paris-Brest-Paris and other 1200-kilometer Brevets, encourage the exchange of information of interest to randonneurs, and reward clubs' and individuals' participation in long-distance randonnées with various medals and trophies.
Randonneuse
1. A female long-distance cyclist.
2. A bicycle specifically designed for randonneuring.
Range
Pressure or temperature settings of a control; change within limits.
Also See
Bonding Range
Dual-range transmission
Gear range
Heat range
Heat range reserve
Load range
Mid-range
Product range
Rev range
Spark Plug Heat Range
Tack Range
Range-change
The transfer gearbox lever
Also see
Auxiliary gearbox.
Range gearbox
See
High/low range gearbox.
Range gearing
See
Wide range gearing.
Range reserve
See
Heat range reserve.
Range Rover
Click image for books on
Range Rover
A model of SUV manufactured in England
Range transmission
See
High/low range transmission.
Rank
See
Taxi rank.
Rankine cycle
The thermodynamic cycle that is an ideal standard for comparing performance of heat-engines, steam power plants, steam turbines, and heat pump systems that use a condensable vapor as the working fluid. Efficiency is measured as work done divided by sensible heat supplied.
Rankine cycle engine
The Rankine cycle system uses a liquid that evaporates when heated and expands to produce work, such as turning a turbine, which when connected to a generator, produces electricity. The exhaust vapor expelled from the turbine condenses and the liquid is pumped back to the boiler to repeat the cycle. The working fluid most commonly used is water, though other liquids can also be used. Rankine cycle design is used by most commercial electric power plants. The traditional steam locomotive is also a common form of the Rankine cycle engine. The Rankine engine itself can be either a piston engine or a turbine.
Rankine scale
Name given the absolute (Fahrenheit) scale. Zero (0°R) on this scale is -460°F
RAP
Acronym for Retained Access Power
Rapid Transit
See
Light Rapid Transit
Rash
See
Road rash.
Rasp
1. A tool like a file with coarse teeth used to prepare a tire for Section repair and for Buffing prior to Retreading.
2. The action of using a rasp tool.
Ratchet
1. A feature of a special wrench which allows you to turn the handle in one direction to tighten a nut or bolt, but turning it in the opposite direction does nothing but position the handle back where you started and leaves the wrench on the nut or bolt. Likewise you could set the wrench to loosen a nut or bolt.
2. A drive handle with ratchet mechanism, usually called a Socket wrench.
3. A toothed Rack or wheel which is engaged by a lever to permit motion in only one direction.
Also See
Air ratchet
Tap ratchet
Ratchet adapter
A device which converts a torque wrench or drive handle without a ratchet mechanism into a reversible ratchet tool.
Ratchet handle
A Ratchet tool.
Ratchet jaw
Trucker slang for a non-stop talker as in "He sure was a ratchet jaw."
Ratchet screwdriver
A screwdriver with a ratchet mechanism.
Rate
See
Base interest rate
Buy Rate
Charging rate
Conversion rate
Damping rate
Deflection rate
Discharge rate
Door rates
Flat rate
Flat rate manual
Flow rate
Net interest rate
Progressive rate spring
Reaction Rate
Spark rate
Spring rate
Turn-in rate
Rated capacity
The quantity of electricity which can be drawn from a fully charged battery for 20 hours by a constant discharging current until cutoff voltage of 1.75 volts per cell is reached.
Also see
Ampere-hour capacity.
Rated horsepower
See
SAE horsepower.
Rated power
1. The power output of an engine as horsepower or kilowatt.
2. The value stated on the generator nameplate. It is the power available at the output terminals of a component or piece of equipment that is operated in compliance with the manufacturer's performance specifications.
Rated pressure
A nominal pressure rating applied to vehicle parts.
Rated voltage
The voltage given for electrical equipment or devices which refers to specified operating conditions.
Rate manual
See
Flat rate manual.
Rate spring
See
Progressive rate spring
Single rate spring
Variable rate springs
Rate suspension
See
Rising rate suspension.
Rat Hole Service
Drilling rigs.
Rating
See
Amp Hr Rating
Amperage rating
Cetane rating
Gross axle weight rating
Gross Combined Weight Rating
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Load rating
Manufacturers Performance Ratings
Octane rating
Ply rating
Rated capacity
Speed rating
Tow rating
Ratio
A fixed relationship between things in number, quantity or degree. For example, if the fuel mixture contains one part of gas for fifteen parts of air, the ratio would be 15 to 1.
Also See
Air-fuel ratio
Air ratio
Aspect ratio
Axial Ratio
Bore-stroke ratio
Braking ratio
Breeding Ratio
Bypass Ratio
Compression ratio
Economy ratio
Equivalence Ratio
Final drive ratio
Fuel-air ratio
Gear ratio
Overall gear ratio
Oxygen-To-Carbon Ratio
Pedal Ratio
Power-to-weight ratio
Primary compression ratio
Rear axle ratio
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
Speed ratio
Stall torque ratio
Steam-To-Carbon Ratio
Steering overall ratio
Steering ratio
Stoichiometric ratio
Ratio Adapter Controller Module
See
Digital Ratio Adapter Controller Module
Rationalization
An industrial reorganization primarily aimed at a more cost-effective and time-saving production process.
Ratio steering
See
Variable ratio steering.
Rat-tail file
A Round file.
Rattle
See
Body rattle
Death rattle
Diesel rattle
Rattle spring
See
Spreader spring.
Rattrap
The type of Bicycle pedals that have thin metal plates with jagged edges running parallel on each side of the pedal Spindle.
RAVE valve
A device used on Two-stroke engines which automatically alters or varies the Exhaust port size. It stands for Rotax adjustable variable exhaust.
Ravigneaux planetary gear set
A system which is composed of two sun gears of different diameters, one internal gear, and several planet pinions.
Raw exhaust gas
The exhaust gas upstream of any emission control device, e.g., before it passes through a catalytic converter.
Raw rubber
Natural rubber that has not been vulcanized.
Ray
See
Beta Rays
Cathode Ray
Infrared Rays
Ultraviolet Rays
Rayleigh frequency distribution
A mathematical representation of the frequency or ratio that specific wind speeds occur within a specified time interval.
Raymond-Mays
A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models with required application are Classic cars.
Rayon
A synthetic fiber.
Ray Tube
See
Cathode Ray Tube
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Sa"
S
1. A letter rating for tires to indicate that they are theoretically rated for speeds up to 180 kph (110 mph), as in P220SR15. The next higher rating is T.
2. Abbreviation for Special or Sport, indicating better performance than a standard car model.
S2000
A model of automobile manufactured by Honda
S4WD
Acronym for Selectable Four Wheel Drive
SA
An API classification for straight mineral oil used in early gasoline and diesel engines which are operated under such mild conditions that the protection of compounded oils is not required. This category has no performance requirements, and oils in this category should not be used in any engine unless specifically recommended by the equipment manufacturer. It was replaced by the obsolete SB. Modern gasoline engines should use oil that meets the SM classification.
Saab
A model of automobile manufactured in Sweden and includes 9-2X (2005-06), 9-3 (1999-current), 9-5 (1999-current), 9-7X (2005-07), 900 (1978-98), and 9000 (1985-98)
Sacco panels
See
Side bumper panels
Sacrificial anode
An electropositive metal coating, such as aluminum or zinc, that protects the steel of a car body by corroding first when attacked by electrolytic action
Sacrificial protection
See
Cathodic protection
Saddle
1. Seat on a Bicycle
2. Metal piece on a centerpull brake.
3. Upper main bearing seat
Also see
Anatomic saddle
Gel saddle
Yoke
Saddlebag
Saddlebag
A large bag or one of a pair which hangs down from the saddle or straddles the rear wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle. Also called panniers
Saddle gel
A gelatin substance that is inserted into a bicycle or motorcycle saddle beneath the leather cover to provide more cushioning.
Saddle tank
1. A fuel tank mounted above the rear axle.
2. A fuel tank that fits over the top tube of the frame of a motorcycle
Saddle valve
Saddle valve
A device that is silver brazed or clamped on a tubing line or pipe where a spike punctures the line or a hole is drilled in the line to provide a secondary outlet of the liquid in the line. Also called tap-a-line
SAE
Acronym for Society of Automotive Engineers. It publishes automotive research papers and defines various automotive standards of measurement.
SAE gross bhp
An older unit of engine power. In the SAE gross bhp test, a bare engine is used, i.e., an engine equipped with only those accessories that are necessary for its operation, such as the oil pump and fuel pump; but water pump, alternator, exhaust system, etc. are not used; this results in a higher power rating than achievable by the same engine under real operating conditions
SAE gross horsepower
A production engine's actual power available at the flywheel or output shaft (usually crankshaft) as tested with an absorption dynamometer. It differs from SAE net horsepower in that many of the accessories (such as alternator, water pump, etc.) are not attached. Engines before 1973 were primarily measured with these "gross" numbers. Since 1973, net figures were published. This confusion caused many people to suppose that their engine had been seriously de-tuned when they saw that the same engine in 1972 had 400 hp but in 1973 had only 235 hp. (This example is from the Cadillac 500 cubic inch engine). Compare SAE net horsepower.
Also See
Brake horsepower
Horsepower
SAE horsepower
A simple formula of long standing is used to determine horsepower. The formula is (bore diameter) squared times (number of cylinders) divided by 2.5. This formula is used primarily for licensing purposes and is not very accurate for determining actual brake horsepower. Also called rated horsepower. Compare SAE gross horsepower and SAE net horsepower.
Also see
Horsepower.
SAE net bhp
A newer unit of engine power. A fully-equipped engine (as when installed in a vehicle) is used to determine SAE net bhp figures; as a rough guideline, SAE net is about 70-85 percent of SAE gross
SAE net horsepower
The brake power (power available at the flywheel or output shaft -- usually the crankshaft) of a fully equipped engine fitted with all the accessories necessary to perform its intended functions unaided. In 1973, automobile manufacturers began publishing their engine specifications in net horsepower and net torque instead of gross figures. In many cases the published numbers were significantly lower in 1973 than in 1972. Some of the decrease was attributed to the addition of pollution equipment, the lowering of compression, and the use of regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium leaded fuel. However most of the decrease in number was a switch to net figures. Compare SAE gross horsepower.
Also See
Brake horsepower
Horsepower
SAE Specifications
Standards developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
SAE Standard Screw Threads
The SAE Screw Thread Standard, as revised in 1954, conforms with the Unified and American Standard.
SAE steels
A numerical index used to identify composition of SAE steel
Safe headway
A safe distance between two vehicles on the road
Safe stop wheel
A Run-on tire
SAFETEA-LU
Acronym for Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act - a Legacy for Users
Safety
See
Active safety
Driveshaft safety strap
Experimental Safety Vehicle
Insurance Institute For Highway Safety
Integrated child safety seat
Integrated safety belts
Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Park safety switch
Passive safety features
Passive safety
Safety factor
Safety hub
Safety rim
Safety valve
Safety Act
See
Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Safety, active
See
Active safety.
Safety Administration
See
National Traffic Safety Administration
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Safety bead seat
A general term for a safety contour on the rim bead seat preventing the tire bead from sliding into the rim well especially during cornering maneuvers
Safety belt
See
Seat belt
Integrated safety belts
Safety Board
See
National Transportation Safety Board
Safety can
1. Approved container of not more than 5-gal. capacity. It has a spring-closing lid and spout cover. It is designed to relieve internal pressure safely when exposed to fire.
2. An approved container of not more than two gallons capacity having a spring-closing lid and spout cover and so designed that it will safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.
Safety catch
A secondary latch usually located under the front edge of the hood, near the center, which prevents accidental release of the hood if the main cable-operated hood lock is activated by mistake
Safety chains
Safety chains
Two, crossed chains linking the trailer and vehicle frame as a safeguard if the towing hitch fails
Safety Compliance Certification Label
(SCC) An American label which must be attached to the lower half of the left-hand front door lock facing; specifies the VIN and other relevant information
Safety control
1. Device to stop the operation of a unit if unsafe pressure, temperatures, and/or dangerous conditions are reached.
2. Automatic controls and interlocks (including relays, switches, and other auxiliary equipment) which are intended to prevent unsafe operation of the controlled equipment.
Also see
Primary Safety Control
Safety-control circuit
A circuit or portion thereof involving one or more safety controls aimed at preventing unsafe operation of the controlled equipment due to grounding, opening or shorting of any part of the circuit.
Safety Cutout
See
Head Pressure Safety Cutout
Low Pressure Safety Cutout
Oil Pressure Safety Cutout
Safety Data Sheets
See
Material Safety Data Sheets
Safety factor
1. Providing strength beyond that needed, as an extra margin of insurance against part failure.
2. Degree of strength above normal requirements which serves as insurance against failure
Safety features
See
Passive safety features
Safety glass
See
Laminated glass
Safety goggles
Safety goggles
A close-fitting glasses or mask to protect the eyes (e.g., during welding)
Safety harness
See
Harness
Safety hub
A device that is installed on the rear axle to prevent the wheels from leaving the vehicle in the event of a broken axle.
Safety hubs
See
Safety hub.
Safety ledge
A raised area (hump) around the circumference of the bead seat area of passenger wheels. Its function is to prevent the tire beads from becoming unseated during hard cornering or while running with low air pressure. A must with tubeless passenger tires. Also called Special ledge
Safety motor control
Electrical device used to open circuit to motor if temperature, pressure, and/or current flow exceed safe conditions.
Safety pin
Safety pin
A securing device
Safety plug
Device which will release the contents of a container before rupture pressures are reached.
Safety pressure cap
See
Pressure cap.
Safety reflector
See
Warning triangle
Safety relief valve
A spring-loaded valve designed to open and relieve excessive pressure in a device when it exceeds a predetermined safe point
Safety rim
A rim having two safety ridges, one on each lip, to prevent the tire beads from entering the drop center area in the event of a blowout. This feature keeps the tire on the rim.
Safety seat
See
Baby seat
Integrated child safety seat
Safety shutdown
The action of shutting off all fuel and ignition energy to the fuel utilization equipment by means of a safety control or controls such that restart cannot be accomplished without manual reset.
Safety shutoff device
A device that will shut off the fuel supply to the controlled burner in the event the source of ignition fails. This device may interrupt the flow of fuel to the main burner only, or to the pilot and main burner under its supervision.
Safety stand
Safety stand
A device that can be securely locked at a choice of heights, so it can be placed under a specific part of the vehicle underbody to support the weight of the vehicle that has been raised with a jack, and keep the vehicle safely in place. Usually used in pairs. Also called jack stand or axle stand
Safety steering column
See
Collapsible steering column
Safety strap
See
Driveshaft safety strap
Safety switch
See
Neutral safety switch
Park safety switch
Safety valve
1. A valve designed to open and relieve the pressure within a container when container pressure exceeds a predetermined level.
2. Self-operated, quick opening valve used for fast relief of excessive pressures.
Safety valve shutoff
A valve that is automatically closed by the safety control system or by an emergency device. Such valve may be of the automatic or manually opened type.
Safety Vehicle
See
Experimental Safety Vehicle
Safety wheel
A general term referring to either a wheel with a safety bead seat or a wheel with run flat properties
SA-FV
Acronym for Separator assembly-fuel Vacuum
Sag
1. To bend or droop under weight or pressure. As a result of a front or rear end collision, the frame may develop a sag in the middle, much like a hammock.
2. To fail to meet projected sales.
3. A paint problem.
Also see
Pump Sag
Sags
Sagging
1. An aggravated condition of paint where a band of paint runs down the side of a vertical area of the body. It may be caused by excessive build-up of paint, thinners which are too slow-acting, or excessively slow movement of the spray gun.
2. The straining of a ship that tends to make the middle portion lower than the bow and stern
Sagging door
A door that sits too low in the door opening which is often indicated by an uneven door gap that widens towards the rear bottom and front top of the door but narrows down at the rear top and front bottom. This condition may be caused by faulty setting of the door hinges and lock/striker assembly. On convertibles, it often pinpoints structural damage, because the chassis may be bending in the middle
Sags
An aggravated condition of paint where a band of paint runs down the side of a vertical area of the body. It may be caused by excessive build-up of paint, thinners which are too slow-acting, or excessively slow movement of the spray gun
Sag wagon
A support vehicle for touring bicycles or motorcycles to provide food, repairs, or a ride home.
SAI
Acronym for Steering axis inclination
Sailing
See
Plane sailing
Sainte Claire
See
Wills Sainte Claire
SAIR
Acronym for Secondary Air Injection System
Salable natural gas
Natural gas marketed under controlled quality conditions.
SALA suspension
Acronym for Short arm/long arm suspension
Sales
Total automotive product sales (vehicles, automotive parts, including OE and aftermarket).
Also See
Bulk Sales
Fleet Sales
Net sales value
Yard Sale
Sales value
See
Net sales value
Salient pole
An electric motor has salient poles when its stator or field poles are concentrated into confined arcs and the winding is wrapped around them (as opposed to distributing them in a series of slots)
Saloon
A British term for Sedan
Salt
See
Bechgaard Salt
Blueing Salts
Salt brine recycling
Collecting brine runoff and reusing it as a pre-wetting agent for salt
Salt flat
Salt marsh of very unreliable consistency and bearing strength found in desert regions and characterized by a top crust of varying thickness and strength with soft salt mud of great depth beneath it.
Salt fog testing
See
Salt spray testing
Salt spray chamber
A test chamber for Salt spray testing
Salt spray testing
Spray tests with sodium chloride solutions
Salt water splash
An open-air corrosion test facility
Salvaged
A vehicle totaled in an accident and then repaired. There is no guarantee of street worthiness for a salvaged vehicle. It may look good, but be hazardous to drive.
Sam Browne
A wide strap, made of reflective material, worn around the waist with a strap diagonally over the right shoulder
Sampler
See
Bomb Sampler
Sampling
See
Constant-volume sampling.
Sand
1. To smooth or clean a surface by rubbing with sandpaper. Sanding usually refers to hand tools such as sandpaper and block, while grinding always refers to power tools such as angle grinders.
2. A term popularly applied to loose, unconsolidated accumulations of detrital sediment, consisting essentially of rounded grains of quartz. In the mechanical analysis of soil, sand, according to international classification, has a size between .06 and 2.0 mm.
3. To apply a thin layer of sand or sand and salt to an icy road surface to increase traction.
Also see
Black Sand
Silica sand
Sand blast
Cleaning by the use of sand propelled at high speeds in an air blast.
Sand blaster
Sand blaster
A metal box into which a rusty or dirty object is placed. Compressed air and sand or grit are forced through a nozzle and is directed at the object in order to remove the dirt, paint, or rust.
Sandblasting
The cleaning of a surface with a jet of sand (or grit) under air or steam pressure
Sand casting
The formation of shapes by pouring molten metal into a cavity shaped in sand in a molding flask
Sand channels
Open face tubes or planks (sometimes articulated) with a rough inner surface with ridges used to put under the driving wheels to assist in gaining traction when the vehicle is stuck in soft sand.
Also see
Sand ladders
pierced steel planking
Sand tracks
Sander
A power-driven tool with a rotating abrasive disc for smoothing and cleaning surfaces.
Also See
Belt sander
Disc sander
Ground-oriented sander
Orbital sander
Sanding
See
Block sanding
Wet sanding
Sanding block
A block of rubber or plastic to which the sandpaper is fastened, offering the operator a good grip. The block should be used for most sanding jobs because it distributes the pressure evenly and gives a more uniform surface.
Sand ladders
A pair of aluminum ladders, about 170 cm long, specially made with rungs closer than normal, to lay beneath the vehicle wheels in soft sand to give grip and flotation.
Also see
Sand channels
pierced steel planking
Sand tracks
Sandpaper
An abrasive paper coated with sand for smoothing and cleaning. Compare Glasspaper
Sand recycling
Collecting road sand used one winter and processing it for reuse the next winter or for other applications
Sand scratch
See
Sand scratches.
Sand scratches
The marks left in metal or in the old finish by abrasives. They may also show in the finish coat due to lack of filling or sealing.
Sand scratching
A paint fault characterized by the paint film appearing low in gloss and showing primer and metal imperfections in the top coat; may be caused by excessively coarse sanding and too thin a paint coat
Sand scratch swelling
Solvents present in surface scratches that cause the old finish to swell.
Sand tires
An off-road tire designed for desert sand and beach sand. Usually with smooth tread blocks rather than the sharp, bold blocks of a mud tire.
Sand tracks
Generic name sometimes given to any item fulfilling the role of a sand ladder. May be pierced steel planking
Also see
Sand channels
Sand ladders
Sandwich construction
A composite construction of alloys, plastics, and other materials consisting of a foam or honeycomb layer and glued between two hard outer sheets. Also called Sandwich laminate
Sandwich laminate
See
Sandwich construction
SAP
See
AIA-SAP
SAS
1. Acronym for Scandinavian Automotive Suppliers
2. Acronym for speed adjusting screw
SASE
Acronym for self-addressed stamped envelope. Often used in advertisements where the seller will provide information if potential buyers will send a SASE enclosed in their query letter.
Also see
SSAE.
Satellite
A block of controls near the steering wheel rim.
Also see
Global Positioning Satellite
Saturated vapor
Vapor condition which will result in condensation into droplets of liquid if vapor temperature is reduced.
Saturation
Condition existing when substance contains all of another substance it can hold for that temperature and pressure.
Saturation period
The length of time the breaker points are closed and current is flowing through the primary windings of the coil.
Saturn
A make of automobile manufactured by General Motors. Includes Aura (2007-current), Ion (2003-07), L100 (2001-02), L200 (2001-03), L300 (2001-05), LS (2000), LS1 (2000), LS2 (2000), LW1 (2000), LW2 (2000), LW200 (2001-03), LW300 (2001-03), Outlook (2007), Relay (2005-07), SC (1991-92), SC1 (1993-02), SC2 (1993-2002), SKY (2007-current), SL (1991-2002), SL1 (1991-2002), SL2 (1991-2002), SW1 (1993-99), SW2 (1993-2001), and VUE (2002-07)
Saturn Aura Green Line
A midsize Hybrid sedan produced by General Motors similar to the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid that uses a Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) hybrid system.
Saver spare
See
Space saver spare
Saver wheel
See
Space saver spare wheel
Saving tire
See
Space saving tire
SAVM
Acronym for Spark Advance Vacuum Modulator
SAW
Acronym for Spark Angle Work
Saybolt Furol viscosity
A viscosity test similar in nature to the Saybolt Universal viscosity test but one more appropriate for testing high-viscosity oils. Certain transmission and gear oils, and heavy fuel oils are rated by this method. The results obtained are approximately 1/10th the viscosity which would be shown by the Saybolt Universal method.
Saybolt viscometer
An instrument used to determine the fluidity or viscosity of an oil.
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ta"
•
T
A letter rating for tires to indicate that they are theoretically rated for speeds up to 190 kph (118 mph), as in P220TR15.The next higher rating is H and the one lower rating is S
TA
Acronym for Temperature Air (Honda)
Tab
1. A small projecting part as on a tab washer, or on a gasket where it engages with another seal.
2. Not a continuous flange as provided at the top mounting of a fender, but a short flange section to provide localized fitting of one panel to another
TAB
Acronym for Thermactor Air bypass solenoid
Table
See
Lining Table
Load and inflation table
Tray table
Tab washer
A washer with a projection that may be hammered against a flat side of a nut, or into a hole in the surface, or over an edge, in order to secure the nut to the surface on which it bears
TAC
1. Acronym for Thermostatic air cleaner
2. Acronym for Throttle Actuator Control
Tach
Abbreviation for Tachometer.
Tacho
Colloquial term for Tachograph
Tachograph
Instrument to record, on a graph, vehicle trip information such as speed, rpm, distance, time traveled, stop and go periods. It is used on transport trucks.
Tachometer
(tach)
1. A device used to indicate the speed of the engine in rpm. The tachometer is mounted on or near the Dashboard (some even appear on the Hood and others in a heads-up display on the Windshield). It helps the Driver to know the optimum rpm for changing gears on a vehicle with Manual transmission. A tachometer is also a diagnostic device which a mechanic uses to determine Idle speed and other Carburetor and running settings. Also called a rev counter
2. A small generator normally used as a velocity-sensing device. Tachometers are typically attached to the output shaft of DC servo motors requiring close speed regulation. The tachometer feeds its signal to a control which adjusts its output to the DC motor accordingly (called closed loop feedback control)
Tack
1. A term used to describe the sticky quality of a rubber compound.
2. The sticky quality of an adhesive film, either while wet or after the film has set. Technically it is the pull resistance (measured in dynes) exerted by a material completely adhering to two surfaces being pulled apart.
Also See
Rear tack strip
Surface tack
Tack cloth
A special cloth used to wipe sanded panels prior to spraying in order to remove even minute dust particles and other foreign substances from the panel surface
Tack coat
The first Coat of Enamel that is allowed to dry until tacky usually about 10-30 minutes, depending on the amount of Thinner used. The surface is tacky when it will not stick to the finger when light pressure is applied.
Tack hammer
A special hammer with a magnetic head for inserting small nails or tacks
Tackiness
The stickiness of the adhesive film while in the stage of drying.
Tacking
Attaching a panel provisionally by placing a few spots of weld along its outline; final spot or seam welding is carried out only afterwards
Tack rag
A cloth impregnated with a non-drying Varnish that is used to pick up dust and dirt particles.
Tack range
The time during of a film to distortion or rupture when it is exposed to forces exerted in opposite directions (measured in psi).
Tack strip
See
Rear tack strip
Tack weld
Small weld used to temporarily hold together components of an assembly.
Tack welding
Attaching a panel provisionally by placing a few spots of weld along its outline; final spot or seam welding is carried out only afterwards
Taco
To bend a wheel over on itself, in the shape of a taco. "I taco'd my wheel when I hit that tree."
TAC system
A contact breaker ignition system developed by Lucas, controlled by two transistors, one serving as a power output transistor
Tactile paving
Contoured paving to mark out pedestrian crossing points for those with vision problems.
TAD
Acronym for Thermactor air diverter solenoid
Tadpole cycle
A three wheel cycle with two wheels in front and one in the back.
Also see
Delta cycle
TAEE
Acronym for Tertiary amyl ethyl ether
Tag axle
A non-powered axle placed behind the drive axle in large trucks. Contrasted with a Pusher axle which is placed in front of the drive axle.
Tag block
A wiring harness terminal block with a number of electrical plugs and sockets
Tag-Robinson Colorimeter
An instrument used to determine the color of oils. Also a scale of color values.
Tag Trailers
A single axle trailer with equipment like generators, cement mixers, or wood chippers.
Tagalong Trailers
Usually single axle equipment like generators, cement mixers, or wood chippers.
Tail
The rear of a vehicle.
Also See
Kamm tail
Whale tail
Tailboard
A board at the rear of a pick-up that can be removed or let down on a hinge. Compare Tailgate
Tail fin
A vertical fin on the back of the rear fenders. Copied from a Lockheed P38 fighter plane, Cadillac introduced tail fins on a coupe in 1948; they were a fashion until the 1960s
Tailgate
1. On a truck it is the fold down access door to the truck bed. On some Station wagon and SUVs, it is the rear opening which usually requires the window to be lowered before the tailgate folds out. It differs from a liftgate in that the back opening is raised to allow entry.
2. As a verb, to follow closely behind another vehicle--an illegal and unsafe procedure.
Tailgating
Driving so close to the vehicle in front as to be affected by its slipstream; a very dangerous practice as available reaction time is reduced to a minimum. The correct distance is 2 or 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front.
Tail heavy
The description of the towing vehicle if the vehicle being towed is too heavy
Tail lamp
The red rear light that illuminates as soon as the lights are switched on, to show your vehicle to those behind you
Tail lift
See
Brake dive
Tail light
The red rear light that illuminates as soon as the lights are switched on, to show your vehicle to those behind you
Tail light box
A deep-drawn panel spot-welded into the tail light aperture to accept the complete tail light cluster. The tail light box provides better corrosion protection for the electrical connections of the tail light than would be possible by installing the tail light with a rubber seal into the open light aperture
Tail light panel
See
Rear panel
Tail light surround
See
Rear light surround
Tail pipe
The Exhaust pipe which runs from the Muffler to the rear of the vehicle. and is open to the atmosphere, through which the Exhaust gases are routed into the atmosphere.
Outlet pipe from the evaporator.
Tailpipe
The last link in the exhaust system. Conducts exhaust gases from the muffler to the rear of the car and into the atmosphere.
Tailpipe expander
A special automotive tool used for reshaping and expanding tailpipes evenly, to assure a tight fit and prevent exhaust leaks
Tailshaft
A ship's propeller shaft.
Also see
Gearbox output shaft
Take
See
Power take off
Take foot off the accelerator
The action of Easing up on the accelerator completely so that there is only a minimal amount of fuel entering the engine thus the engine will slow down
Take foot off the gas pedal
The action of Easing up on the gas pedal completely so that there is only a minimal amount of fuel entering the engine thus the engine will slow down
Take foot off the throttle pedal
The action of Easing up on the throttle pedal completely so that there is only a minimal amount of fuel entering the engine thus the engine will slow down
Take off
See
Power take off
Take up
To begin to transmit the drive when the clutch is engaged
Take-up
The act of taking up.
Also See
Lifting platform take-up point
Quick take-up valve
Take-up point
See
Lifting platform take-up point
Take-up valve
See
Quick take-up valve
Talbot Lago
A vehicle brand of which all 150C models are Classic cars.
Talbot
A vehicle brand of which all 105C and 110C models are Classic cars. The 1946-54 Lago 4.5 models are Milestone cars.
Talc
Powder lubricant to prevent sticking between tube and tire. A soft mineral; a basic magnesium silicate usually occurring in foliated, granular, or fibrous masses, used in the manufacture of electrical insulators
Talking warning system
Using the car radio speakers, this microprocessor-based system tells the driver the source of the problem in a clear, pleasant (female) voice. If the radio is on at the time of the alert, the computer automatically turns down the volume so the warning can be heard
Tall oil
The oily mixture of rosin acids, fatty acids, and other materials obtained by acid treatment of the alkaline liquors from the digesting (pulping) of pine wood.
TAME
Acronym for Tertiary amyl methyl ether
Tampering
See
Glass tampering detector
Tampering detector
See
Glass tampering detector
Tamperproof carburetor
A carburetor with factory-adjusted idle speed, sealed idle speed adjustment screw, and provisions to ensure that exhaust emission levels remain within specified limits over an extended period of time
Tandem
1. A Bicycle that provides seats, bars, and pedals for two or more riders, one behind the other.
2. A tractor-trailer truck.
Also see
Fixed Tandem
Sliding Tandem
Spread Tandem
Tandem axle
See
Tandem axles.
Tandem axles
1. A pair of axles at the rear of the power unit (tractor or straight truck) or trailer. For power units, if described as a tandem, usually indicates the number of drive axles on the power unit.
2. A combination of two axles having a common suspension. Pair of axles and associated suspension usually located close together. Called Tandems.
Also see
Spread Axle
Tandem booster
A vacuum power booster that uses two diaphragms to increase brake application force. Smaller in diameter than single-diaphragm boosters.
Tandem drive
Two powered axles in combination.
Tandem master cylinder
1. A master cylinder with two pistons; when the brake pedal is pressed, the pushrod activates the primary piston which in turn moves the secondary piston; necessary for dual-circuit braking systems
2. A master cylinder having a single bore with two pistons and separate fluid compression chambers. In the event of significant fluid loss in one circuit, this design, used in split braking systems, ensures that there will be some braking power in the other circuit. For this reason, it has been mandatory on cars marketed in the US since 1967
Tandems
See
Tandem Axles
Tang
A device mounted on a rotating shaft or component that engages in a recess of a component to be driven
Also see
Bearing Tang
Centerstand Tang
Tangential-flow scavenging
See
Loop scavenging
Tank
A container into which any liquid or gas can be held. Also it may even be empty such as a Vacuum tank.
Also See
Acetylene cylinder
Air tank
Anodizing tank
Ballast tank
Bleeder Tank
Bottom tank
Buffer Tank
Cylinder
Deep tank
Electropaint tank
Expansion tank
Flat Tank
Fuel tank
Fuel tank sender
Gas tank
Header tank
Miles Per Tank
Radiator tank
Saddle tank
Slop tank
Supply Tank
Surge Tank
Vacuum tank
Quiescent Tank
Tank bag
A bag that sits on the gas tank of the motorcycle, secured by a magnet or by straps. Tank bags are good for holding lightweight items such as gloves, maps, and wallets
Tank-barge
A river barge for the carrying of liquid bulk cargo
Tank bib
A leather or vinyl covering over the gas tank of a motorcycle to protect the finish from scratches
Tank chap
A leather or vinyl covering over the sides of a gas tank of a motorcycle to protect the finish from scratches
Tanker
1. An enclosed cargo body designed solely for the transportation of fluid or gaseous commodities in bulk. Not to be confused with trailers which are designed for carrying dry bulk products.
2. A ship designed for transporting liquid cargo, usually petroleum products.
3. A dry bulk tanker. Sometimes called air-can trailers. Used exclusively for hauling dry bulk material. Cargo is emptied pneumatically.
Also See
Oil tanker
Petrol tanker
Tanker truck
A truck designed to carry liquid in bulk. British term is petrol tanker
Tank sender
See
Fuel tank sender
Tank, supply
Separate tank connected directly or by a pump to the oil-burning appliance.
Tanktop
A covering usually of wood, placed over the tank top for its protection
Tank Vapor Valve
See
Fuel Tank Vapor Valve
Tank Wagon Sales
See
Dealer Tank Wagon Sales
Tap
Tap
1. To cut threads in a hole, nut, or tube with a rotating tool called a "tap."
2. The fluted tool used to cut the threads.
3. To strike lightly
Also See
Bottoming Tap
Die
Drain tap
Pressure Tap
Spark Plug Insert Tap
TAP
Acronym for Transmission Adaptive Pressure
Tap and die set
A set of taps and dies for internal and external threading, usually covers a range of the most popular sizes.
Tap Bolt
A fully threaded hexagon head bolt.
Tap-changing Equipment
See
Automatic Tap-changing Equipment
Tape
See
Adhesive tape
Blacking A Tape
Bonnet tape
Hood tape
Insulating tape
Loom Tape
Masking tape
Rim tape
Tap End Stud
A double-end stud having each end threaded for a different class of fit. The tap end has a Class 5 fit to produce an interference fit in a tapped hole for semi-permanent assembly. The nut end is threaded Class 2A for assembly with a standard nut.
Taper
1. A gradual narrowing in size of a long round object toward one end.
2. A lack of parallelism. A defect in which the thickness of the drum or rotor at the outer edge differs from its thickness at the inner edge.
Also See
Advanced rim taper
Base rim taper
Drop center rim taper
Flat base rim taper
Intermediate rim taper
Rim bead seat taper
Rim taper
Semi-drop center rim taper
Worm and taper pin
Taper-breaking tool
See
Ball joint separator
Taper cutter
A tool used to ream, deburr, align, and enlarge holes, e.g., on car bodies. Also called Tapered reamer
Tapered Bottom Bracket
See
Square Tapered Bottom Bracket
Tapered compression ring
The upper compression ring which, due to its tapered cross-section, requires a reduced running-in period thus ensuring a tight seal quickly
Tapered leaf spring
See
Parabolic spring
Tapered punch
See
Drift punch
Tapered reamer
See
Taper cutter
Tapered roller bearing
Tapered roller bearing
An antifriction bearing using a series of tapered, cone-shaped hardened steel Rollers operating between an outer and inner hardened steel Race. It can accept axial thrust as well as providing shaft location. Used where both radial and thrust loads are to be handled.
Taper leaf spring
See
Parabolic spring
Taper of Head
In flat bearing surface fasteners, the taper of a head or nut is the angle between a side and the axis.
Taper pin
Taper pin
A roll pin or Dowel pin that is wider at one end than the other. The taper pin aids in hole alignment.
Also See
Threaded Taper pin
Worm and taper pin
Taper seat
1. A conical seat that provides positive centering of a wheel bolt head in the wheel. The opposite of Radius seat.
2. A seal without a gasket achieved by mating the conical surface of the spark plug shell and the cylinder head
Tape weight
See
Adhesive weight.
Tap holder
A tool used to hold and drive taps, reamers, and screw extractors with two long handles to provide high leverage for turning operation
Tapped Hole
A threaded hole in a part.
Tappet
1. The screw used to adjust the Clearance between the Valve stem and the Lifter or the Rocker arm.
2.
Tappet
The Valve lifter itself.
Also See
Barrel tappet
Bucket tappet
Cam follower
Flat tappet
Hydraulic tappet
Mushroom tappet
Valve tappet
Tappet adjusting screw
See
Valve adjusting screw
Tappet gasket
See
Rocker cover gasket
Tappet noise
Noise caused by the Lash or Clearance between the Valve stem and Rocker arm or between the valve stem and Valve lifter.
Tappet wrench
A wrench designed for adjusting valve clearances on OHV-engines with bucket tappet assembly that use an adjusting screw instead of valve shims for adjustment
Tapping
See
Boot Tapping
Hinge tapping plate
Tapping plate
See
Hinge tapping plate
Tapping Screw
A screw which is threaded to the head and designed to form or tap its mating thread in one or more of the parts to be assembled, of various types as follows:
• Tapping Screw, Type A: A thread-forming type of tapping screw having a gimlet point and a thread of relatively coarse pitch and special form, used in punched, or nested holes in metal sheets or in treated plywood or special asbestos compositions.
• Tapping Screw, Type B: Also designate "type Z." A thread-forming type of tapping screw, having a blunt point with tapered threads of moderate pitch, used with punched, drilled or nested holes.
• Tapping Screw, Type C: A thread-forming type of tapping screw having a blunt point with tapered threads at the end, having UNC or UNF threads and designed for fastening metal sheets.
• Tapping Screw, Type D: Also designated "type EC." A thread-cutting type of tapping screw having the same thread as type C but provided with a fluted end produced at thread rolling or a milled slot (or slots) produced after thread rolling.
• Tapping Screw, Type F: A thread-cutting type of tapping screw having the same thread form as type C but provided with a multiple flute tapered end to facilitate tapping.
• Tapping Screw, Type FZ: A thread-cutting type of tapping screw having the same thread form as type B but provided with a multiple fluted tapered end to facilitate tapping.
• Tapping Screw, Type G: Also designated "type EC." A thread-cutting type of tapping screw having the same thread form as type C but provided with a slot across the end to facilitate tapping in hard materials or deep holes.
• Tapping Screw, Type H: Also designated "type DB" or "type 25." A tapping screw having the same thread as a type B but provided with a slot in the end to facilitate tapping in plastics.
Tap ratchet
A tool with ratchet mechanism used to hold and operate bits such as taps, drills, reamers, or screw extractors
Tap spanner
See
Tap holder
Tap wrench
See
Tap holder
Tar
A black, sticky substance made from petroleum. It is useful for patching cracks in the road. However, when driving over it, the wheels kick up particles of it on a vehicle's painted surface.
Also see
Bug and tar remover
Waste Tar
Tare weight
The weight of a truck, exclusive of its contents, but including gas, oil, etc., ready to roil.
Also see
Chassis Weight
Curb weight
Targa
A removable-roof body style popularized by Porsche that is similar to a convertible except that it incorporates a fixed, roll-bar-like structure running from side to side behind the front seats.
Targa bar
A type of roll bar made of a relatively wide band of sheet steel rather than of tubing; made popular by the Porsche 911 Targa
Targa top
A rigid, removable roof section between the windshield and Targa bar
Tariff
1. A duty or tax imposed on imports.
2. A published volume of rate schedules and general terms and conditions under which a product or service will be supplied.
Also See
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
Generalized Preferential Tariff
Tariffs and Trade
See
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
Tarnish
To discolor due to the formation of a thin film of oxide, sulfide, or some other corrosion product
Tarpaulin
Waterproof canvas material used to cover cargo being transported
Tar remover
See
Bug and tar remover.
Tar sands
Naturally occurring bitumen-impregnated sands that yield mixtures of liquid hydrocarbon and that require further processing other than mechanical blending before becoming finished petroleum products.
TAS
Acronym for Throttle Adjust Screw
TA sensor
Intake Air Temperature Sensor
Tatra
A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models with required application are Classic cars.
Taurus
Click image for books on
Ford Taurus
A model of automobile manufactured by Ford
TAV
Acronym for Temperature Actuated Vacuum
Tax
See
Car tax
Displacement taxes
Road tax
Tax disc
A road fund license disc displayed on the windshield to show that a British road tax has been paid
Taxi
A vehicle in which passengers are carried for hire which is usually recorded by a meter
Also see
Tijuana Taxi
Taxicab
A car in which passengers are carried for hire which is usually recorded by a meter
Taxi rank
A British term for a Taxi stand
Taxi stand
A place where taxis wait to be hired
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ua"
• Ua
• Ub
• Uc
• Ud
• Ue
• Ui
• Uj
• Uk
• Ul
• Um
• Un
• Up
• Ur
• Us
• Ut
• Uv
UAIB
Acronym for Union of Automobile Importers in Bulgaria
UART
Acronym for Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter
UAW
Acronym for United Auto Workers -- An international union of workers in the automobile, aerospace, and agricultural implement industries in North America.
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Va"
• Va
• Vb
• Vc
• Vd
• Ve
• Vf
• Vg
• Vh
• Vi
• Vl
• Vm
• Vn
• Vo
• Vp
• Vr
• Vs
• Vt
• Vu
• Vv
• Vw
• Vx
V
1. A letter rating for tires to indicate that they are theoretically rated for speeds up to 210 kph (130 mph), as in P220VR15. The next higher rating is W and the one lower rating is H.
2. A letter indicating a valve configuration as in 16v meaning a 16 valve engine.
3. A letter indicating the configuration of the cylinders in an engine as in V-8
4. Acronym for Volts
V-4
See
V-four
V-6
See
V-six
V-8
See
V-eight
V-10
See
V-ten
V-12
See
V-twelve
V-16
See
V-sixteen
VA
Value analysis.
Vac
Abbreviation for Vacuum
Vac servo
See
Vacuum brake booster
Vacuum
1. An enclosed area in which the air pressure is below that of the surrounding Atmospheric pressure.
2. Technically, a complete absence of pressure (0 psi), although the term is commonly used to describe any pressure less than atmospheric.
Also See
Air-valve carburetor
Gauge Vacuum
Manifold vacuum
Ported vacuum advance
Pulse vacuum hublock
Separator Assembly-fuel Vacuum
Venturi vacuum
Vacuum activators
Dampers and control valves used in automotive air conditioning system controlled by the vacuum created by engine intake manifold vacuum.
Vacuum advance
A mechanism on the side of the Distributor that automatically varies the instant at which the Spark occurs as a function of Intake manifold vacuum. Vacuum advance provides the additional advance that is needed when the engine is operating at part throttle. At part throttle less Air-fuel mixture gets into the Cylinders and the mixture takes longer to burn after it is ignited. Because the mixture burns more slowly, the Piston will be past Top dead center and moving down before the mixture has a chance to burn and produce high power. As a result much of the power in the fuel will be lost. The vacuum advance mechanism consists of a flexible spring-loaded Diaphragm connected by a Linkage to the Breaker plate on which the points are mounted. The sealed side of the Diaphragm is connected by a tube to the Carburetor. The Throttle valve is below the vacuum passage in the Carburetor Air horn so there is no vacuum advance when the engine is idling because the throttle is closed. However, when the throttle is partly open, Intake manifold vacuum pulls the Diaphragm in and this causes the Breaker plate to rotate a few degrees and advance the Timing. With wide-open throttle there is very little vacuum in the Intake manifold so there will be no vacuum advance. In most instances the vacuum advance is disconnected before checking the timing and Point gap.
Also See
Ported vacuum advance
Speed control vacuum advance
Vacuum advance mechanism
See
Vacuum advance
Vacuum advance unit
See
Vacuum advance
Vacuum assisted brake
See
Brake booster.
Vacuum assisted brakes
See
Brake booster.
Vacuum assist unit
An actuating mechanism that uses vacuum on one side of a diaphragm as a source of power.
Vacuum booster
1. A small Diaphragm Vacuum pump, generally in combination with the Fuel pump, that is used to bolster engine Vacuum during Acceleration so that the vacuum operated devices will continue to operate.
2. A power brake actuating mechanism that uses vacuum on one side of a diaphragm as a power source.
Also see
Integral Vacuum Booster
Multiplier Vacuum Booster
Vacuum brake booster
A device directly connected to the master cylinder and mounted on the engine side of the bulkhead, which uses engine manifold vacuum to produce additional braking force
Vacuum brake supply line
The conduit for transmitting supply vacuum from a vacuum source to the vacuum reservoirs.
Vacuum brake system
A brake system that uses engine vacuum to operate and control.
Vacuum Bypass System
See
Delay Vacuum Bypass System
Vacuum capsule
A pneumatic actuator that converts air pressure differences into a regulating short-stroke movement; the circular, flat capsule has a spring-loaded diaphragm with a lever attached
Vacuum chamber
A pneumatic actuator that converts air pressure differences into a regulating short-stroke movement; the circular, flat capsule has a spring-loaded diaphragm with a lever attached
Vacuum check valve
(VCK-V) a one-way valve used to retain a vacuum signal in a line after the vacuum source is gone
Vacuum control
A load-dependant mechanical ignition timing, controlled by the inlet manifold vacuum
Vacuum control switch
A switch that monitors the vacuum signal enabling the ECU to recognize open or closed throttle (idle) operation
Vacuum control system
Intake manifold vacuum is used to operate dampers and controls in some automobile systems.
Vacuum control unit
An assembly for load-dependent ignition timing controlled by the intake manifold vacuum, consisting of a vacuum capsule with a spring-loaded diaphragm linked to the breaker plate
Vacuum control valve
(VCV) a ported vacuum switch, controls vacuum to other emission devices during engine warm up
Vacuum delay valve
(VDV) a valve used by GM to bleed ported vacuum to the vacuum advance unit through a small orifice and control vacuum advance rate. Used to retard or delay the application of a vacuum signal. Also called Delay valve
Vacuum differential valve
(VDV) a device used in a Thermactor system with a catalyst that sense intake manifold vacuum and triggers the bypass valve to dump injection air to the atmosphere during deceleration
Vacuum distillation
Distillation under reduced pressure (less the atmospheric) which lowers the boiling temperature of the liquid being distilled. This technique with its relatively low temperatures prevents cracking or decomposition of the charge stock.
Vacuum-electric Switch
Vacuum-electric Switch
A component which gives gross reading of vacuum in the intake manifold by using a diaphragm to operate a simple on-off electrical switch.
Vacuum filter
A filter which removes electrical noise from the vacuum signal sent from the vacuum sensor to the ECU
Vacuum gage
See
Vacuum gauge.
Vacuum gauge
A gauge used to determine the amount of Vacuum existing in a chamber.
Vacuum hose
A pipe which connects the intake manifold to the vacuum brake booster
Vacuum hublock
See
Pulse vacuum hublock
Vacuum hydraulic power unit
A unit consisting of a vacuum brake cylinder or chamber, hydraulic cylinder(s) and control valve, in which driver effort is combined with force from the cylinder piston or chamber diaphragm to displace fluid under pressure for actuation of the brake(s).
Vacuum ignition-timing control
See
Vacuum control
Vacuum leak
A loss of vacuum from a leaking hose or defective gasket
Vacuum modulated EGR
An exhaust gas recirculation in which the amount of exhaust gas admitted to the intake manifold depends on a vacuum signal controlled by throttle position. When the throttle is closed, at idle or during deceleration, there is no vacuum signal to the EGR valve; as the throttle is opened, a vacuum signal is supplied causing the EGR valve to open
Vacuum modulator
A small unit attached to the Automatic transmission. If the vehicle tends to stay in Low gear, shifts with difficulty or produces whitish smoke, has an Automatic transmission, and is constantly low in Transmission fluid, try replacing the vacuum modulator before undertaking major repairs. Most vacuum modulators simply screw into place.
Also see
Modulator.
Vacuum motor
A vacuum-actuated device used to operate doors and valves.
Also see
Air Cleaner Duct And Valve Vacuum Motor
Vacuum operated exhaust heat control valve
(VHC) a vacuum operated heat riser valve used by Ford to cause the exhaust to flow through the intake crossover passage for preheating of the air-fuel mixture
Vacuum over hydraulic brake system
A hydraulic-type brake system actuated by a vacuum-powered master cylinder.
Vacuum-powered master cylinder
A brake master cylinder actuated by a vacuum cylinder or chamber.
Vacuum power motor
A device for use in opening doors in heating and air conditioning systems
Vacuum power unit
A device for use in opening valves and doors in heating and air conditioning systems using vacuum as a source of power.
Vacuum pressure
Any pressure less than that exerted by the atmosphere.
Vacuum pump
1. A Diaphragm type of Pump used to produce a Vacuum.
2. A special high efficiency device used for creating high vacuums for testing or drying purposes.
3. A mechanical device used to evacuate an air conditioning system to rid it of moisture, air, and contaminants.
4. A device which creates a vacuum to actuate the brakes.
Vacuum reducer valve
(VRV) A valve used by GM to limit the amount of vacuum governing the ignition advance mechanism of the distributor; on some ignition systems, a VRV is used to reduce intake manifold vacuum when the coolant temperature is above 104°C, in order to prevent or reduce detonation
Vacuum regulator valve three and four-port
(VRV) this type of vacuum regulator valve is used to control the vacuum advance to the distributor
Vacuum regulator valve two-port
(VRV) this vacuum regulator provides a constant output signal when the input level is greater than a preset level. At a lower input vacuum, the output equals the input
Vacuum relief valve
A valve which automatically opens and closes a vent for relieving a vacuum within the a system, depending on whether the vacuum is above or below a predetermined value.
Vacuum reservoir
(VRESER) stores excess vacuum to prevent rapid fluctuations and sudden drops in a vacuum signal, such as during acceleration
Vacuum restrictor
(VREST) controls the flow rate and/or timing in actions to the different emission control components
Vacuum retard
A vacuum control unit for retarding the spark
Vacuum retard delay valve
(VRDV) delays a decrease in vacuum at the distributor vacuum advance unit when the source vacuum decreases. Used to delay release of vacuum from a diaphragm -- a momentary vacuum trap
Vacuum retard unit
A vacuum control unit for retarding the spark
Vacuum runout point
The point reached when a vacuum brake power Piston has built up all the braking force it is capable of with the Vacuum available.
Also see
Booster Vacuum Runout Point
Vacuum sealing apparatus
A component in continuous zinc vapor deposition lines through which steel strips enter the deposition chamber and which prevents a build-up of pressure within the chamber
Vacuum sensor
A sensor which detects changes in manifold pressure in comparison to barometric pressure; such changes indicate the need for an adjustment in air/fuel mixture and electronic spark timing to maintain efficient engine operation. Also called Manifold pressure sensor, Pressure differential sensor, or Manifold vacuum sensor
Also see
Manifold Vacuum Sensor
Vacuum servo
A flexible diaphragm with a linkage attached to it installed in a sealed housing. When vacuum is applied to one side of the diaphragm, atmospheric pressure on the other side moves the diaphragm and linkage to perform work.
Also See
Vacuum brake booster
Vacuum solenoid
On some engines, a vacuum solenoid controlled by an electrical sensor switch is used to control the EGR valve
Vacuum suction cup
Dent Puller
A hand tool for pulling out shallow body dents and for lifting flat, heavy objects such as windshields or sheet metal
Vacuum suspended power booster
A type of power booster that contains vacuum in both chambers of the booster when the brake pedal is at rest. When the pedal is applied, the rear chamber is vented to the atmosphere, causing the diaphragm of the booster to move toward the master cylinder which assist the driver in the application of the brakes
Vacuum-suspended power chamber
A booster power chamber that has vacuum on both sides of its diaphragm when the brakes are not applied.
Vacuum switch
A switch that closes or opens its contacts in response to changing vacuum conditions.
Also See
Choke Thermal Vacuum Switch
Oil Thermal Vacuum Switch
Ported Vacuum Switch
Temperature Vacuum Switch
Thermal vacuum switch
Thermostatic Vacuum Switch
Vacuum switching valve
(VSV) an electrically controlled vacuum switching valve used to control emission control devices
Vacuum tank
A tank in which a Vacuum exists. It is generally used to provide vacuum to a Power brake installation in the event engine vacuum cannot be obtained. The tank will supply several brake applications before the vacuum is exhausted.
Vacuum timing control
See
Vacuum control
Vacuum transducer
Vacuum transducer
A sensor with a vacuum diaphragm which moves an iron rod inside a coil of wire sending a signal to the computer that is proportional to the amount of vacuum.
Vacuum transmitting valve
(VTV) a valve used to limit the rate of vacuum advance
Vacuum unit
See
Vacuum control unit
Vacuum valve
See
Hot Water Vacuum Valve
Idle Vacuum Valve
Thermal vacuum valve
Vacuum Valve Assembly
See
Thermactor Air Control Solenoid Vacuum Valve Assembly
Vacuum vent valve
(VVV) controls the induction of fresh air into a vacuum system to prevent chemical decay of the vacuum diaphragm that can occur on contact with fuel
Vacuum Zone Switch
See
Manifold Vacuum Zone Switch
VAF
1. Acronym for Vane air-flow meter
2. Acronym for Volume Air Flow
Valance
A panel used to conceal structural detail or to provide extra protection.
Also See
Rear corner valance
Rear quarter valance
Rear valance
Valet parking
The parking of your car by a parking attendant
Valet switch
On some alarm systems, a switch to override the alarm system for valet parking, car washes, etc.
Value
See
Actual cash value
Antiknock Value
Beta Value
Calorific Value
Cd value
Duty paid value
Expected residual value
Heating Value
Lower Heating Value
Net sales value
Ph value
Stated residual value
Thermal Value
Threshold Limit Value
Yield Value
Value added
See
Auto Pact Canadian Value Added
Census value added
Value of shipment
Summation of value of shipments produced by establishment, receipts of custom and repair revenue.
Valve
A device used to either open or close an opening to allow or prevent the flow of a liquid or gas from one place to another.
Also See
ABS relay valve
Accumulator valve
Adjustable-port Proportioning Valve
Air Aspirator Valve
Air Bypass Valve
Air control valve
Air gulp valve
Air Inlet Valve
Air Inlet Valve
Air Outlet Valve
Air Outlet Valve
Air select valve
Air switching valve
Air Valve
Air-valve carburetor
Allan Valve
Altitude Valve
Angle Valve
Anti-backfire valve
Anti-percolation valve
Anti-backfire valve
Anti-percolation valve
Antisurge Valve
Aspirator valve
Automatic Expansion Valve
Auxiliary Air Control Valve
Auxiliary Air Valve
Auxiliary Control Valve
Ball check valve
Ball valve
Bleeder valve
Bleed valve
Blowoff valve
Boost valve
Brake pressure modulator valve
Brake proportioning valve
Bucket Valve
Burned valves
Burner Valve
Butterfly valve
Bypass valve
Cam follower
Canister Purge Shut-off Valve
Canister Purge Valve
Change valve
Check valve
Closed Type Check Valve
Choke valve
Combination valve
Compensator valve
Control valve
Delay valve
Delivery valve
Diaphragm Type Valve
Diaphragm Valve
Differential Pressure Valve
Discharge valve
Disc valve
Diverter valve
Dropped valve
Dump valve
EAC Valve
EAS Valve
Economizer valve
EGR valve
Electric air control valve
Electric air switching valve
Electric Water Valve
Electronic Air Control Valve
Electronic Egr Valve
Emergency Valve
Exhaust valve opens
Exhaust valve
Expansion valve
Flapper Valve
Float Valve
Follow-up-type Valve
Four valve
Frequency valve
French Valve
Fuel injector nozzle
Fuel Tank Vapor Valve
Gas Valve
Governor valve
Gulp valve
Hairpin valve spring
Hand Lapped Valves
Heat control valve
High pressure relief valve
High-side Service Valve
High Side Service Valve
Hold-off Valve
Hot Water Vacuum Valve
Hydraulic valve lifter
Idle Air Control Valve
Idle stop valve
Idle Vacuum Valve
Inlet valve
Intake valve closes
Intake valve opens
Intake valve
Integral Backpressure Transducer EGR Valve
Kickdown valve
King Valve
Kneuter valve
Lambda Valve
Latching Type Valve
Liquid Receiver Service Valve
Load Sensing Proportioning Valve
Load-sensitive proportioning valve
Low-side Float Valve
Low-side Service Valve
Lubricated Plug Valve
Manifold Control Valve
Manifold heat control valve
Manual valve
Metering valve
Modulating Valve
Modulator valve
Motor Valve
Needle Point Valve
Needle valve
Oil Control Orifice Valve
Oil cooler bypass valve
Oil drain valve
Oil filter bypass valve
Open Type Check Valve
Operating Valve
Overhead valves
Overrun control valve
Oversize valve guide
Parallel valves
PCV valve
Petcock
Pilot Operated Absolute Valve
Pilot Valve
POA Suction Throttling Valve
Pop-off valve
Poppet valve
Ported EGR Valve
Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve
Power valve
Pressure Differential Valve
Pressure limiting valve
Pressure-operated Altitude Valve
Pressure regulating valve
Pressure regulator valve
Pressure relief valve
Pressure Water Valve
Presta valve
Primary valve
Progressive valve spring
Progressively wound valve spring
Proportioning valve
Pulse Width Modulation Valve
Purge Control Valve
Quick take-up valve
RAVE valve
Reactionary Type Valve
Reed valve
Reed valve induction timing
Relay Emergency Valve
Relief valve
Residual Brake Pressure Type Check Valve
Residual Pressure Check Valve
Residual pressure valve
Reverse inhibitor valve
Reversing Valve
Riser Valve
Rotary disc valve
Rotary valve
Running-on control valve
Saddle Valve
Safety Relief Valve
Safety valve
Scavenging valve
Schrader valve
Secondary Air Pulse Valve
Secondary Air Switching Valve
Secondary Air Bypass Valve
Secondary Air Anti-backfire Valve
Semi-Automatic Valve
Service Brake Valve
Service Valve
Shift valve
Shuttle valve
Side Valve
Sleeve valve
Slide valve
Sodium-cooled exhaust valve
Sodium-cooled valve
Solenoid valve
Solenoid Vent Valve
Spark Delay Valve
Sponge rubber valve
Spool balance valve
Spool valve
Step Valve
Stop Valve
Suction Pressure Control Valve
Suction Service Valve
Suction throttling valve
Suction Valve
Temperature Relief Valve
Thermactor Air Control Valve
Thermal time valve
Thermal vacuum valve
Thermal Vent Valve
Thermostatic Expansion Valve
Thermostatic Valve
Thermostatic Water Valve
Three-way Valve
Throttle valve
Timing Valve
Tire valve
Two-temperature Valve
Two-way Type Check Valve
Two-way Valve
Vacuum Check Valve
Vacuum Control Valve
Vacuum Delay Valve
Vacuum Differential Valve
Vacuum Operated Exhaust Heat Control Valve
Vacuum reducer valve
Vacuum Relief Valve
Vacuum Retard Delay Valve
Vacuum Switching Valve
Vacuum Transmitting Valve
Vacuum Vent Valve
Variable valve actuation
Warning Light Valve
Water Valve
X-valve
Valve actuation
See
Variable valve actuation
Valve adjusting screw
A screw at the end of a rocker which bears on a pushrod; used to tilt the rocker and thus adjust the valve clearance
Valve and transducer assembly
This type of EGR valve consist of a modified ported EGR valve and a remote Transducer. Works the same way as an integral backpressure transducer EGR valve
Valve angle
A segment of the full circle of a rotary disc valve cut out to admit the fresh charge into the cylinder
Valve aperture
See
Valve hole
Valve assembly
A device through which a tire is inflated. It includes a valve stem, valve core, and valve cap.
Also see
Control valve assembly
Valve block
See
Control valve assembly
Valve body
Part of the valve assembly containing plungers, pistons, springs, etc.
Valve body housing
A housing which incorporates the bores in which the valve spools slide and the canals which channel the oil flow
Valve body separator plate
A plate sandwiched between two gaskets which separates the upper and lower parts of the valve body
Valve bounce
The bouncing of a valve on its seat due to the valve spring resonating at very high engine speeds. Also called flutter.
Also see
Bounce
Valve bushing
See
Valve guide
Valve cap
A screw-on cap to prevent the entry of dirt and dust into the tire valve. It does not keep the air in -- the Valve core does that.
Valve carburetor
See
Air-valve carburetor
Valve clearance
The distance between the small end of the Valve stem and the Rocker arm or Valve lifter. This gap is necessary to compensate for Expansion due to heat. Also called Valve lash.
Valve clearance depression
A recess in the piston crown
Valve closes
See
Exhaust valve closes
Intake valve closes
Valve core
A check valve within a tire air valve which permits air pressure chucks without undue loss of air pressure. The core should not be considered a valve seal.
Valve cover
A long metal lid located on the top of the Cylinder head on vehicles with overhead camshafts. The valve cover is removed when the valves need adjusting. The British term is rocker box or rocker cover.
Valve cover gasket
A gasket between the cylinder head and the valve cover; usually either a flat paper or cork gasket or an O-ring. The British term is rocker cover gasket.
Valve crown
See
Valve head
Valve cut-out
On some four-valve engines at low speed the main rocker arms open only two valves per combustion chamber in order to keep the energy of the gases at a high level; with increasing rpm, the energy of the gases becomes sufficiently strong for the remaining two valves to be opened via hydraulic locking bolts
Valve diameter
Intake valves can be distinguished from exhaust valves by their larger diameter
Valve duration
The length of time, measured in degrees of engine Crankshaft rotation, that a valve remains open.
Valve engine
See
Sixteen valve engine
Valve, expansion
Type of refrigerant control which maintains constant pressure in the low side of refrigerating mechanism. Valve is caused to operate by pressure in low or suction side, Often referred to as an automatic expansion valve or AEV.
Valve extension
Extra length added to a tire valve stem for greater accessibility particularly on inside duals.
Valve face
The outer lower edge of the Valve head. The face contacts the Valve seat when the valve is closed.
Valve float
A condition where the valves in the engine are forced back open before they have had a chance to seat. Brought about (usually) by extremely high rpm. The Valve lifters lose contact with the cam lobes because the Valve springs are not strong enough to overcome the Momentum of the various Valvetrain components. The onset of valve float prevents higher-rpm operation. Extended periods of valve float will damage the Valvetrain. Also called Valve bounce
Valve follower
See
Valve lifter.
Valve gear
A mechanism that operates the intake and exhaust valves; includes the cams, pushrods, rocker arms, etc. but not the valves themselves
Valve grinder
A special automotive tool consisting of a wooden shaft and rubber suction cup(s) for hand grinding valves.
Valve grinding
Renewing the Valve face area by grinding on a special grinding machine.
Valve grinding compound
An abrasive compound used for refacing valve seats. The suction cup is placed on the valve head and the valve is pressed into the seat; turning the handle between one's hands will grind the valve into its seat; always use with grinding paste. Not to be confused with valve seat cutter which is used to cut worn valve seats to a specific angle. Also called valve lapping compound
Valve grinding tool
A special automotive tool consisting of a wooden shaft and rubber suction cup(s) for hand grinding valves
Valve guide
The cylindrical hole which is located in the Cylinder head or Block through which the stem of the Poppet valve passes. It is designed to keep the valve in proper alignment. It also serves as a bearing surface. Some guides are pressed into place and others are merely drilled in the block or in the head metal.
Also see
Oversize valve guide
Valve guide driver
A tool for installing valve guides
Valve guide reamer
A tool used to enlarge worn valve guides to accommodate oversized valve stems
Valve guide remover
A drift punch for driving out valve guides
Valve guide seal
See
Valve stem seal
Valve head
The surface of the large end of a valve.
Valve hole
The circular opening in the rim of a wheel for mounting tubeless tires. Tubeless car tires commonly have a snap-in valve consisting of a rubber molding bonded to the metal stem casing. The rubber molding has a groove formed at the base; when the valve is pulled through the valve hole, the pliable rubber base snaps into position. Commercial vehicle valves for tubeless tires are all metal; they are attached to the rim and the valve hole by an extended thread formed at the base and secured by a nut. Airtight sealing is achieved by either an O-ring or a fiat and flanged rubber washer. Commercial vehicle valve stems may have a single, double, or triple bend to accommodate different rim profiles and single and twin wheel combinations. On bicycle rims, the hole may be one of two sizes to accommodate Presta or Schrader valves. Also called valve aperture
Valve induction
See
Reed valve induction timing
Valve induction timing
See
Reed valve induction timing
Valve in head engine
See
Valve-in-head engine.
Valve-in-head engine
An engine in which both Intake and Exhaust valves are mounted in the Cylinder head and are driven by pushrods or by an overhead camshaft. Also called I-head engine or Overhead-valve engine.
Valve In Receiver
See
Evaporator Equalized Valve In Receiver
Valve job
Replacing or regrinding old valves
Valve keeper
A small unit that snaps into a groove in the end of the Valve stem. It is designed to secure the Valve spring, valve spring retaining washer and valve stem together. Some are of a split design, some of a horseshoe shape, etc. Also called Valve key or valve retainer.
Valve key
Key, keeper, washer, or other device which holds valve spring cup or washer in place on valve stem
Also see
Valve keeper.
Valve lag
The time between TDC or BDC and a valve closing
Valve lapper
A special automotive tool for grinding (lapping) valves into valve seats; some types are power-operated, thus allowing faster grinding compared with standard suction-type valve grinding tools
Valve lapping compound
See
Valve grinding compound
Valve lash
Valve tappet Clearance or total Clearance in the valve operating train with Cam follower on Camshaft Base circle.
Also see
Valve clearance
Valve Lead
The time between a valve opening and TDC or BDC
Valve lift
Distance a valve moves from the full closed to the full open position. It is usually about a quarter of the diameter of the port.
Valve lifter
1. The cylindrically shaped component that presses against the lobe of a camshaft and moves up and down as the cam lobe rotates. Most valve lifters have an oil-lubricated hardened face that slides on the cam lobe. So-called roller lifters, however, have a small Roller in contact with the cam lobe -- thereby reducing the friction between the cam lobe and the lifter. Also called valve follower or Cam follower.
2. A tool that compresses valve springs for removal and replacement.
Also see
Hydraulic valve lifter
Valve lock
Key, keeper, washer, or other device which holds valve spring cup or washer in place on valve stem
Valve Main Burner
See
Individual Valve Main Burner
Valve margin
The width of the edge of the Valve head between the top of the valve and the edge of the face. Too narrow a margin results in Preignition and valve damage through over-heating.
Valve oil seal
A Neoprene rubber ring that is placed in a groove in the Valve stem to prevent excess oil entering the area between the stem and the guide. There are other types of these seals.
Valve opens
See
Exhaust valve opens
Intake valve opens
Valve overlap
A certain period in which both the Intake and Exhaust valve are partially open. The intake is starting to open while the exhaust is not yet closed. It is usually expressed in degrees of crankshaft rotation and determined by the valve timing, valve overlap is necessary for the efficient flow of gases in and out of the combustion chamber
Valve plate
Part of compressor located between top of compressor body and head. It contains compressor valves and ports.
See
Valve body separator plate
Valve port
The opening, through the Head or block, from the Intake or Exhaust manifold to the valve seat.
Valve principle
The original method of ABS control using an electrically operated valve to control the air pressure
Valve Refrigerant Cylinder
See
Liquid-vapor Valve Refrigerant Cylinder
Valve retainer
See
Valve keeper.
Valve rotator
A unit that is placed on the end of the Valve stem so that when the valve is opened and closed, the valve will rotate a small amount with each opening and closing. This gives longer valve life. Also called Roto cap
Valve seat
1. The area onto which the face of the Poppet seats when closed. The two common angles for this seat are forty-five and thirty degrees.
2. The surface against which a valve comes to rest to provide a seal against leakage.
Valve seat cutter
A special automotive tool with carting blades for use with power tools; used to cut worn valve seats with 30° or 45° angles
Valve seat face
An annular part of a valve head located at the valve seat of the cylinder head
Valve seat grinding
Renewing the valve seat area by grinding with a stone mounted upon a special Mandrel.
Valve seat insert
A hardened steel valve seat that may be removed and replaced. The use of valve seat inserts dispenses with the need for lead in the fuel to act as a lubricant between the valve head and seat
Also see
Insert.
Valve seat ring
A ring-shaped insert of a harder metal than that of the cylinder head; the use of valve seat inserts dispenses with the need for lead in the fuel to act as a lubricant between the valve head and seat
Valve, service
Device used to check pressures, service, and charge refrigerating systems.
Valve shim
A calibrated shim used to adjust valve clearance on OHV engines with bucket tappet assembly; for adjustment, a calibrated valve shim is placed or removed from between tappet and cam
Valve shim pliers
A special automotive tool for the removal and installation of valve shims
Valve Shutoff
See
Manual Main Valve Shutoff
Manual Valve Shutoff
Safety Valve Shutoff
Valves-in-receiver unit
(VIR) a component used on GM system, in which the thermostatic expansion valve, POA suction throttling valve, the receiver-drier, and, if equipped, the sight glass are all combined into one assembly
Valve slot
Tube-type tires require a valve slot instead of a valve hole to allow the tire valve to be removed from the rim; a thread adaptor is molded to a circular rubber patch vulcanized to the inner tube; the valve stem casing is then screwed onto the tube adaptor
Valve, solenoid
Valve made to work by magnetic action through an electrically energized coil.
Valve spool
1. In an automatic transmission, a sliding cylindrical internal part of a valve with one or more sections of reduced diameter
2. A spool-shaped valve, such as in the power-steering unit.
Valve spring
A small Coil spring that closes the valve after it has been opened by the cam, and prevents the valve from bouncing on its seat. The action of the spring keeps the Lifter in contact with the cam. If the spring is weak, noise will be generated and the valve, spring, lifter and cam will be subjected to hammer-like blows that cause Metal fatigue.
Also See
Hairpin valve spring
Progressively wound valve spring
Progressive valve spring
Valve spring cap
The retaining cap (of intake or exhaust valves) which secures the valve keeper on the valve stem
Valve spring collar
The retaining cap (of intake or exhaust valves) which secures the valve keeper on the valve stem
Valve spring compressor
A special automotive tool used to compress valve springs for removal and replacement; the most common type is a c-shaped clamp
Valve spring depressor
A lever-type tool used to depress valve springs, e.g., for removal and installation of valve stem seals
Valve spring lifter
A pliers-type tool with two expanding jaws, used to lift and compress valve springs for removal and replacement
Valve spring retainer
See
Valve spring cap
Valve spring seat
A seat retaining the bottom of the valve spring
Valve stem
The long cylindrical portion of the valve that moves up and down in the Valve guide.
Valve stem seal
The oil seal between the valve and the cylinder head which prevents excessive oil leakage from the top of the cylinder head into the combustion chamber
Valve stem seal installer
A sleeve-type tool used to push down valve stem seals for installation
Valve stem seal pliers
A special plier for removing valve stem seals on overhead camshaft engines
Valve, suction
Valve in refrigeration compressor which allows vaporized refrigerant to enter cylinder from suction line and prevents its return.
Valve switch
See
Throttle position sensor
Valve system
See
VTEC Valve system
Valve tappet
An adjusting screw to obtain the specified Clearance at the end of the Valve stem (tappet clearance). The screw may be in the top of the Lifter, in the Rocker arm, or in the case of the Ball joint rocker arm, the nut on the mounting Stud acts in place of a tappet screw.
Valve Three And Four-port
See
Vacuum Regulator Valve Three And Four-port
Valve timing
Adjusting the position of the Camshaft to the Crankshaft so that the valves will open and close at the proper time.
Also see
Variable valve timing
Valve tip
The upper end of the valve that contacts the rocker arm
Valvetrain
See
Valve train.
Valve train
1. The various parts making up the valve and its operating mechanism which causes the valves to open and close.
2. The system of valves that lets the fuel charges in and let the exhaust gases out.
Valve Two-port
See
Vacuum Regulator Valve Two-port
Valve umbrella
A washer-like unit that is placed over the end of the Valve stem to prevent the entry of excess oil between the stem and the guide. Used in valve-in-head installations.
Valve Vacuum Motor
See
Air Cleaner Duct And Valve Vacuum Motor
Valve, water
In most water cooling units. a valve that provides a flow of water to cool the system while it is running.
Van
1. A covered road vehicle for carrying goods.
2. A recreational vehicle based on the body of a commercial van, usually with comfortable, plush interior trim, often with a bed.
3. A cargo body style with a totally enclosed cargo area. Included are beverage vans, or bay vans, and sealed shipping containers mounted on a special bodiless chassis.
Also See
Box van
Cube van
Light van
Open Top Van
Refrigerated Van
Step van
Vanadium Inhibitor
An organic and/or inorganic metal bearing chemical intended to chemically and/or physically combine with the compounds formed during combustion of heavy fuel oil to improve the surface properties of the treated ash compounds.
Van camper
See
Type B motorhome
Class B RV
Van conversions
See
Class B RV
Vane
A thin plate that is affixed to a rotatable unit to either throw off air or liquid, or to receive the thrust imparted by moving air or liquid striking the vane. In the first case it would be acting as a Pump and in the second case as a Turbine.
Also See
Air-intake Guide Vanes
External vane pump
Hall vane switch
Vane air-flow meter
(VAF) a sensor with a moveable vane connected to a potentiometer calibrated to cause the amount of air flowing to the engine
Vane air temperature sensor
(VAT) located inside the vane airflow meter housing; sense the temperature of the air flowing into the engine
Vane-in-rotor pump
A Sliding-vane pump
Vane-in-stator pump
See
External vane pump
Vane pump
A type of rotary pump with either a slotted rotor and sliding vanes or a rotor with hinged vanes; typically used for air pumps in secondary air injection systems, as a compressor in air conditioning systems, and in some transmission systems.
Also See
External vane pump
Vanes compressor
Mechanism for pumping fluid by revolving blades inside cylindrical housing.
Vane switch
See
Hall vane switch
Vane wheel impeller
An impeller with straight radial vanes
Van lift
Van lift
A platform which is deployed from a vehicle, allowing people who use wheelchairs or have trouble stepping up easy access. These platforms or lifts are run by electricity or hydraulics but can always be manually operated in the event that one of the previously-mentioned power sources fail.
Vanity mirror
A mirror on the inside of a sun visor
Vanity plate
A personalized license plate
Vapor
1. The gaseous form of a liquid which is usually created by heating the liquid.
2. A gas which is often found in its liquid state while in use.
3. The gaseous state of refrigerant. Vaporized refrigerant is preferred to the word gas.
Also See
Fuel vapor
Fuel vapor recirculation system
Saturated Vapor
Superheated Vapor
Water Vapor
Vapor barrier
Thin plastic or metal foil sheet used in air-conditioned structures to prevent water vapor from penetrating insulating material.
Vapor canister
See
Activated carbon canister
Vapor degreasing
A type of cleansing procedure to remove grease, oil, and loosely attached solids from metals; a solvent such as trichlorethylene is boiled, and its vapors are condensed on the metal surfaces
Vapor deposition
A production of a surface film of metal on a heated surface, usually in a vacuum, either by decomposition of the vapor of a compound at the work surface, or by direct reaction between the work surface and the vapor.
Also see
Zinc vapor deposition
Vapor displacement
The release of vapors that had previously occupied space above liquid fuels stored in tanks. These releases occur when tanks are emptied and filled.
Vapor-engine
See
Binary Vapor-engine
Vapor injection
See
Water injection.
Vaporization
1. Breaking the Gasoline into fine particles and mixing it with the incoming air.
2. Change of liquid into a gaseous state.
Also see
Heat Of Vaporization
Latent Heat Of Vaporization
Vaporize
The action of converting a liquid into a mist or vapor by breaking it into small particles and mixing it with air. The design of the Carburetor and Fuel injectors vaporizes Gasoline to produce a combustible Fuel-air mixture. If it is not vaporized, the liquid gasoline may not burn properly and may even Hydraulic.
Vapor Lamp
See
Mercury Vapor Lamp
Vapor lines
Air conditioning system lines in which refrigerant is normally in a gaseous or vapor state.
Vapor lock
1. This is an unwanted condition where bubbles of air form in the fuel line caused by boiling or vaporizing of the fuel in the lines from excess heat. The boiling will interfere with the movement of the fuel and the air bubbles which form will in some cases, completely stop the flow. Sometimes it will cause the Float chamber to overflow which Floods the Carburetor and result in an over-rich mixture that can cause stalling of the engine when the Accelerator is depressed. Fuels containing Alcohol have lower Boiling points and many old-car owners have installed more-powerful electric Fuel pumps which overcome vapor lock tendencies of these fuels by pushing them through the air bubble. A wet rag will cool the line and get rid of the problem. To prevent the problem in hot weather, some mechanics wrap tinfoil around the fuel lines to reflect the heat away.
2. The abnormal condition that occurs when brake fluid contains too much moisture and is overheated, causing the moisture in the fluid to boil. Gas bubbles are formed in the fluid, which causes a spongy brake pedal or a complete loss of hydraulic pressure.
3. Condition where liquid is trapped in line because of bend or improper installation. Such vapor prevents liquid flow.
Vapor pressure
1. Pressure imposed by either a vapor or gas.
2. The tendency of a liquid to pass into the vapor state at a given temperature. With automotive fuels, volatility is determined by measuring RVP.
Also see
Reid Vapor Pressure
Vapor pressure curve
Graphic presentation of various pressures produced by refrigerant under various temperatures.
Vapor recirculation
See
Fuel vapor recirculation system
Vapor recirculation system
See
Fuel vapor recirculation system
Vapor recovery
An emission control system used by gasoline stations. A special filler nozzle seals the gap between the pump filler nozzle and the car's filler opening, preventing benzene vapors from escaping into the atmosphere; instead, they are recycled into the gas station's own fuel tank; the same system is also used when the gas station receives a new delivery of fuel from a gas tanker
Also see
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery
Vapor recovery system
A system that prevents the escape of Gasoline vapors from the Fuel system into the atmosphere. The basic system consists of a Canister filled with activated Charcoal and pipes connecting the Canister to the Fuel tank and Carburetor. Any vapor-filled air that leaves the Fuel tank because of Expansion passes through special Emission control pipes to the Canister where the vapors are grabbed and stored by the Charcoal. Then when the engine is started, Intake manifold Vacuum draws fresh outside air up through an opening in the Canister. This moving air pulls the fuel vapor out of the Charcoal and carries it to the Carburetor and into the engine. In the meantime any Gasoline that evaporates from the Carburetor collects in the Carburetor and Air cleaner. As soon as the engine starts this vapor is drawn down through the Carburetor and into the engine along with the entering Fuel-air mixture. Also called evaporative Emission control.
Also see
Exhaust emission controls
Fuel Vapor Recovery System
Vapor recycling
An emission control system used by gasoline stations. A special filler nozzle seals the gap between the pump filler nozzle and the car's filler opening, preventing benzene vapors from escaping into the atmosphere; instead, they are recycled into the gas station's own fuel tank; the same system is also used when the gas station receives a new delivery of fuel from a gas tanker
Vapor retarder
A material that retards the movement of water vapor through a building element (walls, ceilings) and prevents insulation and structural wood from becoming damp and metals from corroding. Often applied to insulation batts or separately in the form of treated papers, plastic sheets, and metallic foils.
Vapor, saturated
Vapor condition which will result in condensation into droplets of liquid if vapor temperature is reduced.
Vapor separator
A device used on cars equipped with air conditioning to prevent Vapor lock by feeding vapors back to the Fuel tank via a separate line.
Vapor Valve
See
Fuel Tank Vapor Valve
Vapor withdrawal
A system of piping and connection to operate an engine directly on vapor taken from the top of an LPG tank
Vapour
British spelling for Vapor
VAR
A unit of reactive power in a circuit carrying a sinusoidal current. A VAR equals the amount of reactive power in the circuit when the product of the root-mean-square value of the voltage (volts) by the root-mean value of the current (amps) and the sine of the phase angle between the voltage and the current, equals 1.
VARI
Acronym for Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection -- a process for forming composite panels and bodywork with consistent, controllable results.
Variable
See
Infinitely variable transmission
Input variable
Variable air volume
(VAV) system on the heating and cooling system: A means of varying the amount of conditioned air to a space. A variable air volume system maintains the air flow at a constant temperature, but supplies varying quantities of conditioned air in different parts of the building according to the heating and cooling needs.
Variable air volume controller
(VAV) Device having electronic components used to regulate the volume of air in a distribution system.
Variable assist power steering
A power steering system that enables the stiffness or tension of the steering to increase at higher speeds for more control or to soften at low speeds when performing slower activities, such as parallel parking.
Also see
Variable ratio steering
Variable assist steering
See
Variable assist power steering
Variable belt transmission
A continuously variable transmission using rubber V-belts on expanding-contracting pulleys, depending on engine speed and load; originally developed by van Doorne for DAF and then used on the Volvo 340
Variable-choke carburetor
See
Variable-venturi carburetor
Variable displacement compressor
A compressor which can change its output in accordance with the conditions.
Variable dwell
See
Dwell-angle control
Variable exhaust port
See
Adjustable variable exhaust port.
Variable fuel vehicle
See
Flexible fuel vehicle
Variable hole cutter
A drill bit with a stepped cutting head used to drill holes into sheet metal and to enlarge the radii gradually by advancing from one step diameter to the next on the same drill bit
Variable intake manifold
A setup in which the path through which air travels into the engine can be altered. Altering the path at a set point allows an engine to develop more power over its rev range.
Variable-jet carburetor
A carburetor with a sliding needle which moves in and out of a jet to change its functioning size. A type found on many motorcycle carburetors.
Variable limited-slip axle/center differential
A limited-slip axle/center differential with an electronically operated multiple-disc clutch as a slip-inhibiting device
Variable message sign
An upright electronic computer-controlled highway information sign sign (either permanent or movable), which reveals road conditions, traffic restrictions, road safety, etc.
Variable pitch pulley
Pulley which can be adjusted to provide different pulley drive ratios.
Variable pitch stator
A Stator that has Vanes that may be adjusted to various angles depending on load conditions. The vane adjustment will increase or decrease the Efficiency of the Stator.
Variable rate springs
Springs which become stiffer under compression; variable rate gas springs are a feature of air suspension systems
Variable ratio steering
Steering ratio characteristics in power steering systems providing different ratios for small and large steering angles
Variable reluctance sensor
(VR or VRS) a non-contact Transducer that converts mechanical motion into electrical control signals
Variable resistor
A resistor, connected in series with an electric motor that can be adjusted to vary the amount of current available and thereby alter motor speed
Variable-speed wind turbines
Turbines in which the rotor speed increases and decreases with changing wind speed, producing electricity with a variable frequency.
Variable spring
Spring providing variable effective length through cam action to suit load.
Variable Transducer
See
Backpressure Variable Transducer
Variable transmission
See
Continuously variable transmission
Infinitely variable transmission.
Variable valve actuation
In older engines, the Intake and Exhaust valves operated in a fixed program of timed openings and closings. With variable valve actuation, these actions are varied for a better balance of low-speed, medium-speed, and high-speed operation.
Variable valve timing
Through the use of computers, the precise time when the valves open and close can be altered. It may be better to change the timing slightly when the engine is at a higher RPM than when it is slower.
Variable-venturi
See
Air-valve carburetor.
Variable-venturi carburetor
The characteristic feature of this carburetor is the vacuum-operated piston which adjusts the cross-sectional area of the venturi and moves a jet needle in and out of a needle jet; typical designs are the SU and Stromberg carburetors
Variable volume induction system intake configuration
A restrictor plate that opens and closes controlling the amount of oxygen that can go into the engine.
Variomatic transmission
A transmission which used rubber belts and expanding pulleys to provide an infinitely variable belt drive.
Also see
Variable belt transmission
Varnish
1. A deposit on the interior of the engine caused by the engine oil breaking down under prolonged heat and use. Certain portions of the oil deposit themselves in hard Coatings of varnish.
2. Residue formed when Gasoline gets old and stale.
VAT
Acronym for Vane air temperature sensor
VATS
Acronym for Vehicle AntiTheft System
Vauxhall
A vehicle brand of which only the 25/70 and 30/98 models of 1925-1948 are Classic cars.
VAV
Acronym for Variable air volume
VAWT
Acronym for vertical-axis wind turbine
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Wa"
W
1. A letter rating for tires to indicate that they are theoretically rated for speeds up to 270 kph, as in P220WR15.The next higher rating is Y and the one lower rating is V
2. Acronym for Watt
W/
Abbreviation for with, as in black w/white top.
WAC
1. Acronym for Wide Open Throttle A/C Cutoff Relay
2. Acronym for Wide Open Throttle A/C Cutout Relay
WACA
Acronym for A/C Wide Open Throttle Cutout Relay Monitor
Waddle
A side to side rocking movement of a vehicle in motion, caused by suspension or tire damage or excessive lateral runout
Wading plugs
Oil drain holes are provided in the bottom of the clutch housing (and the camshaft drive-belt housing on Tdi and 2.5D engines) to preclude the possibility of the clutch or cam belts becoming contaminated in the event of oil leaks from the adjacent bearings. Wading plugs should be fitted to block these holes when driving through water over 30 cm deep and subsequently removed.
Wad punch
A tool with a round cutting edge for cutting out holes in gaskets or other soft materials
Wafer
A thin sheet of semiconductor (photovoltaic material) made by cutting it from a single crystal or ingot.
Wagon
See
Dealer Tank Wagon Sales
Dragon Wagon
Four-door station wagon
Garbage Wagon
Liftback station wagon
Sag wagon
Space wagon
Station wagon
Two-door station wagon
Waistline
A British term for Belt line. An imaginary or molded horizontal line below the bottom of the side window that separates the roof area from the bottom of the body
Waiver
See
Duty waiver
Wakening
See
Field Wakening
Walcker
See
Chenard-Walcker
Walked over
Trucker slang for Over powered by a stronger c.b. signal as in "Come back on that someone walked all over you."
Walk-in cooler
Larger. commercially refrigerated space kept below room temperature. Often found in supermarkets or wholesale meat distribution centers.
Walking Beam Suspension
A type of truck and tractor rear suspension consisting of two beams, one at each side of the chassis, which pivot in the center and connect at the front to one axle of a tandem and at the rear to the other axle.
Walking Floor
A type of dump trailer with a conveyor belt or chain running down the center of the floor of the trailer to unload the cargo. Also called live bottom
Wall
See
Bearing Wall
Cylinder wall
Retaining wall
Sound walls
Walnut
See
Burr walnut
Wander
A steering action where the vehicle moves or rambles from a fixed course without positive control.
Wanderer
The first Wanderer car with a 5/12 hp four-cylinder engine was test driven in 1912. It went into series production in 1913. This small Wanderer car had not been on the market very long when it became a stage star in the operetta Puppchen (which can be translated loosely as "darling") by Jean Gilbert. The title song was rather catchy "Darling, you are the apple of my eye, darling, I think the world of you." From then on the little Wanderer was known simply by the name Puppchen.
Wandering
A condition in which the front wheels of an automobile tend to steer slowly one way and then another, and interferes with directional control of stability
Wankel engine
A rotary Internal combustion engine invented by Felix Wankel (1902-1988). It consists of an equilateral triangular member with curved sides orbiting about an Eccentric on a shaft inside a stationary Housing whose inner working surface is in the shape of an Epitrochoid. The Rotor is in sliding contact with the Eccentric and imparts power to the eccentric shaft as a connecting rod does to a Crankshaft. With one-third of a rotor revolution per shaft revolution and a power impulse for each of the three rotor sides, the Wankel generates one power impulse per revolution per rotor--twice that of what the Four-cycle Piston engine produces. Thus it has become accepted practice to multiply the geometry Displacement of the Wankel by a factor of two for comparison with Otto-cycle piston engines. The Wankel's advantages include compact size, light weight and smooth operation because there are no Reciprocating parts. Its drawbacks include relatively high Exhaust emission, possible sealing problems and low Fuel economy. Mazda, however, has made significant improvements in all three areas.
Warding file
See
Key file
Warm Air
See
Furnace Central Warm Air
Warm Air Furnace
See
Central Warm Air Furnace
Warm up
1. To run an engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. The laps taken on the track prior to the race used to warm up the tires, transmission, engine fluids and other components of the race car before the start of the event.
Warm-up
The action of starting an engine and allowing it to idle until it reaches operating temperature before driving away.
Warm-up control unit
A unit that produces the richer mixture needed for cold running and modulates fuel system pressure according to engine temperature; the unit includes an electrically heated thermostatic spring, which reduces the force on a spring-loaded control diaphragm
Warm-up enrichment
A reduced enrichment of the air/fuel mixture following cranking and after-start enrichment. In the past, warming up an engine was thought to be good practice but now manufacturers recommend that motorists should drive off immediately, as this is the quickest way of heating up the engine and preventing oil being washed off the cylinder walls by partially burnt rich mixture (which causes engine wear)
Warm-up regulator
On Bosch CIS, the original name for the control-pressure regulator
Warning
See
Deflation warning system
Direction indicator warning light
Engine oil level warning light
Fluid level warning indicator
Handbrake warning light
Hazard warning switch
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Oil pressure warning light
Parkbrake warning light
Reversing warning signal
Warning Flasher
See
Hazard Warning Flasher
Warning indicator
See
Fluid level warning indicator
Level Warning Indicator
Warning lamp
A small lamp on the instrument panel that lights up if there is a problem
Warning light
A small lamp on the instrument panel that lights up if there is a problem.
Also See
Brake warning light
Check engine warning light
Coolant level warning light
Direction indicator warning light
Engine oil level warning light
Handbrake warning light
Oil pressure warning light
Parkbrake warning light
Seat belt warning light
Signal light warning light
SRS warning light
Warning light valve
A valve in the hydraulic circuits of a dual brake system that switches on a dash warning light when one system fails.
Warning signal
See
Reversing warning signal
Warning switch
See
Hazard warning switch
Pressure Differential Warning Switch
Warning Switch Assembly
See
Brake Fluid Level Warning Switch Assembly
Differential Pressure Warning Switch Assembly
Parking Brake Warning Switch Assembly
Warning system
See
Deflation warning system
Talking warning system
Warning tracks
1. The little ridges in the road that warn you of an upcoming tollbooth or another lane. Sometimes called wake-up bumps or Bot's Dots -- Mr. Bot got very rich off these.
2. A part of the race track which is off the main part of the section for driving.
Warning triangle
A triangular red safety reflector that should be carried on all vehicles and be placed at the side of the road to warn of an obstruction ahead, such as a broken-down vehicle
Warp
1. A bending or twisting out of shape.
2. Threads in cloth that run along the length of the material.
3. To bend or twist out of shape
Warranty
The promise made by both the vehicle manufacturer and the vehicle dealer to fix or replace parts on a new vehicle if there is a malfunction before a specific time or distance has elapsed. In some instances some manufacturers or dealers grant warranty even after the expiry of the designated time or distance. This is called good will warranty.
Also See
Anti-corrosion warranty
Good will warranty
Wash
See
Car wash
Window Wash
Washboard
A road surface which has a series of lateral grooves -- usually found on gravel roads and caused by water runoff. Also called corrugations
Washcoat
An oxide layer on the catalyst substrate which increases with the active surface area
Washer
A flat Disc with a hole in the center. It may be made of metal, rubber, plastic, or leather. It is often placed under a nut to even out pressure and prevent damage to the part on which it rests.
Also See
air washer
Bridge washer
Crush washer
Cup washer
Dish washer
Flat washer
Helical spring lock washer
Open washer
Protector washer
Slip Washer
Spacer Washer
Spring lock washer
Spring washer
Tab washer
Thrust washer
Windshield washer fluid
Windshield washer
Washer face
A circular rim or boss on the underside of the head of a bolt (i.e., the bearing surface) or on one side of a nut to give a flat surface for the bolt or nut to sit on. A smooth washer face takes away any burrs or imperfections caused by the manufacturing process.
Washer fluid
A fluid added to the water in the windshield washer and rear window washer reservoirs/bottles to improve the cleaning action and lower the freezing point.
Also see
Windshield washer fluid
Washer pump
See
Windshield washer pump
Wash/wipe
See
Headlight wash/wipe
Rear wash/wipe system
Wash/wipe switch
A switch on the instrument panel that operates the rear wash/wipe system
Wash/wipe system
See
Windshield wash/wipe system
Rear wash/wipe system
Waste
See
Biomass waste
Hazardous Wastes
Wastegate
See
Waste gate
Waste gate
A valve used to limit the boost developed in a turbocharger. A waste gate operates by allowing some of the engine's exhaust flow to bypass the turbocharger's Turbine section under certain conditions.
Also see
Electronically-controlled Wastegate
Waste materials
Otherwise discarded combustible materials that, when burned, produce energy for such purposes as space heating and electric power generation. The size of the waste may be reduced by shredders, grinders, or hammermills. Noncombustible materials, if any, may be removed. The waste may be dried and then burned, either alone or in combination with fossil fuels.
Waste oil
Petroleum-based materials that are worthless for any purpose other than fuel use.
Waste spark method
In distributorless ignition systems, dual-spark coils fire two spark plugs at the same time; one of these sparks is in a cylinder during its exhaust stroke, where the spark has no effect (waste spark); the other spark occurs in the cylinder near the end of the compression stroke
Waste tar
Petroleum-based materials that are worthless for any purpose other than fuel use.
Watchdog timer
A device that detects controller malfunction and initiates independent action to safely deactivate the equipment operated by the failed controller. The device accomplishes failure detection, by monitoring a periodic update signal from the controller, and activation, if this periodic signal does not occur within a specified time period.
Water
See
De-ionized water
Distilled water
Light Water
Sweet Water
Valve Water
Water bar
A diversion ditch and/or hump installed across a trail or road to divert runoff from the surface before the flow gains enough volume and velocity to cause soil movement and erosion, and deposit the runoff into a dispersion area. Water bars are most frequently used on retired roads, trails, and landings.
Water column
A reference term used in connection with a manometer
Water-cooled
An engine which is cooled by antifreeze in contrast with an air-cooled engine.
Water-cooled condenser
1. Heat exchanger designed to transfer heat from hot gaseous refrigerant to water.
2. Condensing unit which is cooled through use of water flow.
Water cooling system
The normal cooling system used on most cars and trucks to keep the temperature of the engine down to a desirable level; engine heat is removed via water acting as a coolant which surrounds the cylinders in a water jacket; the system typically includes water passages, coolant pump, thermostat, hoses, and radiator
Watercourse
A definite channel with bed and banks within which concentrated water flows continuously, frequently or infrequently.
Water defrosting
Use of water to melt ice and frost from evaporator during off-cycle.
Water extractor
See
Air transformer
Water fade
A delay in brake application caused by water contamination that reduces friction between the brake linings and drum or rotor.
Water gauge
A device, often a glass tube, which shows the level of water.
Water hammer
Noise generated by back pressure of water when a valve is closed.
Water injection
In an attempt to improve performance and allow the use of lower octane Gasoline, water injection was developed. The cooling of the water vapor charge suppresses Detonation. A small amount of water or alcohol-water fluid is injected into the Fuel-air mixture as it enters into the Carburetor. Theoretically, as the water evaporates it should cool the incoming charge which then becomes denser, leading to higher Volumetric efficiency. This in turn should lead to improvements in performance and Economy and allow the use of lower octane fuel because cooling of the charge suppresses Detonation.
Water jacket
1. The area around the Cylinder block and Head or Intake manifold that is left hollow so that water may be admitted for cooling. Also called cooling jacket.
2. Channels in the engine through which water and coolant circulate to cool the engine.
Also See
Cooling system.
Water jet cutter
A stream of water under great pressure (50,000 psi) which is controlled by a computer and is used to accurately cut plastic and fiberglass, etc.
Waterline
The line of the water's edge when the ship is afloat.
Also see
Load waterline
Water marking
Stains on the paintwork caused when a drop of water evaporates, leaving behind an outline of the drop
Water passage
A passage within the water jacket designed to prevent the formation of pockets of steam
Water pump
A device that circulates the liquid through the Cooling system by pumping it from the engine Water jackets to the Radiator. The pump is usually mounted at the front of the engine and is driven by a belt from a Pulley on the front end of the Crankshaft. Also called a coolant pump.
Water separator
A device found on diesel cars which removes any water that may have contaminated the diesel fuel.
Water splash
See
Salt water splash
Water spotting
Stains on the paintwork that occur when a drop of water evaporates from the painted surface and leaves a white spot behind.
Also see
Water-spotting.
Water-spotting
Drops of water that mar the Finish before it is thoroughly cured.
Water temperature gauge
A gauge on the instrument panel which indicates coolant temperature
Water turbine
A turbine that uses water pressure to rotate its blades; the primary types are the Pelton wheel, for high heads (pressure); the Francis turbine, for low to medium heads; and the Kaplan for a wide range of heads. Primarily used to power an electric generator.
Water valve
1. A shut-off valve, mechanically or vacuum operated, for stopping the flow of hot coolant to the heater.
2. In most water cooling units, a valve that provides a flow of water to cool the system while it is running.
Also see
Electric Water Valve
Pressure Water Valve
Thermostatic Water Valve
Water vapor
Water in a vaporous form, especially when below boiling temperature and diffused (e.g., in the atmosphere).
Waterways
See
International waterways
Watt
(W)
1. The international unit of measurement of power. One watt equals one Joule per second.
2. The unit of electrical power equal to one ampere under a pressure of one volt. A Watt is equal to 1/746 horsepower.
Also see
Lumens Watt
Watt linkage
A Suspension Linkage which has three-bars to locate the De Dion or Live axle. There are two usual methods for arranging a Watt linkage Frame to pivot on axle Housing to frame or axle to pivot on frame to axle. In either arrangement, this link structure restrains all movement of the axle to a vertical plane.
Watts link
A device used to control side to side motion in a ladder bar, torque-tube, or 4-link rear suspension. A watts link has a pivot point in the center of the axle and a rod that runs to each side of the car. This design eliminate the side to side motion of a panhard rod.
Wave
See
Backward-wave tube
Bending Wave
Bow Wave
Carrier Wave
Pressure wave supercharger
Pressure wave
Quasi-longitudinal Wave
Quasi-optical Waves
Rectifier
Wave AC Current
See
AC current sine wave
Waveband
A series of wavelengths forming a group
Waveform
See
Bi-directional Waveform
Wave rectifier
See
Rectifier
Wave supercharger
See
Pressure wave supercharger
Wax
1. A substance resembling beeswax in appearance and character, and in general distinguished by its composition of esters and higher alcohols, and by its freedom from fatty acids; used for underbody sealing, cavity sealing, and paintwork care.
2. Ingredient in many lubricating oils which may separate from the oil if cooled enough.
3. A solid or semi-solid material at 25°C consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons obtained or derived from petroleum fractions, or through a Fischer-Tropsch type process, in which the straight chained paraffin series predominates. This includes all marketable wax, whether crude or refined, with a congealing point (ASTM D 938) between 80 (or 85) and 116°C and a maximum oil content (ASTM D 3235) of 50 weight percent.
4. To treat with wax.
Also See
Car wax
Hot wax
Microcrystalline Wax
Waxing
1. The formation of wax crystals in diesel fuel in freezing conditions, thus clogging the fuel filter and stopping the engine; avoided by the use of a fuel heater or fuel additives.
2. The application of a wax finish on the paint surface of a vehicle to preserve the paint and maintain its beauty
Wax injection
The injection of corrosion-inhibiting wax into car body cavities
Wax lancing
The injection of corrosion-inhibiting wax into car body cavities
Wax-type thermostat
A thermostat in which the expansion of melting paraffin wax (in a rigid cylinder) deforms a molded rubber membrane and displaces a piston/pin from the cylinder; this has the advantage of being insensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations or to the pressure in the system
Way
See
Oil way
One way clutch
Way clutch
See
One way clutch
Ways
1. The machined abutments on which a sliding brake caliper rides
2. Special sliding surfaces machined into the anchor plate and caliper body where these parts of a sliding caliper make contact and move against one another.
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Xa"
• Xa
• Xe
• Xf
• Xl
• Xr
• Xt
• Xv
• Xy
X
Originally this letter indicated experimental vehicles, but later came to indicate an exotic or unusual vehicle.
Also See
Michelin X
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ya"
• Ya
• Yb
• Yc
• Ye
• Yi
• Yo
• Yp
• Yu
Y
A letter rating for tires to indicate that they are theoretically rated for speeds up to 300 kph (186 mph), as in P220YR15.The next higher rating is Z and the one lower rating is W
Yamaha
Click image for books on
Yamaha
A Japanese motorcycle manufacturer
Yard
See
Breaker's yard
Scrap yard
Yard Horse
A tractor for moving trailers short distances in a truck yard or terminal compound. Also called switching tractor, yard tractor, trailer spotter, yard dog, and linehauler. Equipment is manufactured and sold for such exclusively off-road use, but sometimes old, spare, or unroadworthy tractors are used.
Yarding
Method of transport from harvest area to storage landing.
Yard Jockey
A person who operates a Yard tractor
Yard Mule
Special tractor used to move trailers around a terminal, warehouse, distribution center, etc. Also called a Yard Tractor
Yard sale
A bicycle term borrowed from skiing where a serious crash leaves all your various wares -- water bottles, pump, tool bag, etc. -- scattered as if on display for sale.
Yardstick
Trucker slang for Mile markers on the road side as in "There's a smokey advertising at the 75 yardstick."
Yard Tractor
Special tractor used to move trailers around a terminal, warehouse, distribution center, etc. Also called a Yard Mule
Yarn
See
Ballooning Of Yarn
Yaw
The rotation about a vertical axis that passes through the car's center of gravity.
Yaw acceleration
A steady increase in the yaw angle
Yaw angle
The angle of deviation between a vehicle's longitudinal axis and its true direction of motion, i.e., the difference between the direction a vehicle is pointing when cornering and the direction in which it is actually moving
DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Za"
• Za
• Ze
• Zf
• Zi
• Zo
• Zv
Z
1. A letter rating for tires to indicate that they are theoretically rated for speeds over 300 kph (186 mph), as in P245/50ZR16. There is no higher rating, but the one lower rating is Y
2. The symbol for Impedance
Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen
See
ZF
ZAP
See
AIA-ZAP
Z-axle
A rear axle introduced with the BMW Z1 in 1988, consisting of a trailing arm, one upper lateral link, one lower diagonal link, and a coil spring at each side; also included is an anti-roll bar
Source: http://teacherweb.com/ON/JohnMcGregorSecondarySchool/LearningandEnrichmentCentre/DICTIONARYOFAUTOMOTIVETERMS2.doc
Web site to visit: http://teacherweb.com
Author of the text: indicated on the source document of the above text
If you are the author of the text above and you not agree to share your knowledge for teaching, research, scholarship (for fair use as indicated in the United States copyrigh low) please send us an e-mail and we will remove your text quickly. Fair use is a limitation and exception to the exclusive right granted by copyright law to the author of a creative work. In United States copyright law, fair use is a doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without acquiring permission from the rights holders. Examples of fair use include commentary, search engines, criticism, news reporting, research, teaching, library archiving and scholarship. It provides for the legal, unlicensed citation or incorporation of copyrighted material in another author's work under a four-factor balancing test. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use)
The information of medicine and health contained in the site are of a general nature and purpose which is purely informative and for this reason may not replace in any case, the council of a doctor or a qualified entity legally to the profession.
The texts are the property of their respective authors and we thank them for giving us the opportunity to share for free to students, teachers and users of the Web their texts will used only for illustrative educational and scientific purposes only.
All the information in our site are given for nonprofit educational purposes