Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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 Aarm is attached to the wheel assembly. In this way, the
wheel can freely move up and down. Sometimes there
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 nonvolatile 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
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 finaldrive 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
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.
See
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.
See
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 lightmodulating 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
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
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
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
Air
Box
Horn
See
Baffle
baffle
Flue
gas
Load-Bearing
Flue
Gas
Non-Load-Bearing Flue Gas Baffle
baffle
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
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 singlephase 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
See
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
Balanced engine
See
See
Crawling
Balk ring
used
in
see
spring
bearing
joint
arm
ball
spring
Ball
ball
joint
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 casehardened metals. Heavier examples allow a large base
plate to be placed under a supporting column in a jackup 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.
Ball Joint
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
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
See
See
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
See
Bar
1. A unit of pressure. One bar equals 100 kilopascals
(10 5Pa) or 750.07mm of mercury at 0C and
latitude 45 or about 14.5 psi.
2. A rod.
see
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
Bar
bars
bars
bar
clamp
bar
bar
bar
bar
bar
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., busbars 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 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 eyepiece 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
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
Carburetor
Four barrel carburetor
See
barrel
See
see
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 springsuspended 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.
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
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 soundreproducing 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 audiofrequency 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
charge.
to
the
charge.
Also
called
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
Anodizing
Galvanizing
See
bath
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
battens
Energy
Flat
Gel
cell
High
energy
Isolate
the
Lead-acid
Lead
Acid
Rechargeable
Low-maintenance
Low
Maintenance-free
Ni-cad
Rechargeable
Primary
Rechargeable
Secondary
Sodium-Sulfur
Storage
Top up the battery Wet Cell Battery
Battery
battery
battery
battery
battery
battery
Battery
battery
battery
battery
Battery
battery
battery
battery
battery
battery
Battery acid
Electrolyte (usually sulfuric acid) in each of the battery
cells.
Battery acid tester
Battery Tester
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, 12volt batteries have six cells.
Battery case
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
see
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
Battery acid tester
see
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
Bayonet Cap
see
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
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
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
STS-V (2006-current)
XLR (2004-current)
XLR-V (2006-current)
Cadmium cell
A reference voltage standard, giving 1.0186 V at 20C.
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,
see
See
cage
cage
roll
See
cage
cage
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 - -10C) 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
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
Brake
Floating
Fixed
Four
Low-drag
Single-piston
Sliding
caliper
Piston
disc
See
caliper
brake
Caliper
Caliper
Caliper
Caliper
Caliper
Pin
slider
Swinging caliper
caliper
disc
brake
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
Dial
Digital
Inside
Inside
Machinists'
Outside
Outside
spring
spring
See
caliper
caliper
Caliper
caliper
caliper
Caliper
caliper
Pocket
Pocket
Vernier caliper
slide
caliper
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
Also
Camshaft
See
overhead
idle
Overhead
See
cam
Cams
Cam
Cam
cam
cam
cam
cam
Cam
cam
cam
Cam
cam
cam
Cam
Cam
Cam
cam
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
Camelbak
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 eggshaped 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
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
Folding
camping
Soft-top
Hard-top
Trailer
Cam profile
The shape of each lobe on a Camshaft. These
determine when the valves open or close.
Cam pulley holder
See
trailer
trailer
trailer
shapes
securing
are
Cam/rocker
See
Opening cam/rocker
Cam/rocker
the
camshaft
being
when other
made.
See
Opening cam/rocker
Cam roller
Rotating wheel acting as a cam follower
Camry
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
See
Can
Can
air
air
See
cap
cap
cap
cap
cap
cap
cap
nut
cap
cap
cap
cap
cap
cap
cap
Cap
cap
Cap
nut
cap
cap
cost
cap
Cap
nut
caps
cap
cap
Cap
cap
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
Farad
Capacitance bridge
An ac bridge network
capacitance.
See
for
the
measurement
of
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 allelectronic 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
See
capacitor
Capacitor
Capacitor
Capacitor
Capacitor
capacitor
system
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.
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
Net cap cost
cost
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
Outer cap nut
cap
nut
Capping
1. Installing a new tread on a tire carcass.
Also
Retread.
See
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
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
49-state
Bubble
Champ
City
Classic
Collector
Compact
Company
Competition
Concept
Cult
Cycle
See
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
Donor
Dream
Edwardian
Electric
Estate
Executive
Family
Fleet
Formula
Forty-nine
Full-size
Funny
Ghost
Hybrid
Intermediate
Kit
Large
Luxury
Mass-produced
Mid-size
Milestone
Milestone
Motor
Multi-storey
New
Open
Pace
Parts
Passenger
Passenger
Pony
Production
Program
Recycling
Shopping
Solar
Sports
Stock
state
Passenger
Car
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
car
Car
car
car
car
Car
car
car
car
Car
car
car
car
Society
cars
car
park
dealer
car
car
car
wheel
car
car
car
cars
car
car
car
car
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.
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
Two-stage
Updraft
Variable-venturi
Weber Carburetor
carburetor
carburetor
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
1. A carburizing flame in welding terms is an oxygenfuel 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
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
Also
See
Multi-storey car park
Carpeting
The action of covering the passenger compartment
floor (and sometimes the trunk floor) with a formfitting 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
Hackney
Invalid-carriages
Carriage bolt
Carriage Bolt
see
Carriage
See
See
Wheel
See
Carrier
carriers
Carrier
carrier
carrier
bearing
Carrier
carrier
carrier
Carrier
Carrier
Carrier
carrier
carrier
Carrier
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
See
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 voltagemultiplying 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
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
Cast
Casting
Die cast
Cast Aluminum wheel
See
iron
castle
battlement
e.g., a
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
See
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
Negative
See
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
casting
See
Casting
casting
process
castings
casting
casting
Casting
see
Cast-iron
cast-iron
iron
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
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
Dual-bed
catalytic
Lean
burn
Mini
catalytic
Open-loop
catalytic
Pellet-type
catalytic
Primary
catalytic
Single-bed
3-way
catalytic
Three-way catalytic converter
See
converter
engine
converter
converter
converter
converter
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
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
D
1. Abbreviation for diesel.
2. Abbreviation for drive.
Daewoo
A South Korean automobile manufacturer which
produced Lanos (1999-2002), Nubira (1999-2002),
Leganza (1999-2002).
Dagmar
Daihatsu
Daihatsu
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
Gas
Harmonic
Mass
Piston
Pulsation
Steering
Torsional
Vibration damper
vibration
See
damper
balancer
damper
damper
damper
damper
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
Dazzle mirror
See
Dimming mirror
E
Abbreviation for Economy Gear
E10
See
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 selfleveling 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
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
weld
face
face
attachment
face
face
See
face
face
face
face
helmet
panel
face
seal
Face
helmet
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
Lock facing
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
Intercoat
Secondary failure
adhesion
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
FAK
Acronym for Freight of All Kinds describing mixed
general freight in the back of a truck or trailer.
Also
see
LTL
Falcon
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.
See
Fan
Fan
fan
Fan
fan
fan
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
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
Lift-the-dot
Nylon
Snap fastener
Fastener length
See
Length of Fastener
Fast food freezing
Method that uses liquid nitrogen or carbon
turn fresh food into long lasting frozen food.
See
fastener
fastener
dioxide to
It is often
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
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
See
gap
plug
2. The
distance between
Breaker points.
the
points
Also
Point gap.
in
contact
See
breaker
ring
end
See
gap
Gap
gap
Gap
Gap
gap
gap
gap
gap
gap
gap
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.
See
welding
gas
petrol.
Also
Unleaded gas
See
Also
Bottled
Compressed
Oxygen-LP
Oxyhydrogen gas
See
gas
gas
flame
natural
gas
Also
Exhaust
End
Exhaust
gas
See
emissions.
gas
recirculation
Exhaust
Exhaust
Exhaust
Raw
Spent gas
gas
gas
purification
exhaust
analyzer
system
gas
gas
See
pedal
pedal
see
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gases
Gas
Gases
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gases
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Noncondensable
Nonhydrocarbon
Non-Methane
Organic
Processed
Radiatively
Active
Refinery
Reformate
Residual
Exhaust
Residue
Salable
Natural
Sour
Still
Sweet
Synthetic
Natural
Unprocessed
Vent
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
Gases
Gases
Gas
Gases
Gas
Gas
Gases
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gases
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
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
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
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
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.
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
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
Ammeter
Auxiliary
Boost
Bowden
Fuel
Gas
Hydrostatic
In-dash
Low-pressure
Low
Side
Oil
Oil
level
Oil
pressure
Oil
temperature
Outdoor
Temperature
Outside
temperature
Pounds
Per
Square
Inch
Temperature
Turbo
Vacuum
Voltmeter
Water temperature gauge
2. A
See
Gauge
gauge
Gauge
gauge
gauge
Gauge
gauge
Gauge
Gauge
gauge
gauge
gauge
gauge
Gauge
gauge
Gauge
gauge
gauge
gauge
Also
Adjusting
B
&
S
Beta
Thickness
Birmingham
Birmingham
Wire
Bridge
Standard
Wire
Broad
Brown
and
Sharpe
Buckley
Caliper
Compression
Compression
Depth
Dial
Disc
brake
Draft
Feeler
Frame
High-pressure
Ignition
Micron
Pressure
Screw
pitch
Sighting
point
Spark
plug
Step
Feeler
Throttle
Tire
Tire
pressure
Tram
Tread
depth
Vernier
Wheel alignment gauge
3. A measurement of tubing.
Wire
See
gauge
gauge
Gauge
Gauge
Gauge
Gauge
Gauge
Gauge
Gauge
Gauge
gauge
gauge
tester
gauge
gauge
gauge
Gauge
gauge
gauge
Gauge
gauge
Gauge
Gauge
gauge
gauge
gauge
Gauge
gauge
gauge
gauge
gauge
gauge
gauge
Also
Plain gauge tubing
See
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. Systme International (SI) symbol for Henry
3. Symbol for Hydrogen
H2O
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
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
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 reversecrowned 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
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
peen
pien
See
hammer
Hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
Hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
Copper-faced
Curved
pein
and
finishing
Fender
bumping
Finish
Grooving
Machinists'
Nail
Nylon
Panel
Peen
Pein
Pick
and
finishing
Pick
Planishing
Prospector's
Reverse
curve
panel
Ripping
Riveting
Rotary
Rubber
Shingler's
Shrinking
Sledge
Slide
Soft
face
Tack
Tile
setter
Tinner's
Two-way
Water
Welding
Wide-nose
peen
Wing
bumping
Wood mallet
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
pick
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
mallet
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
Hammer
hammer
hammer
hammer
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
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
Boot
Brake
Door
Drive
File
See
handle
Handle
handle
handle
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
Ape
Bridge
Derailleur
Dropout
Replaceable
Spring Hanger
Hanger Bolt
Derailleur
See
Hangers
Hanger
Hanger
hanger
Hanger
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
Strain
Work hardened
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
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
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 fourcylinder 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
See
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
Liftback station wagon
hatchback
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
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
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
Mark
Mark
cars.
cars.
cars.
Jaguar XJ
Japanese Motorcycle
See
Universal Japanese Motorcycle
JAS
Acronym for Jet Air System: (Mitsubishi)
Javelin
Jaw
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
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
Bill of lading
See
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 nonconducting 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= (looks like A without the cross bar), lower
case= (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
See
Laminate
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
Arc
driving
discharge
discharge
retractor
indicator
Sodium
See
Lamp
lamp
Lamp
Lamp
lamp
lamp
lamp
lamp
lamp
lamp
Lamp
lamp
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
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 nonfunctional.
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 (199497), 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
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
Pace
Turn a lap
Lap belt
See
lap
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
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
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
see
screw
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
Alnico
Ball-ended
Bar
See
magnet
Magnet
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.
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 pickups 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.
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
Four
Bolt
Two Bolt Main
Main bar
Main
Main
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
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
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
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
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
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
Brake
master
See
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
seat
See
mat
mat
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
Polycyclic
Organic
Total
Particulate
Volatile Matter
Matrix
That portion of the mold which surrounds
transferring heat to the uncured rubber and
the tread pattern.
Matt
A dull, not shiny, paint finish. Also spelled mat
Maxima
matter
Matter
Matter
the tire
forming
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 50C and 204C. Used primarily as paint
solvent, cleaning fluid, and blendstock in Gasoline
Nash
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.
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
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
see
Packard
See
Glass
Steel pack muffler
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
See
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
paint
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
A-panel
Access
Aperture
Back
Body
Bonnet
Closing
Cluster
Corner
Cowl
Cowl
Dashboard
Dash
Deck
Door
See
landing
side
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
Front
Full
Grille
Grille
Header
Headlight
High
Hinge
Hood
Inner
Instrument
Kick
Lamp
Low
Lower
Manual
Off-the-dolly
On-the-dolly
Parent
Patch
Pattern
Pressed
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Radiator
Rear
Rear
Rear
Rear
Replacement
Rocker
Roof
Scuttle
Scuttle
Seat
Shelf
Side
face
mounting
crown
landing
fender
crown
Back
panel
panel
panel
light
filler
window
filler
support
corner
deck
Quarter
side
bumper
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panels
panel
panel
panel
panel
Panel
cutter
beating
beating
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
Panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
panel
well
panel
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
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
Parabolic dish
A high-temperature (above 82C) 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 82C) 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
general formula CnH2n+2.
compounds
with
the
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
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
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.
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
Bypass
Passage
See
Lateral
see
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 Jflange. 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
paste
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 nonreflectorized, 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
Interior payload
Payment
See
Monthly payment
see
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
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 -40.5C 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 R115.
R-503
Refrigerant which is azeotropic mixture of R-23 and R13.
R-504
Refrigerant which is azeotropic mixture of R-32 and R115.
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
Ball
Bearing
Drag
Inner
Race camshaft
See
Race
race
race
Race
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
See
Rack
Rack
rack
rack
Steering
Trunk rack
Rack and pinion
See
Rack and pinion gearbox.
Rack and pinion gearbox
rack
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
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 crisscross 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
Radial tire
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 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
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-enAutomobiel 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
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
Randonne
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
Product
Rev
Spark
Plug
Tack Range
Range-change
The transfer gearbox lever
Also
Auxiliary gearbox.
Range gearbox
See
High/low range gearbox.
Range gearing
See
Wide range gearing.
Range reserve
See
Heat range reserve.
Range Rover
Heat
range
range
Range
see
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
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
see
saddle
saddle
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
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)
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.
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
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
02), SC2 (1993-2002), SKY (2007-current), SL (19912002), 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"
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 velocitysensing 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
Using the car radio speakers, this microprocessorbased 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
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
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
Bottoming
Die
Drain
Pressure
Spark Plug Insert Tap
See
Tap
tap
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 semipermanent 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
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
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
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 ReceiverTransmitter
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
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;
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
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
Vacuum transducer
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
Change
Check
Closed
Type
Check
Choke
Combination
Compensator
Control
Delay
Delivery
Diaphragm
Type
Diaphragm
Differential
Pressure
Discharge
Disc
Diverter
Dropped
Dump
EAC
EAS
Economizer
EGR
Electric
air
control
Electric
air
switching
Electric
Water
Electronic
Air
Control
Electronic
Egr
Emergency
Exhaust
valve
Exhaust
Expansion
Flapper
Float
Follow-up-type
Four
Frequency
French
Fuel
injector
Valve
valve
valve
Valve
valve
valve
valve
valve
valve
valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
valve
valve
valve
valve
valve
Valve
Valve
valve
valve
valve
valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
opens
valve
valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
valve
valve
Valve
nozzle
Fuel
Tank
Vapor
Gas
Governor
Gulp
Hairpin
valve
Hand
Lapped
Heat
control
High
pressure
relief
High-side
Service
High
Side
Service
Hold-off
Hot
Water
Vacuum
Hydraulic
valve
Idle
Air
Control
Idle
stop
Idle
Vacuum
Inlet
Intake
valve
Intake
valve
Intake
Integral Backpressure Transducer EGR
Kickdown
King
Kneuter
Lambda
Latching
Type
Liquid
Receiver
Service
Load
Sensing
Proportioning
Load-sensitive
proportioning
Low-side
Float
Low-side
Service
Lubricated
Plug
Manifold
Control
Manifold
heat
control
Manual
Metering
Modulating
Modulator
Valve
Valve
valve
valve
spring
Valves
valve
valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
lifter
Valve
valve
Valve
valve
closes
opens
valve
Valve
valve
Valve
valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
valve
valve
valve
Valve
valve
Motor
Needle
Point
Needle
Oil
Control
Orifice
Oil
cooler
bypass
Oil
drain
Oil
filter
bypass
Open
Type
Check
Operating
Overhead
Overrun
control
Oversize
valve
Parallel
PCV
Petcock
Pilot
Operated
Absolute
Pilot
POA
Suction
Throttling
Pop-off
Poppet
Ported
EGR
Positive
Crankcase
Ventilation
Power
Pressure
Differential
Pressure
limiting
Pressure-operated
Altitude
Pressure
regulating
Pressure
regulator
Pressure
relief
Pressure
Water
Presta
Primary
Progressive
valve
Progressively
wound
valve
Proportioning
Pulse
Width
Modulation
Purge
Control
Quick
take-up
Valve
Valve
valve
Valve
valve
valve
valve
Valve
Valve
valves
valve
guide
valves
valve
Valve
Valve
Valve
valve
valve
Valve
Valve
valve
Valve
valve
Valve
valve
valve
valve
Valve
valve
valve
spring
spring
valve
Valve
Valve
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
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 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.
Van lift
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 oldcar 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
Reid Vapor Pressure
Vapor pressure curve
see
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, mediumspeed, 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 crosssectional 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
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
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.
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
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.
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 25C consisting
of a mixture of hydrocarbons obtained or derived
from petroleum fractions, or through a FischerTropsch 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 116C 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.
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
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