30 Questions
What is the main power source for ancillary functions in an engine?
Crankshaft
Why does starting the engine, particularly from cold, make the heaviest demand on the battery?
To overcome the inertia of the engine
What component boosts the low voltage from the battery to a very high voltage of about 30,000 to produce the timed electric spark?
Ignition coil
Which component ensures that the battery receives the correct amount of current necessary to keep it fully charged?
Charging circuit
What is used to rotate the crankshaft at a high speed to initiate the four-stroke cycle and start the engine?
Starter motor
What component induces high-tension (HT) voltage in the coil?
Secondary winding
How is the petrol pump in a car engine typically operated?
By a mechanical off-centre disc
What is responsible for circulating water through the cooling passages of a water-cooled car engine?
Water pump
What is the function of the oil pump in an engine lubrication system?
Pressurizing oil for lubrication
Which part controls the pressure in the oil pump?
Relief valve
What type of oil pump creates pressure at the point where gears mesh?
Gear-type oil pump
What kind of filter element is commonly used to trap sludge and debris in the sump?
Resin-impregnated pleated paper
What is needed to ignite the air-and-fuel mixture in an engine?
A timed electric spark
What is the main power source for ancillary functions in an engine?
Crankshaft
Why does starting the car from cold make the heaviest demand on the battery?
To overcome the inertia of the engine
How is charging accomplished in a car battery?
Via a generator driven by the crankshaft
What component controls the output of the generator to ensure correct battery charging?
Charging circuit
Which function does the ignition coil serve in an engine?
Inducing high tension voltage
What purpose does the alternator serve in a car engine?
Charging the battery
What equipment demands a high current supply from the car battery?
Flashers and lights
What is used to rotate the crankshaft at high speed during engine start-up?
Starter motor
What reduces friction in an engine?
Lubrication
In an engine, what is the purpose of the oil pump?
Pressurize oil for engine lubrication
What type of pump is used in a water-cooled car to circulate water through the cooling passages of the engine?
Water pump
How is the oil filtered in an engine lubrication system to remove sludge and abrasive particles?
Resin-impregnated, pleated paper filter
Which component induces high-tension (HT) voltage in the coil by collapsing the low-tension current circuit?
Contact-breaker points in the distributor
What creates pressure in a gear-type oil pump at the point where gears mesh?
Meshing gears
What boosts the low-tension (LT) voltage passing through the primary winding in an engine coil?
Distributor
Which part of an engine lubrication system works directly from the crankshaft or camshaft to pressurize oil for lubrication?
Oil pump
What component feeds high-tension voltage to each spark plug at the correct time in a car engine?
Distributor
Study Notes
Engine Components and Functions
- An engine requires a controlled fuel supply, timed electric spark, heat dispersion, and lubrication to reduce friction.
- The crankshaft is the main power source for these functions, operated through gears, sprockets, or pulley-driven chains or belts.
Starting the Engine
- A powerful electric motor connected to the battery starts the engine by rotating the crankshaft.
- Starting the engine, especially from cold, makes the heaviest demand on the battery.
- The battery requires constant replenishing to maintain its 12-volt charge.
Charging the Battery
- A generator (dynamo or alternator) driven by the crankshaft charges the battery.
- The charging circuit ensures the battery receives the correct amount of current to stay fully charged.
Producing the Spark
- The ignition coil boosts the low voltage from the battery to a high voltage (around 30,000) to ignite the fuel mixture.
- The distributor feeds the high-tension voltage to each spark plug in turn at the correct time.
- The spark plug ignites the air and fuel mixture with a gap between its two electrodes.
Driving the Pumps
- The petrol pump is either mechanically operated by the engine camshaft or electrically operated remotely.
- The water pump, driven by a pulley on the crankshaft, circulates water through the engine's cooling passages.
- The oil pump, driven directly by the crankshaft or camshaft, pressurizes oil for engine lubrication.
Lubrication System
- Oil from the pump passes through passages in the crankshaft, block, and camshaft bearings to minimize friction.
- The oil is circulated under pressure at a rate of several gallons per minute.
- A relief valve controls pressure, and if it drops, the moving parts of the engine wear rapidly.
Oil Pump Types
- There are two basic types of oil pumps: rotor-type and gear-type.
- In a gear-type pump, oil pressure is created where the gears mesh.
- In a rotor-type pump, pressure is created between the inner and outer rotors.
- The pump may be mounted internally or externally.
Learn about the essential components and functions required for starting and running an engine, including fuel supply, electric spark ignition, heat dispersal, and lubrication. Understand the role of the crankshaft and mechanically driven components in generating power for the engine.
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