Sample Review Questions:
1. A possible cause of low oil pressure could be:
a. Worn oil pump
b. Worn engine bearings
c. Bad oil pressure sending unit
d. Any of the above
2. A “timing chain set” typically includes:
a. New timing chain and camshaft gear
b. New timing chain and crankshaft gear
c. New timing chain, camshaft and crankshaft gears
d. New timing chain and gaskets
3. All of the following statements about timing belts are true EXCEPT:
a. Timing belts usually stretch with age
b. A broken timing belt can damage valves in an interference engine
c. Timing belts should be replaced at a recommended mileage interval to reduce the risk of belt failure
d. Replacement timing belt must be the same length as the original
4. Detonation (spark knock) can damage which of the following engine parts?
a. Piston rings and pistons
b. Head gasket
c. Connecting rod bearings
d. Any of the above
ANSWER KEY
1D, 2C, 3A, 4D
EXPLANATIONS:
1.
The oil pump pulls oil from the oil pan to lubricate the engine. The
pump may be mounted in the crankcase and driven off the distributor, or
mounted inside the front timing cover and driven off the crankshaft.
Worn pump gears or an obstructed pickup screen can cause low oil
pressure.
The clearance between the crankshaft main and rod
bearings and the crank journals can reduce oil pressure if the
assembled clearance is too great, or the bearings are worn.
The
oil pressure sending unit is mounted on the engine, and sends an oil
pressure signal to the instrument panel or oil pressure gauge. A faulty
sending unit may cause low readings.
2. A steel timing chain,
rubber timing belt or timing gears are used to drive the camshaft(s).
In engines with timing chains, there is a small drive sprocket on the
crankshaft, and a larger sprocket on the end of the camshaft. The teeth
on the sprockets can wear as the engine accumulates miles, and the
chain may stretch, causing retarded ignition and valve timing as well
as noise. So all three components should be replaced at the same time.
Timing sets include a new chain and both sprockets. On OHC engines, the
kit may also include new chain guides. Gaskets are sold separately in a
gasket timing set.
3. Rubber timing belts are used on many
overhead cam engines because they are quieter (and cheaper) than
chains. Reinforcing cords inside the belt prevent it from stretching,
but the rubber belt can flake and crack with age. The recommended
replacement interval on many older engines is 60,000 miles, or 100,000
miles on late model engines.
A timing belt failure on an
interference engine can bend valves, but should not cause any valve
damage on engines that have adequate clearance between the valves and
pistons.
A replacement timing belt must be the exact same length
as the original, with the same number and type of teeth. A timing belt
kit may include new idler/tensioner pulleys. Drive pulleys are usually
not replaced unless worn or damaged.
4. Detonation (spark knock)
is an erratic form of combustion that produces hammer-like blows on the
pistons. The sharp rise in combustion pressure can crack pistons and
rings, crush rod bearings, and crack combustion chamber armor on head
gaskets. The underlying cause of the detonation problem should be
diagnosed and repaired before parts are replaced to prevent a repeat
failure.
Common causes include engine overheating, defective
EGR system, defective knock sensor, carbon buildup in combustion
chambers or low octane gasoline.
Sections covered:
Automatic Transmission
Batteries
Brakes
Cooling System
Drivetrain
Emissions
Engine Mechanical Parts
Exhaust
Fuel System
HVAC
Gaskets
Ignition System
Manual Transmission
Suspension and Steering
Management