DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ca"


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
CA
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.
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
Acronym for Civil Aeronautics Board
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
Cabover
Chassis cab
Cabbage
Trucker slang for a long steep incline in Eastern Oregon as in "I jammed the brakes pullin' off of Cabbage"
Cab chassis
A truck Chassis which includes the driver compartment.
Cab-forward design
A car design in which the front end is short and the footwells extended to the front axle. This design gave more passenger space and pushed the windshield further from the passengers
Cabin
A passenger compartment.
Also See
Rear cabin pillar
Cabin altitude
The normal pressure altitude maintained in the cabin of a pressurized aircraft.
Cabin blower
An engine-driven pump, usually of displacement type, for maintaining an aircraft cockpit or cabin above atmospheric pressure. Also called cabin supercharger.
Cabin differential pressure
The pressure in excess of that of the surrounding atmosphere which is needed to maintain comfortable conditions at high altitude. For an aircraft flying at 9000m this differential would be about 60 kNm-2.
Cabin forward
See
Cab-forward design
Cabin-forward design
See
Cab-forward design
Cabin pillar
See
Rear cabin pillar
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
Booster cable
Bowden cable
Brake cable
Clutch cable
Control cable
Gearchange cables
Heavy cable
Ignition cable
Jumper cables
Light cable
Shift cables
Spark plug cable
Speedo cable
Speedometer cable
Speedometer drive cable
Starter switch control cable
Stirrup cable
Straddle cable
Transverse 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

Cable Cutter

A tool for severing a cable.

Cable ducts
Earthenware, steel, plastic, or concrete pipes containing cables.
Cable end
A small aluminum or plastic cap installed on the ends of bicycle brake and shift inner cables to keep them from fraying; also known as a cable crimp. The outer cable sheath end is protected from fraying by a Ferrule
Cable form
The normal scheme of cabling between units of apparatus. The bulk of the cable is made up on a board, using nails at the appropriate corners, each wire of the specified color identification being stretched over its individual route with adequate Skinner. When the cable is bound with twine and waxed, it is fitted to the apparatus on the racks and the skinners connected, by soldering, to the Tag blocks.
Cable grip
A flexible cone of wire which is put on the end of a cable. When the cone is pulled, it tightens and bites into the sheath of the cable, and can be used to pull the cable into a duct.
Cable guide
A tube which is secured in place to channel the cable which runs through it
Cable-laid rope
A rope formed of several strands laid together so that the twist of the rope is in the opposite direction to the twist of the strands. Compare Lang lay
Cable lock
A thick cable with a lock at one end and which can be wrapped around a bicycle frame and a post to protect the bike from being stolen.
Cable loom
See
Spark plug cable loom
Cable marker
See
Spark plug cable marker
Cable operated
An item which is controlled by a cable
Cable railway
Means of transport whereby carriages are pulled up an incline by an endless overground or underground cable.
Cables
See
Cable
Cable separator
See
Spark plug cable separator
Cable-stayed bridge
A bridge type for medium spans in which the decking is suspended by diagonal cables attached directly to the supporting tower. Can be of fan or harp design. The decking is always in compression and is self-supporting during construction.
Also See
Bridge
Cable-way
A construction consisting of cables slung over and between two or more towers, so that skips suspended from the cables may be moved often over long distances. It is used for transport of ore etc. Also called blondin.
Cabover
Cabover truck

Cabover truck

A truck or tractor design in which the cab sits over the engine on the chassis. Also called Cab-over-engine
Cab-Over-Engine
(COE) A truck or tractor design in which the cab sits over the engine on the chassis. Also called cabover

Cab Plus
A type of pickup truck (by Mazda) which has a second row of seating; but unlike a Crew cab (which has four full size doors) it has a half-door that can be opened only after the main door is opened. The seating is usually a little more cramped than in a Crew cab. Also called Club Cab, Extended Cab, King Cab, Xtracab, Access Cab, Supercab
Cabriolet
Similar to the sport coupé, it has a provision for converting to an open-type body (i.e., Convertible). A Rumble seat is a common on older vehicles, but not mandatory feature. Mercedes-Benz distinguishes the cabriolet from the roadster in that the former has a soft-top which folds up while the roadster has a hard-top which is stored in the trunk. Also called a Drophead coupé.
CAC
Acronym for Charge Air Cooler
CACIS
Acronym for Continuous AC Ignition System
CAD
Acronym for computer aided design
Cadastral survey
Land survey, boundary delineation.
Caddy
An euphemistic name for Cadillac
Also See
Plug caddy
Cadence
The speed your bicycle pedals turn. Professional bicycle riders have cadence of over 100 rpm
Cadence braking
A braking method in which the driver rapidly depresses and releases the brake pedal to bring a vehicle to an emergency stop
Cadillac
Cadillac

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Cadillac

The following Cadillacs are classic cars For a history of Cadillac, see Cadillac History. Models include Allanté (1987-1993), Brougham (1985-1992), Calais (1965-1976), Castilian Station Wagon (1975-1976), Catera (1997-2001), Cimarron (1982-1988), commercial chassis (1935-83), Coupe de Ville (1949-93), CTS (2003-current), CTS-V (2004-current), DeVille (1949-2005), DTS (2006-current), Eldorado (1953-2002), Eldorado Biarritz (1956-64, 1976-91), Eldorado Brougham (1957-60), Eldorado Seville (1956-60), Escalade (1999-current), Escalade ESV (2003-current), Escalade EXT (2002-current), Fleetwood (1927-1996), Fleetwood Eldorado (1965-2003), Seventy-Five (1936-76), Seville (1975-2004), Sixty-one (1939-51), Sixty-Two (1940-64), Sixty Special (1938-1993), SRX (2004-current), STS (2005-current), STS-V (2006-current), XLR (2004-current), and XLR-V (2006-current)

Cadmium cell
A reference voltage standard, giving 1.0186 V at 20°C. Also called Weston standard cadmium cell.
Cadmium copper
A variety of copper containing 0.7 to 1.0% cadmium. Used for trolley, telephone, and telegraph wires because it gives high strength in cold-drawn condition combined with good conductivity.
Cadmium photocell
A photoconductive cell using cadmium disulfide or admium 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
Acronym for Computer Aided Engineering
Caesium
British spelling for Cesium
CAFE
Acronym for Corporate Average Fuel Economy. Under CAFE, which was enacted in 1975, a motor vehicle manufacturer must place its U.S. automobile and light truck fleet sales in one of two vehicle fleets, either domestic or import, for fuel economy averaging purposes.
Café chop
Converting a stock motorcycle into a café racer is known as doing a café chop on a bike
Café racer
  1. Motorcycle modified to resemble racing motorcycles from the 1950s and 60s. They are called café racers because their owners supposedly raced from café to café in London, where the bikes first appeared in the 1960s
  2. An early Sportbike motorcycle which originated in Europe. They had a low Windshield and the rider was bent forward to optimize the flow of air. Its name came from those who raced from one restaurant (café) to another.
Cage
  1. Any enclosure.
  2. On a front Derailleur of a Bicycle, it is a pair of parallel plates that push the Chain from side to side; on a rear Derailleur, it is a set of plates in which Pulleys are mounted to hold and guide the Chain from Cog to cog.
  3. Any device for holding or securing something, e.g., a bottle cage on a Bicycle.
  4. When referring to bearings, it is the part which holds the balls or Rollers in place. Usually called Ball cage.
    Also See
    Bearing cage
    Needle cage
    Roller cage
  5. When referring to a vehicle, it is the safety enclosure called a Roll cage.
    Also See
    Differential cage
    Integrated roll cage
    Multi-reed cage
  6. The platform on which goods are hoisted up or lowered down a vertical shaft or guides; in mines, the steel box used to raise and lower workers, materials, or tubs. May have two or three decks.
Cage pedal
Cage Pedal

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
A chemical (salt) which is added to water in a Liquid ballast.
Calcium sulfate
Chemical compound (Ca_SO4), which is used as a drying agent or desiccant in liquid line driers
Calcium tungstate screen
A fluorescent screen used in a cathode-ray tube; it gives a blue and ultraviolet luminescence.
Calculation
See
Load distribution calculation
Calendering
A thin layer of rubber inside the Tire casing which covers the carcass cords to protect them from moisture and to protect the tube from chafing by the cord body. In tubeless tires, calendering consists of a layer of air proof Butyl rubber.
Caliber
Also spelled calibre
  1. The internal diameter or bore of a pipe, esp. the barrel of a fire-arm.
  2. The arrangement of the various components of a watch or clock.
Calibrate
As applied to test instruments it is the procedure of adjusting the dial Needle to the correct zero or load setting to determine accurate measurements.
Calibrated airspeed
(CAS) Indicated airspeed corrected for Position error and instrument error only. Not to be confused with Equivalent airspeed or True airspeed. Also called rectified airspeed
Calibration
Marking the measuring units on an instrument or checking their accuracy
Calibration assembly
A memory module that plugs into an on-board computer and contains instructions for engine operation
Calibration oil
Oil which is used in a tester for checking injection nozzles, meeting SAE J967D specifications
Calibre
See
Caliber
California Air Resources Board
(CARB) The state agency that regulates the air quality in California. Air quality regulations established by CARB are often stricter than those set by the federal government.
California Low-Emission Vehicle Program
State requirement for automakers to produce vehicles with fewer emissions than current EPA standards. The five categories of California Low-Emission Vehicle Program standards from least to most stringent are TLEV, LEV, ULEV, SULEV, and ZEV.
California Pilot Program
Federal program, administered by the EPA under the Clean Air Act, which sets lower emission standards (relative to cars in the general U.S. market) for a set number of new passenger cars and light trucks sold in California. The program specified that at the beginning of 1996, there would be the sale of 150,000 clean vehicles in the state. Beginning in 1999, this was to increase to 300,000 annually. California must mandate availability of any fuel necessary to operate clean fuel vehicles.
California Power Exchange
A State-chartered, non-profit corporation which provides day-ahead and hour-ahead markets for energy and ancillary services in accordance with the power exchange tariff. The power exchange is a scheduling coordinator and is independent of both the independent system operator and all other market participants.
California wheel
A name given to a spoked wheel produced by particular manufacturer. Although the wheel is popular in the East and Midwest of United States, it is not common in California or other Western states.
Caliper
  1. Caliper

    Caliper

    The clamping device on Disc brakes which straddles the rotating disc and by hydraulic action it presses the pads against the disc to stop or slow the vehicle.
    Also See
    Brake caliper
    Floating caliper disc brake
    Pin slider caliper disc brake
    Swinging caliper

  2. Bicycle Caliper

    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

    Caliper

    (British spelling is calliper). An adjustable measuring tool that is placed around (Outside caliper) or within (Inside caliper) an object and adjusted until it just makes contact. It is then withdrawn and the distance measured between the contacting points.
    Also See
    Dial caliper
    Digital caliper
    Inside spring caliper
    Machinists' caliper
    Outside spring caliper
    Pocket caliper
    Pocket slide caliper
    Vernier caliper

Caliper disc
See
Floating caliper disc brake
Pin slider caliper disc brake
Caliper disc brake
See
Floating caliper disc brake
Pin slider caliper disc brake
Caliper gauge
A Caliper (definition #3)
Caliper mounting bracket
The component that connects a brake caliper to the steering knuckle, hub carrier, or rear axle
Calk
To fill seams in a wood deck with oakum or hammer the adjoining edges of metal together to stop leaks. Also spelled caulk
Calking
See
Caulking
Call
See
Close call
Calliper
Alternate spelling for Caliper
Cal-look
A style modification of small vehicles which first started in California. Most of the chrome is removed and the vehicle is painted a bright color like yellow, light blue, and red.
Calorescence
The absorption of radiation of a certain wavelength by a body, and its re-emission as radiation of shorter wavelength. The effect is familiar in the emission of visible rays by a body which has been heated to redness by focusing infrared heat rays onto it.
Calorie
Two different calorie units are used by scientists. The calorie used by medical science is a small heat unit. It equals the heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius. The calorie used by engineering science is a large heat unit. It is equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree C. In the SI system it is recommended that the Joule unit of energy be used in place of the calorie
Calorific value
A measure of heating value of fuel. Amount of heat produced by the complete combustion of a unit weight of fuel. Usually expressed in calories per gram or BTU's per pound, the latter being numerically 1.8 times the former.
Calorimeter
An instrument to measure amount of heat given off by a substance when burned
CAM
Acronym for Computer Aided Manufacturing
Cam
  1. A designed bump on a shaft or Disc which causes a rocking motion in an adjacent part.
    Also See
    Camshaft
  2. A metal Disc with irregularly shaped lobes used in the Camshaft to activate the opening and closing of the valves and in the Distributor, to force the points to open.
  3. A stepped or curved eccentric wheel mounted on a rotating shaft. As a cam is turned, objects in contact with it are raised or lowered.
  4. The triangular piece of metal that fits between the rollers on rollercam bicycle brakes and moves the brake arms when the brake lever is squeezed
  5. A colloquial name for the Camshaft.
  6. A name for the Breaker cam.

Also See
Adjuster cam
Closing cam
Distributor cam
Double overhead cam
Dual overhead cam engine
Exhaust cam
Fast idle cam
Floating cam
Inlet cam
Intake cam
Overhead cam
Single-overhead cam
Cam-and-lever steering
A steering system in which a conical peg mounted on a lever engages in a helically cut groove on a cylindrical drum. Also called cam-and-peg steering
Cam-and-peg steering
See
Cam-and-lever steering
Cam-and-roller steering
A steering system in which a tapered disc or a set of discs or rollers engage with a helically cut, tapered groove on a cylindrical drum
Cam angle
See
Dwell
Camaro
Camaro

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Camaro

A series of Pony cars from the Chevrolet division of General Motors produced from 1967 to 2002. It is often misspelled as Camero because of a mispronunciation. It should be pronounced ka-MAH-roh, not ka-MERR-oh. The 1967-69 SS/RS V-8 and Z-28 models are Milestone cars.
Cam belt
See
Timing belt
Camber
  1. The rise of a deck of a ship, Athwartship
  2. Camber

    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.
    Also See
    Wheel camber

Cambered axle
An axle that has a slight arch which curves upward at the center so that the wheels can tilt outward at the top. In this way it is better than an axle which might sag under load.
Camber thrust
The side force generated when a tire rolls with Camber. Camber thrust can add to or subtract from the side force a tire generates.
Cam bolt
A bolt fitted with an eccentric that will cause parts to change position when the bolt is turned.
Cam chain
A Timing chain which controls the overhead camshaft.
Cam design
See
Cam profile
Camel
A padded fender to keep a vessel away from a pier or quay to prevent damage to the hull or pier
Camelback
Uncured retread rubber in crescent shape, available in various widths and depths according to size and type of tire being retreaded.
Also See
Die size
Camelbak
Camelbak

Camelbak

A brand name for a hydration pack that fits on the back of a cyclist or hiker. It is filled with water and has a tube placed within reach for supplying water for the user.

Camel Grand Touring Prototype
(GTP) An International Motorsports Association's (IMSA) premier racing category until 1993 when it was replaced by the controlled cars World Sports Car Championship. GTP cars were the most powerful and the fastest on most road racing circuits in North America at that time. Over the years, many automakers fielded factory teams in this series including Ford, Toyota, Jaguar, Nissan, and Porsche.
Cam engine
See
Dual overhead cam engine
Twin cam engine
Camera
Trucker slang for Police radar unit as in "There's a local yokal with a camera just ahead."
Camero
See
Camaro
Cam face
The surface of a cam lobe
Cam follower
Tappet

Cam Follower

The unit that contacts the end of the Valve stem and the Camshaft. The follower rides on the Camshaft and when the Cam lobes move it upward, it opens the valve. Also called Valve lifter" or tappet.
Cam grind
  1. A type of brake shoe arcing that produces a lining thinner at its ends than at its center.
  2. The intake and exhaust timing of a particular cam profile.
Cam ground piston
See
Cam-ground piston
Cam-ground piston
A Piston with a Skirt that is ground slightly egg-shaped or oval-shaped. The widest diameter of the skirt is at right angles to the piston-pin axis. When it is heated, it becomes round. The design allows for a closer fit in the Cylinder so that there is a reduction of Blowby gas, cylinder scuffing, and Piston slap.
Cam heel
The lowest point of a cam opposite the lobe. Also called Base circle
Cam lobe
See
Cam lobes
Cam lobes
The bumps on a camshaft that contact and activate such devices as the Lifters, which operate the valves, and the Rubbing block, which causes the points to open and close, as the cam spins with the Distributor shaft.
Cam lubricator
A device, often in the form of a wick, for lubricating the contact breaker cam in the distributor
Campaigning
Racing a particular vehicle for an entire season.
Camper
Camper

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
Van camper

Camping
See
Folding camping trailer
Camping trailer
A trailer containing camping equipment.
Also See
Folding camping trailer
Soft-top trailer
Hard-top trailer
Trailer
Cam profile
The shape of each lobe on a Camshaft. These shapes determine when the valves open or close.
Cam pulley holder
Cam Pulley Holder

Click image to supersize
Cam Pulley Holder

A tool for securing the camshaft when other adjustments are being made.
Cam/rocker
See
Opening cam/rocker
Cam/rocker
See
Opening cam/rocker
Cam roller
Rotating wheel acting as a cam follower
Camry
Camry

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Camry

A model of automobile manufactured by Toyota

Camshaft
Camshaft

Camshaft

A shaft with Cam lobes (bumps) which is driven by gears, a belt, or a Chain from the Crankshaft. The lobes push on the Valve lifters to cause the valves to open and close. The camshaft turns at half the speed of the Crankshaft.
Also See
Double-overhead cam
Double overhead camshaft
Exhaust camshaft
Inlet camshaft
Intake camshaft
Overhead cam
Overhead camshaft
Race camshaft
Three-quarter race camshaft
Single-overhead camshaft
Twin camshaft
Twin overhead camshaft

Camshaft bearing
Usually a plain bearing which supports the camshaft
Camshaft drive
A connection between the crankshaft and camshaft by means of gears, chain, drive belt, shaft, or eccentric shaft to maintain the ratio of 12.
Camshaft drive belt
A Timing belt
Camshaft drive sprocket
A sprocket attached to a crankshaft (either at one end or somewhere in the middle) which drives the camshaft with the use of a chain
Camshaft end play
The amount of lateral movement of the camshaft once it is installed
Camshaft engine
See
Twin camshaft engine
Camshaft gear
A gear that is used to drive the Camshaft.
Camshaft housing
That part of the engine which encloses the camshaft and often other parts of the valve train.
Camshaft journal
That part of the camshaft that runs in one of its bearings
Camshaft position sensor
(CMP) A sensor that signals to the (ECU) the rotational position of the camshaft. This enables the computer to more precisely time the fuel injection and ignition system for faster starting of the engine.
Camshaft pulley
The pulley on the end of the camshaft for the camshaft drive belt
Camshaft sensor
  1. A sensor that signals to the (ECU) the rotational position of the camshaft. This enables the computer to more precisely time the fuel injection and ignition system for faster starting of the engine.
  2. A trigger device found on some distributorless ignition systems that synchronizes when the proper ignition coil should be fired.
Camshaft sprocket
The sprocket on the camshaft which (through a chain) is driven by the Camshaft drive sprocket
Camshaft timing
The relationship between the opening and closing of the valves and the movement of the pistons must be coordinated. The camshaft which operates the valves must therefore turn in relation to the crankshaft by means of a timing belt or timing chain.
Camshaft timing belt
The rubber belt that transfers power from the crankshaft to the camshaft to operate it. The belt must be installed so it maintains the relationship between the camshaft and crankshaft so the valves for each cylinder open and close at the right time for proper engine operation, a factor called camshaft timing
Camshaft timing chain
The metal chain that transfers power from the crankshaft to the camshaft to operate it. The chain must be installed so it maintains the relationship between the camshaft and crankshaft so the valves for each cylinder open and close at the right time for proper engine operation, a factor called camshaft timing
Can
  1. A tube in a canned motor pump which insulates the motor winding.
  2. A muffler.
  3. A container for liquid or other substances.
    Also See
    Oil can
Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) Implemented in January 1989 to eliminate all tariffs on U.S. and Canadian goods by January 1998 and to reduce or eliminate many non-tariff barriers.
Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council
(CARS) A not-for-profit organization established to serve the human resource and training needs of the Canadian car and truck repair and service industry.
Canadian cross border shopping
Cross border shopping describes the purchasing by Canadian consumers of products in the United States. Of particular interest is the decision by these buyers to obtain their products in the U.S., even though similar products are available in the Canadian market.
Canadian Deuterium Uranium Reactor
(CANDU) Uses heavy water or deuterium oxide (D2O), rather than light water (H2O), as the coolant and moderator. Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen that has a different neutron absorption spectrum from that of ordinary hydrogen. In a deuterium-moderated-reactor, fuel made from natural uranium (0.71 U-235) can sustain a chain reaction.
Canadian Environmental Protection Act
(CEPA) act where the goal is pollution prevention and protection of Canadians from toxic substances.
Canadian Gas Association
(CGA) A trade organization representing all segments of the gas industry in Canada. Founded in 1907, it specifically represents distributors, transmission companies, producers, pipeline contractors, manufacturers and allied service organizations. CGA set up a standards writing, inspection and product certification program in the mid 1950's at a time when natural gas was being extended to Eastern Canada and the West Coast. CGA has been accredited by the National Standards Council of Canada to prepare National Standards of Canada in the area of equipment for use with natural gas and propane.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
The organization that sets safety standards for electric motors and other electrical equipment used in Canada
Cancellation
See
Noise cancellation
Candela
(cd) A basic unit of luminous intensity. If, in a given direction, a source emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 x 1012 Hz, and the radiant intensity in that direction is 1/683 watt per Steradian, then the luminous intensity of the source is 1 candela.
Candle
See
Candle power.
Candle power
A measurement of the light producing ability of a light Bulb.
CANDU
Acronym for Canadian Deuterium Uranium Reactor
Candy apple paint
A bright color (usually red) paint (often with metal flakes) with a transparent clear coat
Candy paint
A bright color (usually red) paint (often with metal flakes) with a transparent clear coat
Candy store
An automobile dealership with lots of vehicle inventory.
Canister
A small metal box or can. Usually refers to a container in an emission control system that contains charcoal to trap fuel vapors from the fuel system
Also See
Activated carbon canister
Adsorption canister
Charcoal canister
Vapor canister
Canister air filter
A Centrifugal force air filter
Canister purge shut-off valve
(CPSOV) a vacuum-operated valve that shuts off canister purge when the air injection diverter valve dumps air downstream
Canister purge solenoid
An electrical solenoid that opens the canister purge valve between the fuel vapor canister line and the intake manifold when energized
Canister purge valve
Valve used to regulate the flow of vapors from the evaporative canister to the engine
Canned motor pump
A glandless pump with a special type of submersible or canned motor, whose stator winding is insulated from the fluid pumped by a tube, the so-called can
Cannibalize
The action of removing good parts from one vehicle in order to put them into another vehicle.
Canning
The insertion of the catalyst element into the converter shell of a catalytic converter
Cannular combustion chamber
A gas turbine combustion system with individual flame tubes inside an annular casing.
Canonical assembly
Term used in statistical thermodynamics to designate a single assembly of a large number of systems which are such that the number of systems with energies lying between E and E+d_E is proportional to e-Eθ, where θ is a parameter characteristic of the assembly
Canopy
  1. The transparent cover of a cockpit.
  2. The fabric (nylon, silk, or cotton) body of a parachute, which provides high air drag. Usually hemispherical, but may be lobed or rectangular in shape.

Also See
Ribbon parachute
CANP
Acronym for canister purge solenoid that opens the fuel vapor canister to the intake manifold when energized
Cant
Slope of rail or road curve whereby outer radius is superelevated, to counteract centrifugal thrust of traffic.
Cant beam
Beams supporting the deck plating in the overhanging portion of the stern.
Canted deck
The flight deck of an aircraft carrier prolonged diagonally from one side of the ship, so that aircraft may fly off and land on without interference to or from aircraft parked at the bows. The British term is Angled deck
Cant frame
A frame connected at the upper end to the cant beams
Cantilever
An arm that projects from a source and supports cables.
Also See
Cantilever brake
Cantilever brake
  1. A bicycle Rim brake with pivoting arms mounted on Fork blades or Seatstays at or below rim level. The two brake arms are connected by a straddle cable with the brake cable attached to the midpoint of the straddle cable.
  2. A type of ATB brake characterized by having the two brake arms connected by a straddle cable with the brake cable attached to the midpoint of the straddle cable. This type of brake was used on ATB bicycles (as well as tandems, touring, and cyclocross bicycles) before the invention of the V-Brake
Cantilever brakes
See
Cantilever brake.
Cantilever bridge
A bridge formed of self-supporting projecting arms built outward from the piers and meeting in the middle of the span, where they are connected together.
Also See
Suspended span
Cantilever deck
A bridge where the deck slab is fixed above the main beams or trusses and is cantilevered beyond the outer beams or trusses.
Cantilever load
A load which tends to impose a radial force (perpendicular to the shaft axis) on an electric motor or gearmotor output shaft
Cantilever spring
  1. A leaf spring which is mounted upside down and attached to the vehicle at its mid-point. This system is no longer in use in modern vehicles.
  2. A Quarter-elliptic leaf spring
Cantrail
The Roof rail
Canvas top
The convertible top.
Canyon
A nuclear energy term for a long narrow space often partly underground with heavy shielding for essential processing of wastes from reactors.
Cap
  1. A protective round cover which is secured to something.
  2. A covering over the bed of a truck.
  3. The base of a light bulb which fits into a socket.
  4. Cleaner air package system for reducing the amount of unburned Hydrocarbons in the automobile Exhaust.

Also See
Air cap
Battery cap
Bayonet cap
Bearing cap
Big-end cap
Car cap
Cold cap
Distributor cap
Double cap nut
Dust cap
End cap
External mix air cap
Filler cap
Flip-top filler cap
Fuel cap
Full cap
Hot cap
Hubcap
Inner cap nut
Insulating cap
Internal mix air cap
Net cap cost
Oil filler cap
Outer cap nut
Plug cap
Pressure cap
Pressure radiator cap
Radiatorcap
Radiator pressure cap
Roto cap
Safety pressure cap
Spark plug cap
Spindle cap
Top cap
Valve cap
Valve spring cap
Capable of being fueled
A vehicle is capable of being fueled by a particular fuel(s) if that vehicle has the engine components in place to make operation possible on the fuel(s). The vehicle does not necessarily have to run on the fuel(s) in order for that vehicle to be considered capable of being fueled by the fuel(s). For example, a vehicle that is equipped to operate on either gasoline or natural gas but normally operates on gasoline is considered to be capable of being fueled by gasoline and natural gas.
Capacitance (c)
  1. The property which opposes any change in Voltage in an electrical circuit. The property of a nonconductor by which it stores electrical energy when separated surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of Potential. Capacitance is measured by the ratio of the charge induced to the potential difference and is proportional to the area of the conducting plates and the dielectric constant of the nonconducting material, and inversely proportional to the separation of the plates (mks unit farad).
  2. Property of a nonconductor (condenser or capacitor) that permits storage of electrical energy in an electrostatic field.
  3. Of an isolated conductor, the ratio of the total charge on it to its potential; C=Q/V.

Also See
Farad
Stray capacitance
Capacitance bridge
An ac bridge network for the measurement of capacitance.
Also See
Schering bridge
Wien bridge
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.
Also See
Condenser bushing
Capacitance integrator
Resistance-capacitance circuit whose output voltage is approximately equal to the time integral of the input voltage.
Capacitative load
Terminating impedance which is markedly capacitative, taking an ac leading in phase on the source emf, e.g., electrostatic loudspeaker.
Capacitative reactance
Impedance associated with a capacitor. Has a magnitude in ohms equal to the reciprocal of the product of the capacitance (in farads) and the angular frequency of the supply (in rads s-1). Also introduces a 90° phase angle such that the current through the device leads the applied voltage.
Capacities
See
Fluid capacities
Capacitive discharge
(CD) A type of Ignition system. It can be either all-electronic or Breaker point controlled. The primary power is drawn from the engine's Battery and put into the CD power supply, where it is changed from 12 volts Direct current to about 300 volts of pulsating Direct current that is stored in a Capacitor (Condenser). The release of this energy through the Coil is governed by a silicon-controlled Rectifier (SCR). When the SCR switch is closed, the Voltage stored in the Capacitor is supplied to the Coil, which acts as a voltage step-up Transformer boosting firing voltage to around 30,000 volts to fire the plugs.
Capacitive reactance
The opposition or resistance to an alternating current as a result of capacitance; expressed in ohms
Capacitor
  1. A device which gives Capacitance, usually consisting of conducting plates or foil separated by layers of a dielectric. A Potential difference applied across the plates induces a separation of charge centers in the dielectric, thus storing electrical energy.
  2. Type of electrical storage device used in starting and/or running circuits on many electric motors
  3. A device that, when connected in an alternating current circuit, causes the current to lead the voltage in time phase. The peak of the current wave is reached ahead of the voltage wave. This is the result of the successive storage and discharge of electric energy

Also See
Absorption capacitor
Condenser
Ignition capacitor
Capacitor bushing
See
Condenser bushing
Capacitor controlled electronic ignition
See
Electronic ignition system
Capacitive discharge
Capacitor discharge ignition (CDI)
See
Capacitive discharge
Capacitor loudspeaker
See
Electrostatic loudspeaker
Capacitor microphone
See
Electrostatic microphone
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
Capacitor terminal
See
Condenser bushing
Capacitron
See
Band ignitor tube
Capacity
  1. The ability to contain or hold something.
  2. Maximum production attainable under normal conditions. With regard to normal conditions, the company's operating practices are to be followed with respect to the use of production facilities, overtime, workshifts, holidays, etc.
  3. The output of an electric motor or other electrical equipment.
  4. The volume of fluid which a pump can handle.
  5. A measure of the theoretical maximum amount of refrigeration-produced output, measured in tons or BTUs per hour
  6. Refrigeration rating system. Usually measured in BTU per hour or watts.
  7. Sometimes used to mean Capacitance

Also See
Air capacity
Ampere hour capacity
Battery capacity
Breathing capacity
Carrying capacity
Cubic capacity
Energy
Engine capacity
Fuse
Fuse capacity
Load capacity
Net capacity
Nominal capacity
Passenger capacity
Ply rating
Rated capacity
Reserve capacity
Seating capacity
Top off
Work capacity
Capacity plan
A plan outlining the spaces available for fuel, Cargo, ballast, fresh water, etc, with guides on weight and volume for spaces at various drafts and displacements
Capacity rating
See
Rated capacity
Cap-and-pin type insulator
A special form of the Suspension insulator
Cap cost
See
Capitalized cost
Net cap cost

Cap cost reduction
See
Capitalized cost reduction
Cape chisel
A metal cutting chisel shaped to cut or work in channels or grooves
Capillarity
A phenomenon associated with surface tension, which occurs in fine bore tubes or channels.
Capillary
A tube with a very small bore used for temperature gauges
Capillary action
The property of a liquid to move into small spaces if it has the ability to wet these surfaces
Capillary tube
A tube usually gas-filled, with a precisely calibrated length and inside diameter, used to connect the remote bulb or coil to the expansion valve or thermostat. A tube with a very small bore used for temperature gauges. Also called Pressure sensing line
Capitalized
See
Net capitalized cost
Capitalized cost
The total price of the vehicle, in effect, its purchase price. In theory, the cap cost should equal the amount you would pay for the vehicle if you were purchasing the vehicle. When a lease is made, the dealer sells that vehicle to the leasing company (for the cap cost), which then leases the the vehicle to you.
Also See
Net capitalized cost

Capitalized cost reduction
A fancy name for a cash down payment, money you pay up front that is applied to the final purchase price of a lease. A large cap cost reduction will, of course reduce the monthly payments, but it will also negate one of the big advantages of leasing. However, if you own your present car, you may be able to use it, as a trade-in, to satisfy the cap cost reduction to start the lease. Remember, you must pay sales tax on any cap cost reduction you make. Another source of capital cost reduction may be dealer or manufacturer participation. Dealers and manufacturers will sometimes lower the cap cost or offer a rebate that reduces the cap cost. A dealer or manufacturer cap cost reduction does lower your total out-of-pocket dollars, unlike a cap cost reduction that you must pay.
Capital expenditures
Expenditures to acquire or add to capital assets that will yield benefits over several accounting periods. Included are cost of procuring, construction, installing new durable plants, machinery and equipment where for replacement, addition or for lease or rent to other companies including subsidies.
Cap nut
Cap Nut

Cap Nut

A Nut that is closed at the threaded end often with a dome. Also called box nut or dome nut.
Also See
Double cap nut
Inner cap nut
Outer cap nut

Capping
  1. Installing a new tread on a tire carcass.
    Also See
    Retreading.
  2. Door molding or capping
Cap screw
See
Socket head screw
Capstan
  1. A stump with a vertical axis used for handling mooring and other lines.
  2. A vertical drum or spindle on which rope is wound, it is rotated by manpower or by hydraulic or electric motor.
  3. Roller providing the constant speed drive in a magnetic tape recorder.
Capstan-head screw
A screw having a cylindrical head provided with radial holes in its circumference. It is tightened by a tommy bar inserted in these holes.
Capstan lathe
A lathe in which the tools required for successive operations are mounted radially in a tool-holder resembling a capstan; by revolving this, each tool in turn may be brought into position in exact location.
Capstan nut
A nut which is tightened in the same way as a Capstan-head screw
Capstan screw
A screw or bolt with a round head and one or more holes through it into which a bar may be inserted for securing or removing it
Capstat
A wax-type thermostat at the base of the jet of a SU carburetor, which expands and reduces fuel flow when the underhood temperature rises.
Also See
Temperature compensator

Capsule
See
Advance capsule
Vacuum capsule

Captive
Something that is permanently located in the desired position
Captive balloon
A balloon anchored or towed by a line. Usually the term refers only to spherical balloons. Special shapes (e.g., for stability) are called kite balloons
Captive finance company
A Leasing or finance company which is affiliated with an automobile manufacturer or distributor.
Captive import
An imported motor vehicle or part manufactured by another automaker usually for sale under the brand name of the importer.
Captive nut
A nut which fits into a cage and is welded in place. This is done where the nut is not easily accessible.
Captive refinery MTBE plants
MTBE production facilities primarily located within refineries. These integrated refinery units produce MTBE from Fluid Cat Cracker isobutylene with production dedicated to internal gasoline blending requirements.
Captive refinery oxygenate plants
Oxygenate production facilities located within or adjacent to a refinery complex.
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.
Car
  1. A wheeled vehicle such as an automobile, a section of a train, or a streetcar. The word is an abbreviation of Carriage" -- a device to carry people or goods.
  2. In an airship, the part intended for the carrying of the load (crew, passengers, goods, engines, etc.). It may be suspended below, or may be inside the hull of envelope.

Also See
49-state car
Bubble car
Champ car
City car
Classic car
Collector car
Compact car
Company car
Competition car
Concept car
Cult car
Cycle car
Donor car
Dream car
Edwardian car
Electric car
Estate car
Executive car
Family car
Fleet car
Forty-nine state car
Full-size car
Funny car
Hybrid car
Intermediate car
Kit car
Luxury car
Mass-produced car
Mid-size car
Milestone Car Society
Milestone cars
Motor car
Multi-storey car park
New car dealer
Open car
Pace car
Parts car
Passenger car wheel
Passenger car
Pony car
Production car
Program cars
Recycling car
Shopping car
Solar car
Spares car
Sports car
Stock car
Street car
Sun car
Super car
Touring car
Town car
Veteran car
Vintage car
Volume car
Car accident
A collision between two or more vehicles (or between a vehicle and a stationary object), whether the vehicles are cars or trucks. Some are minor like a Fender bender while others are Totalled.
Also See
Written off

Car alarm
A chime, bell, siren, or horn that sounds when a problem exists (e.g., door ajar, seat belt undone, lights on after engine is off, key left in ignition switch, unauthorized entry)
Caravan
  1. A group of vehicles (belonging to one organization) which follows after one another.
  2. A British term for camping trailer or a mobile home.
  3. The name of a minivan produced by Chrysler (Daimler_Chrysler) from 1983.
Caravanning
A British term for travelling with a camping trailer
Carb
An abbreviation for Carburetor.
CARB
Acronym for California Air Resource Board -- The state agency that regulates the air quality in California. Air quality regulations established by CARB are often stricter than those set by the federal government.
Car banger
A British term for a person or organization which fakes a Car accident in order to defraud an insurance company
Car banging
The act of faking a Car accident in order to defraud an insurance company
Carbide
A binary combound of metals with carbon. Carbides of group IV to VI metals (e.g., silicon, iron, tungsten) are exceptionally hard and refractory. In group I and II, calcium carbide (ethynide) is the most useful.
Also See
Cemented carbides
Cementite
Silicon carbide
Carbide tools
Cutting and forming tools used for hard materials or at high temperatures. They are made of carbides of tungsten, tantalium, and other metals held in a matrix of cobalt, nickel, etc., and are very hard with good compressive strength.
Carb kit
A collection of gaskets, O-rings, jets, etc. to rebuild a carburetor
Car blind
A curtain or pull-down covering for the backlight (i.e., rear window) to obscure the bright headlights of a following vehicle. Some are also used for side windows for privacy. It is generally illegal to use them on the driver's side window or the windshield.
Carbon
  1. The hard or soft, black deposits found in the Combustion chamber, on the plugs, under the rings, on and under the Valve heads, etc. Although it is not a metal, it is a good Conductor of electricity.
  2. An element which forms various kinds of steel when combined with iron. In steel, it is the changing carbon content which changes the physical properties of the steel.
  3. Carbon is used in a solid form as an electrode for arc welding, as a mold to hold weld metal, or for motor brushes.
Also See
Activated carbon
High carbon steel
Low carbon steel
Medium carbon
Carbon arc
An arc between carbon electrodes, usually limited to pure carbon rather than flame carbon electrodes
Carbon-arc lamp
Obsolete light source from the arc between carbon electrodes.
Carbon-arc welding
Arc welding carried out by means of an arc between a carbon electrode and the material to be welded.
Carbon black
A by-product of the petroleum industry used as a pigment and to give body in the manufacture of rubber products, both natural and synthetic. Carbon is the black residue from burning petroleum.
Carbon brush
A block of carbon to which a copper wire (or braided cable) is attached at one end and the other end rubs against a commutator, collector ring, or slip ring to transmit electricity
Carbon brush spring
See
Brush spring
Carbon build-up
A deposit of burned oil which collects in the combustion chamber on the top of the piston and the head. Too much carbon build-up can lead to an inefficient engine and sticky valves.
Carbon button
See
Carbon microphone
Carbon canister
See
Activated carbon canister
Carbon contact
In a switch, an auxiliary contact designed to break contact after and to make contact before the main contact to prevent burning of the latter; it is of carbon and designed to be easily removable.
Carbon-core leads
High tension wire going from the distributor to the coil or the spark plugs. Each wire has a core of carbon or graphite rather than copper wire to conduct the electricity. Carbon-core wire is not recommended for most small engines such as motorcycle engines.
Carbon dating
Dating method which uses the fact that atmospheric carbon dioxide contains a constant proportion of radioactive 14C, formed by cosmic radiation. Living organisms absorb this isotope in the same proportion. After death it decays with a half-life 5.57x10³ years. The proportion of 12C to the residual 14C indicates the period elapsed since death. Also called radiocarbon dating
Carbon deposits
The residue of carbon from burning fuel, which can clog grooves in pistons, combustion chambers, and valves, and cause engine hesitation and other operational problems
Carbon dioxide
(CO2) A colorless, odorless, non-toxic gas which is a product of breathing and the combustion process. Sometimes used as refrigerant Refrigerant # is R-744
Carbon dioxide equivalent
The amount of carbon dioxide by weight emitted into the atmosphere that would produce the same estimated radiative forcing as a given weight of another radiatively active gas.
Carbon dioxide laser
Laser in which the active gaseous medium is a mixture of carbon dioxide and other gases. It is excited by glow-discharge and operates at a wavelength of 10.6 μm. Carbon dioxide lasers are capable of pulsed output with peak power up to 100 MW or continuous output up to 60 k_W.
Carbon-dioxide welding
Metal arc welding using CO2 as the shielding gas.
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
Carboned up
Covered with a thick deposit of carbon. In Britain it is called coked up
Carbon fiber
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
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 intensity
The amount of carbon by weight emitted per unit of energy consumed. A common measure of carbon intensity is weight of carbon per British thermal unit (Btu) of energy. When there is only one fossil fuel under consideration, the carbon intensity and the emissions coefficient are identical. When there are several fuels, carbon intensity is based on their combined emissions coefficients weighted by their energy consumption levels.
Carbonization
The steeping of wool in a dilute solution of sulfuric acid, or its treatment by hydrochloric acid gas (dry process). This converts any cellulosic impurities into carbon dust and thereby facilitates their removal.
Carbonize
Building up of Carbon on objects such as Spark plugs, Pistons, Heads, etc.
Carbonized filament
Thoriated tungsten filament coated with tungsten carbide to reduce loss of thorium from the surface.
Carbonizing
Another term for Carburizing or Reducing
Carbon knock
When there is a build-up of carbon in the combustion chamber, uncontrolled ignition will take place causing a knocking noise.
Carbon microphone
A microphone in which a normally DC energizing current is modulated by changes in the resistance of a cavity filled by granulated carbon which is compressed by the movement of the diaphragm. The diameter of the cavity is frequently very much less than that of the diaphragm, and it is then known as a carbon button.
Carbon monoxide
(CO) A deadly, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas found in the engine Exhaust. Toxic even in relatively small concentrations. Formed by incomplete burning of Hydrocarbons. Thus at its greatest with a rich mixture.
Carbon pile voltage transformer
Variable electrical resistor made from disks or plates of carbon arranged to form a pile.
Carbon pin
A thin cylinder of carbon located in the distributor cap to transfer high tension electricity from the coil to the rotor to the high tension leads going to the spark plugs.
Carbon resistor
Negative temperature coefficient, non-inductive resistor formed of powdered carbon with ceramic binding material. Used for low-temperature measurements because of the large increase in resistance as temperature decreases.
Carbon Sequestration
  1. The absorption and storage of CO2 from the atmosphere by the roots and leaves of plants; the carbon builds up as organic matter in the soil.
  2. The fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide in a carbon sink through biological or physical processes.
Carbon steel
A steel whose properties are determined principally by the amount of carbon present and contains no other deliberate alloying ingredient except those necessary to ensure deoxidation and physical quality. Also called plain carbon steel.
Also See
Steel
High carbon steel
Low carbon steel
Carbon tetrachloride
A liquid often used in fire extinguishers. The fumes are toxic -- avoid inhaling.
Carbon tracking
A trace of carbon found inside the distributor cap which leads away some electricity, thus causing the engine to misfire.
Carbon tracks
Fine lines from burned carbon (such as from oil film) that may be found in a distributor cap. Carbon tracks may cause engine misfire
Carbonyl powders
Metal powders produced by reacting carbon monoxide with the metal to form the gaseous carbonyl. This is then decomposed by heat to yield powder of high purity.
Carborundum
Trade name for Silicon carbide abrasives.
Carborundum wheel
See
Grinding wheel
Carboy
Large, narrow-necked container, usually of balloon shape, having a capacity of 201 or more.
Carbs
Abbreviation for Carburetors.
Also See
Dual carbs

Carburation
British term for Carburetion
Carburetion
The mixture of vaporized fuel and air in the proper proportions for combustion in an engine
Carburetor
Carburetor

Click image to supersize
Carburetor

(Carb) Optionally spelled carburetter or carburettor. A device that Vaporizes fuel and mixes it with air in proper quantities and proportions to suit the varying needs of the engine. A Filter screens the air which is drawn into the carburetor. Here the Gasoline mixes with the air and this fuel vapor enters the Combustion chamber through the Intake valve where it is compressed and burned.
Also See
Air-valve carburetor
Air valve carburetor
Barrel carburetor
Compound carburetor
Cross-draft carburetor
Double-barrel carburetor
Downdraft carburetor
Dual carbs
Dual carburetors
Feedback carburetor
Fixed-choke carburetor
Fixed-jet carburetor
Flood the carburetor
Four-barrel carburetor
Four barrel carburetor
Hif carburetor
Horizontal draft carburetor
Progressive carburetor
Sidedraft carburetor
Single-barrel carburetor
Slide carburetor
Starting carburetor
Stromberg carburetor
Su carburetor
Tamperproof carburetor
Twin-choke carburetor
Twin barrel carburetor
Twin carburetors
Two-stage carburetor
Updraft carburetor
Variable-choke carburetor
Variable-venturi carburetor
Vv carburetor

Carburetor adapter
An adapter that is used to fit or place one type of Carburetor on an Intake manifold that may not be originally designed for it. Also used to adapt four-barrel Carburetors to two-barrel manifolds.
Carburetor air horn
See
Air horn
Carburetor barrel
The tube-like part of the vehicle through which air flows and is mixed with Vaporized fuel. The Choke butterfly valve is located at the top of the Carburetor barrel, and the Throttle valve is located at the bottom. Midway through, the barrel narrows, and this part is called the Venturi. Carburetors can have one, two, or four barrels.
Carburetor base
The lower part of the carburetor in which the throttle plate is located
Carburetor circuit
A series of passageways and units designed to perform a specific function Idle circuit, full power circuit, etc.
Carburetor circuits
See
Carburetor circuit.
Carburetor cleaner
A petroleum solvent for cleaning the carburetor
Carburetor engine
A combustion engine which uses a carburetor instead of fuel injection.
Carburetor fuel bowl
A small fuel storage area in the carburetor, located at the carburetor fuel inlet. Also called the Float bowl because it contains the carburetor float
Carburetor fuel bowl vent
A vent on the Float bowl. It typically is connected to an Carbon canister, which absorbes vapors when the engine is off, and it also may be vented to the atmosphere when the engine is running.
Carburetor fuel filter
Carburetor fuel Filteer

Carburetor Fuel Filter

A filter made of pleated paper or sintered bronze that is mounted into the body of the carburetor at the float bowl fuel inlet. It is held in place by the fuel hose/pipe fittings. On some cars, a small In-line filter is screwed directly into the carburetor's fuel inlet. Also called an integral fuel filter.
Carburetor fuel inlet
A threaded fitting on the side of the carburetor to which tubing from the Fuel pump is connected. Fuel enters the carburetor at this point.
Carburetor icing
The formation of ice on the Throttle plate or valve during certain atmospheric conditions. As the fuel Nozzles feed fuel into the Air horn it turns to a vapor. This robs heat from the air and when weather conditions are just right (fairly cool and quite humid) ice may form.
Also See
Icing

Carburetor kit
A collection of gaskets, O-rings, jets, etc. to rebuild a carburetor. Also called a carb kit.
Carburetor throat
See
Venturi
Carburetor venturi
See
Venturi
Carburetter
British spelling for Carburetor.
Carburettor
See
Carburetor.
Car burglar
A person who steals object from a car, but does not steal the car itself.
Also See
Car thief

Carburization
The process of creating carbon steel by increasing the carbon content of steel to reach the desired degree of hardness
Carburizing
  1. A carburizing flame in welding terms is an oxygen-fuel gas flame with a slight excess of the fuel gas.
  2. A method of Case-hardening low carbon steel in which the metal component is heated above its ferrite-austenite transition in a suitable carbonaceous atmosphere. Carbon diffuses into the surface and establishes a concentration gradient. The steel can subsequently be hardened by quenching either directly or after re-heating to refine the grain structure. It is usually lightly tempered afterwards, producing a hard case over a tough core.
Car cap
A waterproof cover which encloses just the Greenhouse (i.e., the roof, windshield, side glass, and Backlight)
Car care product
One of several items for taking care of the outward finish of the car (i.e., cleaners, polish, wax, preservers) as well as the interior pieces (e.g., dash cleaners, upholstery cleaners and sealers)
Carcass
The primary structure of a tire body with its cords, plies, rim wires, etc. apart from the tread itself. Structurally the carcass should hold air and provide strength to the tire, but would not wear well without the tread.
Carcinogens
Chemicals and other substances known to cause cancer.
Car Club of America
See
Classic Car Club of America
Car cover
A cover which encloses the entire vehicle to protect the finish from the elements.
Car crash
A Car accident
Card
The graduated dial or face of a magnetic compass to which the card and needle are firmly connected.
See
File card brush
Cardan
See
Cardan joint.
Cardan joint
Cardan Joint

Cardan Joint

A type of Universal joint named after the Italian Cardan who developed the concept in the 16th century. In the 17th century, Robert Hooke of England developed and patented the conventional universal joint. Sometimes it is called the Cardan universal or the Hooke universal. It has two Yokes at right angles to each other.
Cardan mount
Type of gimbal mount used for compasses and gyroscopes.
Cardan shaft
A shaft with universal joints at each end
Cardan universal
See
Cardan joint.
Card brush
See
File card brush
Car dealer
See
New car dealer
Cardinal planes
In a lens, planes perpendicular to the principal axis, and passing through the cardinal points of the lens.
Cardinal points
For a lens system, the two principal Foci, the two Nodal points and the two Principal points. For a lens used in air, the principal points coincide with the corresponding nodal points. For a lens of negligible thickness the principal points and the nodal points all coalesce at a single point at the optical center of the lens.