- CO
- Acronym for Carbon monoxide. 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.
- CO2
- Acronym for Carbon dioxide
- Coach
-
- A vehicle with an enclosed two-door type body with permanent back panels and top, it is similar to the coupe, but the seating is different. A full width cross seat in the rear accommodates three passengers. Two separate seats in the front fold out of the way to admit rear passengers. There is no trunk, but trunk racks are frequently provided.
- A luxurious bus, a tour bus.
- Coach bolt
- A bolt with a mushroom head, but just below the head there is a square neck and then the threads. The square neck fits into a matching square hole to keep the bolt from moving.
- Coachbuilt construction
- The process of building an automobile so that the body is separate from the chassis.
- Often the bodies are built to customer specifications and may differ from one another even though they are built upon the same chassis design.
- Coach-line
- An obsolete term for a painted pinstripe (a thin line of paint of a color that complements or contrasts the body color).
- Coachlining
- Pinstriping along the side of a vehicle or along the side of the fuel tank of a motorcycle.
- Coach paint
- A slow-drying, high-gloss paint used on cars in the early 1900s. It was painted on car bodies with a brush.
- Coachwork
- Although it is strictly the body of an automobile, it is particularly the comfort and luxury appointments as distinguished from the operational Chassis thus it would include the interior, seats, Upholstery, dashes, fenders, etc. -- everything but the mechanicals and the chassis. The French call it Carrosserie, the Germans call it Karosserie, and the Italians call it Carrozzeria. Also called bodywork.
- Coal Bed Methane
- Prior to the mid-1980's, methane from coal seams was classified as an uneconomic resource--one of vast potential, but low value due to poor recovery rates and high associated water production. By applying new production technologies to this resource, coalbed methane has become the single largest new source of gas supply in the past decade. Current estimates show approximately 100 Tcf of coalbed methane that appears to be economically recoverable in the lower 48 states alone. Methane is generated during coal formation and is contained in the coal microstructure. Typical recovery entails pumping water out of the coal to allow the gas to escape. Methane is the principal component of natural gas. Coal bed methane can be added to natural gas pipelines without any special treatment.
- Coal bucket
- Colloquial term for a dump trailer, coal trailer, or coal truck
- Coalescing action
- The process of smaller water droplets merging together into larger droplets which takes place in a water separator
- Coal gas
- A fuel gas substitute for natural gas obtained synthetically through the carbonization (distillation by heat in the absence of air) of coal. Typical coal gas mixtures include high concentrations of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
- Coal gasification
- The process of converting coal into gas. The basic process involves crushing coal to a powder, which is then heated in the presence of steam and oxygen to produce a gas. The gas is then refined to reduce sulfur and other impurities. The gas can be used as a fuel or processed further and concentrated into chemical or liquid fuel.
- Coal liquefaction
- A chemical process that converts coal into clean-burning liquid hydrocarbons, such as synthetic crude oil and methanol.
- Coal Synfuel
- Coal-based solid fuel that has been processed by a coal synfuel plant; and coal-based fuels such as briquettes, pellets, or extrusions, which are formed from fresh or recycled coal and binding materials.
- Coal Trailer
- A dump trailer, or a coal hopper bottom trailer. Also called coal bucket
- Coal Truck
- usually refers to a dump truck used to haul coal. Also called coal bucket
- Coarse-cut file
- A file with deep grooves for removing a lot of metal quickly. It leaves rough edges which will need to be cleaned up with a smooth-cut file
- Coarse file
- A file with deep grooves for removing a lot of metal quickly. It leaves rough edges which will need to be cleaned up with a smooth-cut file
- Coaster
- A vehicle, usually a Bicycle, which has no means of propulsion (you can't pedal it and it is without any engine).
- Coaster brake
- A braking system on a Bicycle in which the rider stops pedaling forward (thus coasting) and pedals backward to engage the brake within the Hub of the rear wheel.
- Coat
-
- A covering of paint or similar substance.
- To apply a covering of paint, etc.
- Single coat means to apply one layer of material on a surface. Double coat -- to apply two coats of adhesive, coating, or sealer to a surface. In spaying, it means to spray first a single coat with vertical strokes and then a second coat across with horizontal strokes, or vice versa
- Coated abrasive
- Sandpaper or grinding wheel where an abrasive material such as sand or diamond grit is glued to a backing material and used to reduce or smooth a surface.
- Coating
- A protective covering usually of paint.
Also see
- Anodic coating
- Anti-chip coating
- Catalyst Coating
- Catalytic layer
- Cathode Coating
- Chromate coating
- Conversion coating
- Electrostatic powder coating
- Galvanized coating
- Hard anodic coating
- Manganese phosphate coating
- Phosphate coating
- Polymer coating
- Protective coating
- PVC underseal coating
- Roll coating
- Spray coating
- Underbody coating
- Undercoating
- Zinc phosphate coating
- Coaxial cable
-
An electric cable that has a solid inner conductor surrounded by a tubular outer conductor.
Coaxial cable
- Cobalt
-
A model of small car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motorsfrom 2008-08.
Click image for books on
Chevrolet Cobalt
- Cobble
- To put something together in a rough or clumsy manner. This is usually done as a temporary measure until more permanent repairs can be made.
- Cobbled
- The action of putting something together in a rough or clumsy manner. This is usually done as a temporary measure until more permanent repairs can be made.
- COC
- Acronym for Conventional oxidation catalyst
- Cockpit
- The area, usually in racing cars, in which the driver sits and the instruments in front of him.
- Code hopping
- A technology which prevents thieves with scanners from either picking up your encoded remote-control signal or from randomly firing numerous codes at your vehicle in order to stumble upon the one that will disarm your security system.
- Code installation
- Refrigeration or air conditioning installation which conforms to the local code and/or the national code for safe and efficient installations.
- COE
- Acronym for Cab-Over-Engine
- Coefficient of apparent expansion
- The coefficient of expansion when the expansion of e.g., a dilatometer is neglected.
- Coefficient of conductivity
- Measure of the relative rate at which different materials conduct heat. Copper is a good conductor of heat and, therefore, has a high coefficient of conductivity.
- Coefficient of expansion
-
- Increase in unit length, area, or volume for one degree rise in temperature.
- The fractional change in length, area or volume per unit change in tem of a solid, liquid, or gas at a given constant pressure. e.g., an aluminum bar stretches 12 millionths percent of its original length for each degree F rise in temperature. Also referred to as "expansivity"
- Coefficient of friction
-
- A ratio of the force required to slide an object over a surface to the mass of the object, and is always less than 1.00
- A measurement of the amount of Friction developed between two objects or surfaces in physical contact when one of the objects is drawn across the other. If a book were placed on a table and a measuring scale used to pull the book, the amount of weight or pull registered on the scale would be the coefficient of friction. This coefficient of friction is dependent upon both surfaces in contact. It is large if the surfaces are rough and small if they are smooth.
- Coefficient of performance
- (COP) Ratio of work performed or accomplished as compared to the energy used.
- COFC
- Acronym for Container On Flat Car -- a method for moving shipping containers which involves transporting them on railroad flat cars.
- Cofiring
- The process of burning natural gas in conjunction with another fuel to reduce air pollutants.
- Cog
- Any toothed gear. A Sprocket attached directly to the rear wheel
Hub on a single-speed bike and mounted on a
Freewheel on a multi-speed bike.
Also see
- Cog belt
-
A toothed belt normally of Fiberglass-reinforced rubber for driving the Camshaft from the Crankshaft. In cars, cog belts are primarily used with overhead camshafts but are sometimes used to drive Pumps.
Cog Belt
- Cogeneration
- Primary source of energy that is also used to produce a secondary source of energy. Example The use of waste heat from an electrical energy generation system to heat a building.
- Cogeneration appliance
- A device that has a primary function of producing energy, but also can produce a secondary source. For example the primary function of a vehicle engine is to provide motive power, but the heat of the engine can also produce heat for the passengers.
- Cogging
- Nonuniform angular velocity, i.e., rotation occurring in jerks or increments rather than smooth motion. When an armature coil enters the magnetic field produced by the field coils, it tends to speed up and slow down when leaving it. This effect becomes apparent at low speeds. The fewer the number of coils, the more noticeable it can be
- Coil
-
- Metal bands or strands of wire wrapped in a circular fashion.
-
A pulse-type transformer for increasing the Voltage to fire the Spark plugs.
Coil
Also see- Air Coil
- Air-spaced Coil
- Arc-suppression Coil
- Basket Coil
- Booster coil
- Bucket Coil
- Close coils
- Exciter coil
- Field coil
- Four-spark ignition coil
- Glow coil
- Heating Coil
- High energy coil
- Hold-in coil
- Holding coil
- Ignition coil resistor
- Ignition coil
- Multi-spark coil
- Multi-spark ignition coil
- Pick-up coil
- Recuperative Coil
- Reheating Coils
- Single-spark ignition coil
- Temperature-Sensitive Bimetal Coil
- Thermostatic coil choke
- Coil ignition
- The standard ignition system which uses an ignition coil which stores the power from the battery and steps it up. Then the high voltage is sent to the spark plugs.
- Coil lead
- A British term for the high tension wire going from the coil to the distributor. In America, it is called the coil wire.
- Coil spring
-
Spring
- A section of Spring steel rod wound in a spiral pattern or shape. Widely used in both Front and Rear suspension systems. Like large metal bed springs, these coils cushion and absorb the shocks and bumps as the vehicle is driven. They are usually found near the front wheels, but some cars have them in the rear as well. Often the Shock absorbers run up the center of the coil springs.
- A coiled metal spring used in a suspension fork. Generally considered to be plusher, but heavier, than air springs.
- Coil spring clutch
-
An assembly that connects the engine to a manual transmission and consists of an engine flywheel, clutch disc, and pressure plate. The pressure plate is bolted to the flywheel and turns with it. The clutch disc is a flat steel disc with a splined hub that slides on the transmission input shaft. A ring of strong springs squeeze the clutch disc between the flywheel and pressure plate. When the clutch disc is locked in place, engine power passes from flywheel to clutch disc to transmission input shaft, thereby driving the car.
Click image to supersize
Coil Spring Clutch
- Coke
-
- As a product of coal. A solid carbonaceous residue derived from low-ash, low-sulfur bituminous coal from which the volatile constituents are driven off by baking in an oven at temperatures as high as 1100°C so that the fixed carbon and residual ash are fused together. Coke is used as a fuel and as a reducing agent in smelting iron ore in a blast furnace. Coke from coal is grey, hard, and porous and has a heating value of 24.8 million Btu per ton.
- As a product of petroleum. A residue high in carbon content and low in hydrogen that is the final product of thermal decomposition in the condensation process in cracking. This product is reported as marketable coke or catalyst coke. The conversion is 5 barrels (of 42 U.S. gallons each) per short ton. Coke from petroleum has a heating value of 6.024 million Btu per barrel.
- Coke breeze
- The term refers to the fine sizes of coke, usually less than one-half inch, that are recovered from coke plants. It is commonly used for sintering iron ore.
- Coke button
- A button-shaped piece of coke resulting from standard laboratory tests that indicates the coking or free-swelling characteristics of a coal; expressed in numbers and compared with a standard.
- Coke oven gas
- The mixture of permanent gases produced by the carbonization of coal in a coke oven at temperatures in excess of 1,000°C.
- Coking
- Thermal refining processes used to produce fuel gas, gasoline blendstocks, distillates, and petroleum coke from the heavier products of atomspheric and vacuum distillation. Includes: Delayed Coking, Flexicoking, and Fluid Coking
- Cold air induction
- The induction system forces cold air into the Combustion chamber. Because cold air is more dense than warm air, it contains more oxygen molecules. With more oxygen, fuel will burn more effectively and thus increase horsepower.
- Cold air intake
- The induction system forces cold air into the Combustion chamber. Because cold air is more dense than warm air, it contains more oxygen molecules. With more oxygen, fuel will burn more effectively and thus increase horsepower.
- Cold cap
- A process in retreading a tire where the tire is placed in a
pressure Chamber in a temperature
range of 91°C to
100°C until bonding of the
pre-cured tread rubber is achieved.
Also see
- Cold Chisel
-
A thick pencil shaped tool with a sharp flat end like a blade screwdriver. When you hit the blunt end with a hammer, it forces the blade end into metal to mark it or even cut through it.
Cold Chisel
Also see
- Cold-condensate corrosion
- The corrosion of the inside of an exhaust system by direct chemical attack resulting from an acidic, aqueous solution that condenses from the exhaust gas at relatively low temperatures and collects at the cooler rear portions of the exhaust system.
- Cold cranking ability
- A measurement in amps of a battery's ability to start a vehicle under cold temperatures. A higher number is better than a lower one. Basic automobile batteries begin around 400 cold-cranking amps (which is only marginally acceptable in most vehicles). The best batteries are around 1000 cold-cranking amps.
- Cold-cranking rating
- The minimum number of amperes a fully charged 12-volt battery can deliver for 30 seconds at -18°C without falling below 7.2 battery volts
- Cold engine compensator
- When an engine is cold a richer mixture of fuel is required. The cold engine injector supplies more fuel to compensate for the condensation of fuel against the cold combustion chamber walls and intake manifold
- Cold Filter Plugging Point
- (CFPP) A measure of the ability of a diesel fuel to operate under cold weather conditions. Defined as the lowest temperature at which diesel fuel will pass through a fine wire mesh screen of the test apparatus.
- Cold forming
- A process of shaping an object (esp. made of stainless steel without heating it or using only a little heat below recrystallization temperature. The object is pressed into shape by appropriate dies at high speed in order to give the object increased tensile strength and hardness as well as a decrease in ductility. Also called cold heading or cold working
- Cold galvanizing
- The application of zinc to prevent rusting. It can be applied by a paint with lots of zinc or by electroplating with zinc.
- Cold heading
-
- A process of shaping an object (esp. made of stainless steel without heating it or using only a little heat below recrystallization temperature. The object is pressed into shape by appropriate dies at high speed in order to give the object increased tensile strength and hardness as well as a decrease in ductility. Also called cold forming or cold working
- Forcing metal to flow cold into dies to form thicker sections and more or less intricate shapes. The operation is performed in specialized machines where the metal, in the form of a wire or bar stock, may be upset or headed in certain sections to a larger size and, if desired, may be extruded in other sections to a smaller diameter than the stock wire.
- Cold idle speed solenoid
-
A motor or solenoid operated by the computer can also be used to push a plunger against the throttle linkage in order to increase cold-idle speed.
Cold Idle Speed Solenoid
- Cold in-place recycling
- A system of re-using pavement that may have a lot of potholes, or is otherwise in poor shape. The top layer of old pavement (about 3 inches) is broken up with hand tools or by a paving machine. Asphalt binder is added to the ground up pavement, processed, and laid back down on the road. The paving machine will do this in one continuous operation. The new recycled mat will then be topped with a surface treatment or an asphalt overlay. This process is used on medium or low-volume roads.
- Cold lash
- The valve lash clearance, measured between the rocker arm and valve tip, when the engine is cold.
- Cold mixture Heater
- (CMH) (CHM) A device which helps to reduce cold engine emissions and improve driveability during engine warm-up.
- Cold plug
- A spark plug which has a short insulator nose which absorbs less heat and dissipates heat quickly. A colder plug is used in a hot engine while a hot plug is used in a cold engine. Thus if the plugs are fouling too much, try a hotter plug. If the plugs are coming out white, try a colder plug. The ideal color of the center insulator nose should be a light chocolate brown.
- Cold solder joint
- A poor soldering technique where the solder has not quite melted enough to produce a good electrical contact.
- Cold spraying
- A method of paint spraying where the paint is excessively diluted with solvent. This process makes spraying easy, but the coats are very light.
- Cold start
- Getting a vehicle started which has been sitting for some time and cooled down to ambient temperature. When temperatures reach -40°C, a vehicle may require three or four times as much battery power as it would during the summer. As well, the carburetor or fuel injection system needs to be much richer (more gasoline than air). Because condensation has a tendency to build up in the gas tank during the winter, the liquid going to the carburetor or fuel injectors may be diluted with water -- thus making starting more difficult. The application of isopropyl alcohol (marketed as gasline antifreeze) removes the water from the tank.
- Cold start injector valve
- A device which supplies fuel under cold temperature depending on coolant temperature and the starter signal. Voltage is suppled by the Fuel pump relay
- Cold start enrichment
- A method of providing a higher ratio of fuel to air for starting a cold engine. In some cases, more fuel is fed into the engine with a Cold start injector; in other cases, the amount of air is restricted through the use of a Choke.
- Cold start injector
- A device in a fuel injection system which shoots an extra amount of fuel into the cylinder to increase the ratio of fuel to air.
- Cold Swaging Process
- A method of working with steel or other material without application of heat to reduce or form it by drawing to a point or reducing the diameter, as required.
- Cold wall
- Refrigerator construction which has the inner lining of refrigerator serving as the cooling surface.
- Cold weather modulator
- (CWM) a vacuum modulator located in the air cleaner on some models. The modulator prevents the air cleaner duct door from opening to non-heated intake air when outside air is below 13°C. Similar to a temperature vacuum switch.
- Cold Work
- Metal stock that is deformed by hammering, forming, drawing, etc., while the metal is at room temperature and no heat is applied.
- Cold working
- A process of shaping an object (esp. made of stainless steel without heating it or using only a little heat below recrystallization temperature. The object is pressed into shape by appropriate dies at high speed in order to give the object increased tensile strength and hardness as well as a decrease in ductility. Also called cold forming or cold heading
- Collagen
- A gluey protein found in vertebrates. It forms the principal substance in connecting fibers and tissues and in bones, hydrolizing to gelatin when boiled with water to become the primary ingredient in glue
- Collapsed piston
- A Piston whose
Skirt diameter has been reduced due to heat and the forces
imposed upon it during service in the engine.
Also see
- Collapsible spare tire
- A Space-saver spare.
- Collapsible steering column
- When a vehicle is involved in an accident, the driver's chest is forced into the steering wheel. In older cars, the immovable steering column meant that the driver could sustain chest damage. The collapsible steering column telescopes or folds (articulate) so that chest damage is reduced.
- Collectible car
- An older vehicle which may or may not fit in a particular classification but is significant in its own right.
- Collector
-
- A person who accumulates specialty vehicles
- Semiconductor section of transistor, connected to the same polarity as the base.
- Collector car
- An older car which may not fit into the category of a classic car or a milestone car, but it has nostalgic appeal.
- Collision avoidance system
- Electronic system used to prevent collisions in inland navigable waterways.
- Collision bulkhead
- The foremost main transverse watertight bulkhead designed to keep water out of the forward hold in case of bow collision damage. Also called Forepeak bulkhead
- Collision insurance
- Insurance coverage that pays to repair damages to your vehicle when it is involved in an accident.
- Colloids
- Miniature cells peculiar to meats, fish, and poultry which, If disrupted, cause food to become rancid. Low temperatures minimize this action.
- Colonnade hardtop
-
In architecture, the term colonnade describes a series of columns, set at regular intervals, usually supporting an entablature, roof, or series of arches. To meet US federal rollover standards in 1974 (standards that never emerged), General Motors introduced two-door and four-door pillared body types with arch-like quarter windows and sandwich type roof construction. They looked like a cross between true hardtops and miniature limousines. Both styles proved popular (especially the coupe with louvered coach windows and canopy top) and the term colonnade was applied. As their true hardtops disappeared, other manufacturers produced similar bodies with a variety of quarter-window shapes and sizes. These were known by such terms as hardtop coupe, pillared hardtop, or opera-window coupe.
Colonnade Hardtop
- Color-coded
-
- Something that is colored the same as the main part of the bodywork. Also called color-keyed or color-matched.
- A series of similar things in which each one is a different color to distinguish one from the other, such as the wiring (e.g., the red wire goes from the battery to the fuse box, the blue wire goes from ... to the ...).
- Color scheme
- The combination of exterior colors which harmonize, e.g., A maroon body and a white roof.
- Columbium
- A metal which may be added to chrome-nickel stainless steel to improve its welding and general heat-resistant qualities, by preventing carbide precipitation.
- Column shifter
- A gear changer lever and mechanism which is located on the steering column below the steering wheel. In Britain it is called a column changer or column gear changer.
- Combination brake system
- A dual brake system that uses disc brakes at the front wheels and drum brakes at the rear wheels
- Combination lamp
- A light or group of lights which serves two or more purposes. For example, the rear combination lamp illumines the running lights (i.e., the ones that are turned on when the headlight is turned on) and brake light and/or the signal light
- Combination spanner
- A British term for Combination wrench
- Combination tooth lock washer
-
A hardened circular washer with twisted prongs of teeth protruding from both the inside and the outer edge of the washer.
Combination tooth lock washer
- Combination valve
-
- A brake system hydraulic control device includes a pressure differential valve, metering valve, and proportioning valve
- A hydraulic valve usually incorporating a pressure differential warning switch, a metering valve and a proportioning valve. Not all combination valves contain all of these control valves
- A single housing that combines two or more hydraulic valves used in a braking system
- Combination Vehicle
- A vehicle made up of two or more separate units hooked together, such as a tractor-semitrailer combination. Also called an articulated vehicle since units pivot at the coupling point.
- Combination wrench
-
A flat wrench with a hex ring at one end and an open end at the other.
Combination Wrench
- Combustible liquids
- A liquid having a flash point at or above
37.8°C. They are subdivided
as follows:
- Class II Liquids--Those having flash points at or above 37.8°C and below 60°C.
- Class IIIA Liquids--Those having flash points at or above 60°C and below 93.4°C.
- Class IIIB Liquids--Those having flash points at or above 93.4°C.
- Combustible materials
- Items adjacent to or in contact with heat-producing devices (e.g., engine, manifold, exhaust pipe, muffler, heater, warm air ducts, etc.) which are made of or surfaced with wood, compressed paper, plant fibers, or other materials that are capable of being ignited and burned. Such materials shall be considered combustible even though flameproofed, fire-retardant treated, or plastered.
- Combustion
-
- The rapid oxidation of fuel accompanied by the production of heat, or heat and light.
- The intense burning of the Fuel-air mixture in the Combustion chamber. Some used to think that the Fuel-air mixture exploded; but further investigation has shown that it rapidly burns.
Also see- Combustion chamber volume
- Combustion chamber
- Compression ignition
- Controlled combustion system
- External combustion engine
- Fireball combustion chamber
- Gross Heat Of Combustion
- Hemispherical combustion chamber
- Internal combustion engine
- Main combustion chamber
- Net Heat Of Combustion
- Pent-roof combustion chamber
- Pre-combustion chamber
- Swirl Combustion
- Wedge combustion chamber
- Combustion Chamber
-
-
The Volume of the space in the Cylinder above the Piston with the piston at Top dead center (TDC) in the Compression stroke. The Head of the piston, the Cylinder walls, and the Head form the Chamber. Combustion of the Fuel-air mixture begins here when ignited by a Spark plug. The design and shape of the combustion chamber can affect power, Fuel efficiency, and emissions of an engine. Several combustion chamber shapes have been used including Hemispherical combustion chamber, Bathtub combustion chamber, Wedge combustion chamber, Squish combustion chamber, and Piston-crown combustion chamber.
Combustion Chamber
- An enclosed vessel in which chemical oxidation of fuel occurs.
- The area at the top of the cylinder where the fuel charge burns and pushes the piston down
Also see
-
- Combustion chamber volume
- Volume of combustion chamber (space above Piston with piston on TDC) measured in cc (cubic centimeters).
- Combustion controls
- A device which automatically regulates the firing rate at
predetermined air-fuel ratios in accordance with load demand.
Also see
- Combustion pressure
- The pressure created during the combustion of the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder, measured in pounds per square inch.
- Combustion products
- Constituents resulting from the combustion of a fuel with oxygen. For combustion processes that obtain oxygen from air, this includes the inert gases contained in air but excludes excess air used in the combustion.
- Comeback
-
- A repair job which has been returned to the dealer because of a repeat problem. Usually the dealer is responsible to repair it properly at no charge to the customer.
- Trucker slang for a return call or repeat as in "Can I get a come back on that smokey report?"
- Come on
- A situation where a vehicle buyer is led to believe one thing but it turns out to be really something else.
- CO meter
- A device for checking exhaust gases for carbon monoxide, a high level indicates an over-rich mixture as well as causing pollution.
- Comfort chart
- Chart used in air conditioning to show the dry bulb temperature, humidity, and air movement for human comfort conditions.
- Comfort cooler
- System used to reduce the temperature in the living space in homes. These systems are not complete air conditioners as they do not provide complete control of heating, humidifying, dehumidification, and air circulation.
- Comfort Luxe
- An automobile designation (abbreviated as CL) which has more luxury appointments than a Comfort but less than a Grand Luxe (GL).
- Comfort zone
- Area on psychrometric chart which shows conditions of temperature, humidity, and sometimes air movement in which most people are comfortable.
- Comic book
- Trucker slang for Truck driver's log book as in "The chicken coops checking comic books this morning."
- Comma dolly
-
A Dolly in the form of a comma to shape and straighten dented panels, usually by holding the dolly behind the metal to be shaped and hammering the metal.
Comma dolly
- Commercial Driver's License
- (CDL) A US license which authorizes an individual to operate commercial motor vehicles and buses over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. For operators of freight-hauling trucks, the maximum size which may be driven without a CDL is Class 6 (maximum 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight). In Canada it is called a Class 1 license.
- Commercial Motor Vehicle
- A motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if
the motor vehicle meets one of the following
- has a gross combination weight rating greater than or equal to 26,000 lb. including a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 10,000 lb.
- has a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 26,001 lb.
- is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver
- a motor vehicle of any size that transports hazardous materials of any kind.
- Commercial vehicle
- A vehicle (like a truck or bus) used for carrying goods or large numbers of passengers for money.
- Commissioned agent
- An agent who wholesales or retails a refined petroleum product under a commission arrangement. The agent does not take title to the product or establish the selling price, but receives a percentage of fixed fee for serving as an agent.
- Common Carrier
- A freight transportation company which serves the general public. It may be a regular route service (over designated highways on a regular basis) or irregular route (between various points on an unscheduled basis).
- Common Rail Injection
- A diesel fuel injection system employing a common pressure accumulator, called the rail, which is mounted along the engine block. The rail is fed by a high pressure fuel pump. The injectors, which are fed from the common rail, are activated by solenoid valves. The solenoid valves and the fuel pump are electronically controlled. In the common rail injection system the injection pressure is independent from engine speed and load. Therefore, the injection parameters can be freely controlled. Usually a pilot injection is introduced, which allows for reductions in engine noise and NOx emissions.
- Commutator
-
- A series or ring of copper bars that are connected to the Armature windings. The bars are insulated from each other and from the armature. The Brushes (as in the Generator or Starter) rub against the whirling commutator.
- Part of rotor in electric motor which conveys electric current to rotor windings.
Also see
- Compact car
- A designation no longer used because even full-size cars are now about the size of what was the compact car. In 1970, for instance, a Chevrolet Impala was a full-size car, a Chevelle was an intermediate, a Nova was a compact. When cars smaller than the Nova came out (i.e., Chevette), they were called sub-compacts.
- Compacted snow
- Snow that has been compressed by the movement of traffic and has bonded to the road surface
- Compaction
- Compressing roadway materials to their optimum density, providing a strong, stable surface.
- Compact SUV
- Compact sport utility vehicle usually based on a car chassis
rather than a truck chassis. They include such models as
Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Jeep Liberty,
Jeep Patriot, Kia Sportage, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner,
Nissan Rogue, Saturn Vue, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4.
Also see
- Company automotive outlet
- Any retail outlet selling motor fuel under the brand name of a company reporting in the EIA Financial Reporting System.
- Company car
- A vehicle owned by an organization rather than an individual. It may be operated by only one person or by several employees.
- Company-lessee automotive outlet
- One of three types of Company automotive outlets. This type of outlet is operated by an independent marketer who leases the station and land and has use of tanks, pumps, signs, etc. A lessee dealer typically has a supply agreement with a refiner or a distributor and purchases products at dealer tank wagon prices. The term includes outlets operated by commissioned agents and is limited to those dealers who are supplied directly by a refiner or any affiliate or subsidiary company of a refiner.
- Company-open automotive outlet
- One of three types of company automotive (retail) outlets. This type of outlet is operated by an independent marketer who owns or leases (from a third party that is not a refiner) the station or land of a retail outlet and has use of tanks, pumps, signs, etc. An open dealer typically has a supply agreement with a refiner or a distributor and purchases products based on either rack or dealer tank wagon prices.
- Company-operated automotive outlet
- One of three types of company automotive (retail) outlets. This type of outlet is operated by salaried or commissioned personnel paid by the reporting company.
- Company-operated retail outlet
- Any retail outlet (i.e., service station) which sells motor
vehicle fuels and is under the direct control of a firm that sets
the retail product price and directly collects all or part of the
retail margin. The category includes retail outlets operated by
- salaried employees of the firm and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates,
- licensed or commissioned agents, and/or personnel services contracted by the firm.
- Compartmentation
- The subdividing of the hull by transverse watertight bulkheads so that the ship may remain afloat under certain flooding conditions
- Compass
- An instrument with a magnetic needle which is mounted on the dash to give the driver an
idea of where magnetic north might be.
Also see
- Compass display
- A digital readout of the direction in which the vehicle is pointed. Usually displayed on the dash, headliner, or the mirror
- Compensated Intracorporate Hauling
- A freight transportation service provided by one company for a sister company.
- Compensating jet
-
A fuel tube or pipe in the Carburetor, into which air is admitted through one or more holes to compensate for a tendency of the main Nozzle to deliver too rich a mixture as the air velocity through the Carburetor increases. Also called Air bleed.
Click image to supersize
Compensating Jet
- Compensating port
- A small hole in a Brake master cylinder to permit fluid to return to the reservoir.
- Compensator
- A horizontal bar which is pulled forward when the parkbrake is applied at its central point, which is pivoted, while it is connected at each end to the parkbrake cable, enabling equal force to be exerted on each rear brake.
- Compensator valve
- A valve in Automatic transmissions designed to increase the pressure on the Brake band during heavy Acceleration.
- Complete respray
- Painting the entire component or entire vehicle as opposed to a partial respray
- Completion
- In the oil or gas production, the installation of permanent equipment for the production of oil or gas. If a well is equipped to produce only oil or gas from one zone or reservoir, the definition of a Well (classified as an oil well or gas well) and the definition of a completion are identical. However, if a well is equipped to produce oil and/or gas separately from more than one reservoir, a well is not synonymous with a completion.
- Completion date
- In oil and gas production, the date on which the installation of
permanent equipment has been completed as reported to the
appropriate regulatory agency.
- The date of completion of a dry hole is the date of abandonment as reported to the appropriate agency.
- The date of completion of a service well is the date on which the well is equipped to perform the service for which it was intended.
- Compliance
- A slight resiliency, or give, designed into SuspensionBushings to help absorb bumps. Good compliance allows the wheels to move toward the rear a little as they hit bumps but does not allow them to move laterally (sideways) during cornering.
- Compole
- An auxiliary pole used on a commutator machine. The pole is placed between the main poles for the purposes of producing an auxiliary flux to assist commutation.
- Component
-
- One of the parts that make up the whole system or device, as in The Brake pad is a component of the Brake system.
- A raw material, ingredient, part or subassembly that goes into a higher level assembly, compound, or other item.
- Component anti-lock brake system
- A type of anti-lock brake system in which the hydraulic control unit is not a part of the master cylinder/power booster assembly.
- Component design
- The activity for the design of specific components including responsibility for material, cost, weight, reliability, durability, function, appearance, and serviceability.
- Component sharing
- The use of the same basic parts used in different models -- even in models from different manufacturers.
- Composite
- Any material that consists of two or more substances where one or more of them are high strength fibers and another is an adhesive Binder. The most common composite is Fiberglass, which consists of thin glass fibers bonded together in a plastic matrix. The structural properties of composites can be altered by controlling the orientation and configuration of the high-strength Components.
- Composite brake drum
- A brake drum made from two different metals. All composite drums have cast-iron friction surfaces.
- Composite headlight
- A non-sealed beam Headlight used in the US since 1984, but available in other countries much earlier. Unlike the Sealed beam headlight, the lens and bulb are separate units. When the Bulb fails, you can replace just the bulb, not the whole unit. Lenses come in a variety of shapes and are designed for a specific vehicle. Even the left side differs from the right on the same vehicle. While sealed-beam headlights are mass produced for almost all early vehicles, composite headlight lenses are low production and can be very costly to replace.
- Composite propeller shaft
- A single-piece propeller shaft made of fiber-reinforced epoxy in which the fibers are usually glass and/or carbon.
- Compound carburetor
- A carburetor with more than one choke. Usually there are two one for the large throttle opening and one for the small throttle opening, but they fit to a single port
- Compound center electrode
- Also called Compound electrode
- Compound gauge
-
- A gauge that can indicate both pressure and vacuum.
- Another name for the Low side gauge, because it can indicate both pressure and vacuum
- Compound motor
- A direct current electric motor with two separate field windings, one in parallel and the other in series with the armature circuit; used as a starter motor
- Compound refrigerating systems
- System which has several compressors or compressor cylinders in series. The system is used to pump low-pressure vapors to condensing pressures.
- Compound winding
- Two electric windings -- one in series, the other in shunt or parallel with other electric units or equipment. Applied to electric motors or generators -- one winding is shunted across the armature; other is in series with the armature.
- Comprehensive insurance
- Insurance coverage that pays for damages to your car, its accessories, spare parts against loss or damage caused by an accidental collision, fire, theft, vandalism, typhoon, earthquake, and flooding. It will also pay expenses to have the disabled vehicle towed to the repair shop and expenses to return the vehicle back to you when the repairs are completed. It also covers for the death and bodily injury of the insured or driver; loss or damage to someone else's property as a result of the accident; legal liabilities to the death or bodily injury of the third party arising from the accident; legal liabilities to the damage to property of the third party arising from the accident; loss or damage to the property of the spouse(s) or the child(ren) of the insured or driver; and medical expenses of the insured or driver's injury caused by the accident.
- Compressed natural gas
- (CNG) Natural gas comprised primarily of methane that has been
compressed under high pressures, typically between 2000 and 3600
psi, and held in a container. The gas expands when released for
use as a fuel for natural gas powered vehicles.
Also see
- Compression
-
- Applying pressure to a spring, or any springy substance, thus causing it to reduce its length in the direction of the compressing force.
- Applying pressure to a gas, thus causing a reduction in volume but an increase in pressure and temperature.
- One of the essential factors in an internal combustion engine (fuel, air, proper proportion of mixture, compression, Timing, and Spark). It is the squeezing of the Fuel-air mixture in the cylinder of a spark-ignition engine or the squeezing of the air in a diesel engine. Compression makes the process of Combustion more effective and increases engine efficiency.
- Term used to denote increase of pressure on a fluid by using mechanical energy.
- Reduction in volume and increase in pressure and temperature of a gas caused by squeezing it into a smaller space
- A system of forces that reduces the volume occupied by a specific quantity of gaseous material.
- Natural gas is compressed during transportation and storage. The standard pressure that gas volumes are measured at is 14.7 psi. When being transported through pipelines, and when being stored, gas is compressed to save space. Pipelines have compressing stations installed along the line (one about every 100 miles) to ensure that the gas pressure is held high while the gas is being transported. Current pipelines can compress natural gas to nearly 1500 psi, but most tend to operate at closer to 1000 psi.
- Compression check
- Testing the Compression in all the Cylinders at CrankingSpeed. All plugs are removed, the Compression gauge placed in one plug hole, the Throttle Cracked wide open and the engine cranked until the gauge no longer climbs. The compression check is a good way in which to determine the condition of the valves, rings, and Cylinders.
- Compression damping
- The control of the movement as the shock compresses as it hits a bump. Rebound damping refers to controlling the movement as the shock extends back to its relaxed position.
- Compression gauge
-
- A gauge used to test the Compression in the Cylinders. A poor Compression reading can indicate that there is leakage through the valves or the Piston rings. In Two stroke engines, it could indicate that there is poor Primary compression because of a leak in the Crankshaft seals.
- Instrument used to measure positive pressures (pressures above atmospheric pressures) only. Gauge dial usually runs from 0 to 300 lb. per sq. in. gauge, (psig) (101.3-2 170 kPa).
- Compression ignition
- (CI)
- Combustion of a Fuel-air mixture without Spark. In the Diesel engine, air is drawn into the Cylinder and compressed to a temperature sufficiently high that fuel oil injected at the end of the Compression stroke burns in the Cylinder without a spark to initiate Combustion. A prank played on new employees is to send them on a search for the Spark plugs for a diesel engine -- they don't exist.
- The form of ignition that initiates combustion in a diesel engine. The rapid compression of air within the cylinders generates the heat required to ignite the fuel as it is injected.
- Compression leakage
- In an engine, when some gases escape past the piston because the rings or cylinder walls are worn, the compression is reduced so that there is less efficiency.
- Compression molding
- The shaping of molding material by softening it under pressure and the action of heat, and
forcing it through a hole into a hollow space which it completely fills.
Also see
- Compression moulding
- British term for Compression molding
- Compression ratio
-
- When the Piston is at the bottom of its travel (BDC), the Volume of Cylinder is measured (suppose the volume is X). Then the piston is placed at the top of its travel (TDC) and the volume of the Cylinder is measured (suppose this volume is Y). The compression ratio is a comparison of these two values expressed as XY. Then the values are mathematically changed so that the second number is always 1. Thus you hear of ratios like 10.51 or 9.51 or 81. The higher the compression ratio, the more mechanical energy an engine can squeeze from its Air-fuel mixture. Higher compression ratios, however, also make Detonation more likely.
- Ratio of the volume of the clearance space to the total volume of the cylinder. In refrigeration it is also used as the ratio of the absolute low-side pressure to the absolute high-side pressure.
Also see
- Compression ring
- A ring which surrounds the Piston and fits in a grove in the piston. It is designed to seal the burning fuel charge above the piston. Generally there are two compression rings per piston and they are located in the two top Ring grooves. They also help to transfer heat from the piston into the Cylinder walls and subsequently to the Water jacket surrounding the Cylinder.
- Compression spring
-
An open-coil, Helical spring that offers Resistance to a compressive form.
Coil Compression Spring
- Compression stroke
-
The second stroke of the Four-stroke cycle, in which the Piston moves upward from Bottom dead center to Top dead center, compressing the Fuel-air mixture.
Compression Stroke
- Compression tester
- A device which is screwed or pushed into the spark plug hole so that when the engine is turned over, it measures the amount of compression in that cylinder.
- Compressor
-
- A device used for increasing the pressure and density of gas.
- Pump of a refrigerating mechanism which draws a low pressure on cooling side of refrigerant cycle and squeezes or compresses the gas into the high-pressure or condensing side of the cycle.
- A tool for compressing a coil spring, such as a valve spring.
- An air conditioning component which pumps, circulates, and increases the pressure of refrigerant vapor
- A mechanism in a refrigerator or Air conditioner that Pumps Vaporized Refrigerant out of the Evaporator, compresses it to a relatively high pressure and then delivers it to the Condenser.
-
A device which produces pressurized air for filling tires and running air-powered tools
Compressor
Also see- Air compressor
- Axial Compressor
- Axial-flow Compressor
- Centrifugal Compressor
- Clearance Pocket Compressor
- Fuel gas compressor
- Hermetic Compressor
- Inline Compressor
- Muffler Compressor
- Multiple Stage Compressor
- Open Compressor
- Open Type Compressor
- Piston compressor
- Piston-type compressor
- Positive displacement compressor
- Radial Compressor
- Reciprocating compressor
- Roots compressor
- Rotary Blade Compressor
- Rotary Compressor
- Semihermetic Compressor
- Single-stage Compressor
- Spring compressor
- Stationary Blade Compressor
- Valve spring compressor
- Vanes Compressor
- Variable Displacement Compressor
- V-type Compressor
- Compressor cut-off switch
- A device used by some manufacturers to prevent compressor operation. Such as the wide open throttle (WOT) cut-off switch, low pressure switch, and high pressure switch
- Compressor discharge switch
- A device that shuts off the compressor when refrigerant pressure is low. The switch is wired in series between the compressor clutch and the control panel switch
- Compressor displacement
- Volume, in cubic inches, represented by the area of the compressor piston head or heads multiplied by the length of the stroke.
- Compressor, hermetic
- Compressor in which the driving motor is sealed in the same dome or housing as the compressor.
- Compressor impeller
- An impeller of a turbocharger driven by the turbine at speeds up to 160,000 rpm, which accelerates by centrifugal force the charge air which enter axially and leaves radially at a very high velocity.
- Compressor muffler
- Sound absorber chamber in refrigeration system. Used to reduce sound of gas pulsations.
- Compressor, multiple stage
- Compressor having two or more compressive steps. Discharge from each step is the intake pressure of the next in series.
- Compressor, open type
- Compressor in which the crankshaft extends through the crankcase and is driven by an outside motor. Commonly called external drive compressor.
- Compressor pressure ratio
- In a turbocharger system, the ratio between the absolute pressure at the compressor outlet and the compressor inlet
- Compressor ratio
- In a turbocharger system, the ratio between the volume in the cylinder when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke and the volume in the cylinder when the piston is at the top of its stroke
- Compressor, reciprocating
- Compressor which uses a piston and cylinder mechanism to provide pumping action.
- Compressor, rotary
- Compressor which uses vanes, eccentric mechanisms, or other rotating devices to provide pumping action.
- Compressor shaft seal
- A seal in an air conditioner compressor, surrounding the compressor shaft, that permits the shaft to turn without the loss of refrigerant or oil
- Compressor, single-stage
- Compressor having only one compressive step between low-side pressure and high-side pressure.
- Compressor station
- Any combination of facilities that supply the energy to move gas in transmission or distribution lines or into storage by increasing the pressure.
- Comprex supercharger
- A supercharger using the pressure waves created by the expanding exhaust gases to compress the inlet charge. Also called pressure wave supercharger.
- Companion flanges
- Shaft attached collars of stainless steel into which a threaded piece may be joined.
- Comparator
- A device for inspecting screw threads and outlines by comparing them with a greatly enlarged standard chart.
- Computer
-
- A device which calculates information and sends the results to a specific destination. In automobiles, computers are used to regulate fuel flow, control the Air conditioner, display Speed, time, ETA, etc.
- Series of electrical components which accept inputs from an operator and controls outputs.
- Computer command control
- (CCC) an electronically-controlled fuel metering system used on GM vehicle. Uses an oxygen sensor, a throttle position sensor and other information sensors to provide a computer with the data it needs to alter the air/fuel ratio via mixture control solenoid in the carburetor
- Computer command control system
- (C-3) an earlier engine management system used on GM vehicles. (C-4) A later engine management system used on GM vehicles
- Computer Controlled Catalytic Converter
- (C-4) A later engine management system used on General Motors vehicles.
- Computer controlled coil ignition
- (C3I) GM's computerized ignition coil system, used on many different engine applications
- Computer controlled timing
- (CCT) a system that feeds input from various engine sensors into a computer. The computer then matches spark timing exactly to engine requirements throughout its full range of operations
- Computer languages
- Specific wording or codes, such as BASIC, FORTRAN, and COBOL, which direct a computer to accept and store information and control outputs.
- Concave drum
- A deformed brake drum in which the diameter at the center of the friction surface is greater than that at the ends. Contrast Convex drum
- Concealed headlamps
- Headlamp doors close to create a flush fitting surface to reduce air resistance in headlamp area
- Concealed headlights
-
Headlight which (when not lit) is hidden behind a panel. When the headlight switch is turned on, vacuum or an electric current is applied to a controller which opens the panel exposing the light. Also called hide-away headlights or pop-up headlights.
Concealed Headlights
- Concentrator
- A reflective or refractive device that focuses incident insolation onto an area smaller than the reflective or refractive surface, resulting in increased insolation at the point of focus.
- Concept car
- A vehicle that is not currently in production, but is still in the design stage. Some are
merely paper drawings, but others are clay Mock-ups.
The ideas in the concept cars sometimes appears in production models.
Also see
- Concept vehicle
- A current production vehicle modified for installation of new design concepts for evaluation of environmental functional feasibility.
- Concho
- A chrome Trim disk for Saddlebags and leathers.
- Concours
- Also called concours d'elegance. This is the term used to describe a show where cars in superb condition are judged against a standard of excellence established by the sponsors, with awards given to winners. Show cars compete in a concours.
- Concrete
- A mixture of cement, rocks, sand, and water which, when hardened, becomes a rock-like substance which
can be used for barriers and even road surfaces.
Also see
- Condensate
-
- A fluid formed when a gas is cooled to its liquid state.
- The liquid that separates from a gas (including flue gases) due to a reduction in temperature.
- Condensation
-
- Moisture, from the air, deposited on a cool surface. The reverse of Evaporation.
- Liquid or droplets which form when a gas or vapor is cooled below its dew point.
- The act or process of reducing a gas or vapor to a liquid or solid form
- Condenser
-
- The unit in an air conditioning system that cools the hot compressed Refrigerant and turns it from a vapor into a liquid. It is the opposite of an Evaporator.
-
The part of refrigeration mechanism which receives hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas from compressor and cools gaseous refrigerant until it returns to its liquid state.
Condenser
-
A small metal Cylinder which is usually located in the Distributor. It is installed between the Breaker points and Coil to prevent Arcing at the Breaker points by absorbing or storing the excess Current. A condenser (also called a Capacitor) has the ability to absorb and retain surges of electricity. It is constructed of two metal plates separated by an Insulator.
Click image to supersize
Condenser
Also see
- Condenser comb
- Comb-like device, metal or plastic, used to straighten the metal fins on condensers or evaporators.
- Condenser, water-cooled
- Heat exchanger designed to transfer heat from hot gaseous refrigerant to water.
- Condensing furnace
- High efficiency, gas forced-air furnace that extracts the latent heat lost in conventional gas forced-air furnaces.
- Condensing pressure
- Pressure inside a condenser at which refrigerant vapor gives up its latent heat of vaporization and becomes a liquid. This varies with the temperature.
- Condensing temperature
- Temperature inside a condenser at which refrigerant vapor gives up its latent heat of vaporization and becomes a liquid. This varies with the pressure.
- Condensing unit
- Part of a refrigerating mechanism which pumps vaporized refrigerant from the evaporator, compresses it, liquefies it in the condenser, and returns it to the refrigerant control.
- Condensing unit service valves
- Shutoff valves mounted on condensing unit to enable service technicians to install and/or service unit.
- Condition-latched soft code
- A type of trouble code that disengages the ABS and turns on the amber light only as long as the condition, or problem, exists
- Conductance
- A measure of the ease with which a conductor allows electron flow. In DC circuits, conductance is the reciprocal of resistance
- Conduction
-
- The transfer of heat from one object to another by having the objects in physical contact.
- The flow of heat between substances by molecular vibration.
- The transfer of heat between the closely packed molecules of a substance or between two substances that are touching, caused by a temperature differential between the 2 molecules or substances
Also see
- Conductivity
- The ability of something to conduct electricity. Opposite of
Resistivity.
Also see
- Conductor
-
- A material forming a path for the flow of Current, such as silver, copper, and Carbon.
- Substance or body capable of transmitting electricity or heat.
- Metal wires, cables, and bus-bar used for carrying electric current. Conductors may be solid or stranded, that is, built up by a assembly of smaller solid conductors.
- Cone
-
- A bearing Race that curves to the inside of a circle of Ball bearings and works in conjunction with a Cup.
- In welding, it is the inner visible flame shape of a neutral or near neutral flame.
Also see
- Cone clutch
- A Clutch using a cone-shaped member that is forced into a cone-shaped depression in the Flywheel, or other driving unit, thus locking the two together, although no longer used on cars, the cone clutch finds some applications in small riding tractors, heavy power mowers, etc.
- Cone Point
- A point in the form of a cone, commonly having an included angle of 90 degrees or 118 degrees when applied to set screws.
- Cone point socket set screw
- A headless socket set screw threaded the entire length. It has a hexagonal drive at one end and a sharp conical-shaped point at the other end.
- Conference of the Parties
- (COP) The collection of nations that have ratified the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC). The primary role of the COP is to keep implementation of the FCCC under review and make the decisions necessary for its effective implementation.
- Conformation
- The ability of a precision insert bearing to match the shape and contour of a shaft surface even after it has been in use for some time.
- Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program
- (CMAQ) A federal grant program established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act of 1991 that allocates funds to states to help them simultaneously expand or initiate transportation services while improving air quality. CMAQ funds may be used to support alternative-fuel and alternative-fuel vehicle programs.
- Conical seat
- A circular, tapered place that something rests. For instance, a spark plug may fit into a tapered hole.
- Connecting rod
-
The connecting link or arm between the Piston and the Crankshaft. It converts the up-and-down (Reciprocating) motion of the piston into the circular (rotary) motion of the spinning Crankshaft. Often called con rod.
Click image to supersize
Connecting rod
- Connecting rod bolt
- One of several special headed fasteners which secures the connecting rod cap to the connecting rod itself.
- Connector
- A device which joins two items.
Also see
- Adapter
- Battery connector
- Blade connector
- Bulkhead Connector
- Butt Connector
- Cell connector
- Chimney Connector
- Closed-end Connector
- Data Link Connector
- Engine diagnostic connector
- Eyelet connector
- Helmet connector
- Intercell Connector
- Multicon connector system
- Snap-splice Connector
- T-connector
- Vent Connector
- Wiring Harness Connector
- Y-connector
- CO nonattainment area
- Areas with carbon monoxide design values of 9.5 parts per million or more, generally based on data for 1988 and 1989.
- Console
-
- A small storage space or fascia between the two front seats in a car with bucket seats. Often it houses the shifter, some instruments, coffee holders, coin holders, etc.
- A total unit or system of controls located in one area and enclosed. A window air conditioner is a console air conditioner.
- Constantan
- An alloy made of nickel and copper which is used in resistance wire and in thermocouplers.
- Constant idle system
- An electronically-controlled air bypass around the throttle. Also called Idle speed actuator or Idle speed stabilizer
- Constant mesh gearbox
- A type of Transmission in which all or most of
the gears are always in mesh with one another, as opposed to a sliding-gear transmission, in
which engagement is obtained by sliding some of the gears along a shaft into mesh. In a
constant-mesh manual gearbox, Gear ratios are selected
by small Clutches that connect the various gearsets to their
shafts so that power is transmitted through them.
Also see
- Constant mesh gear
- One of the gears that is always in mesh with another -- whether it is driving or not (i.e., just idling).
- Constant mesh gears
- Gears that are always in mesh with each other -- whether it is driving or not (i.e., just idling).
- Constant mesh transmission
- An arrangement of gearing where gears remain in mesh instead of sliding in and out of engagement
- Constant-radius turn
- A turn with a steady, non-changing arc. In a decreasing-radius corner, the arc gets sharper as you progress through the curve, while in an increasing radius corner, the arc becomes less sharp
- Constant velocity joint
-
(CV joint) A type of Universal joint so designed as to create a smooth transfer of Torque from the driven shaft to the driving shaft without any fluctuations in the Speed of the driven shaft.
Click image to supersize
CV Joint
- Constant voltage regulator
- (CVR) a device used to maintain a constant voltage level in a circuit, despite fluctuations in system voltage. CVRs are wired into some gauge circuits so voltage fluctuations won't affect accuracy of the gauge readings
- Constant-volume sampling
- An Exhaust-emissions measuring technique in which the Exhaust gases produced by a vehicle's engine are collected as it is driven through a test sequence of Accelerations, Decelerations, and cruise modes on a Chassis dynamometer. A quantity of air is added to the exhaust gases until a specific Volume (the same for all cars) is obtained. Concentrations of pollutants in the total sample are then analyzed for determination of their actual mass.
- Construction
-
See
- Body construction
- Box Section Construction
- Coachbuilt construction
- Frameless construction
- Inner Construction
- Monobloc construction
- Outer Construction
- Palletized construction
- Road construction
- Sandwich construction
- Skeleton construction
- Unibody construction
- Unitary construction
- Unit Construction
- Unitized construction
- Consumer factors
- Demographic characteristics of consumers including age, gender, income and geographic location, affordability.
- Consumer grade propane
- A normally gaseous paraffinic compound (C3H8), which includes all products covered by Natural Gas Policy Act Specifications for commercial and HD-5 Propane and ASTM Specification D 1835. Excludes: feedstock propanes, which are propanes not classified as consumer grade propanes, including the propane portion of any natural gas liquid mixes, i.e., butane-propane mix.
- Consumption
- The act of using up an amount of fuel. Actually the fuel is joined with air and merely changed into other substances (Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, etc. and energy).
- CONT
- Abbreviation for Continuous Duty Cycle
- Contact
-
- The touching of two or more parts.
- The parts that actually touch each other when making electrical connection whether permanently or intermittently.
- In an electric switch, the terminals that are bridged or brought together to close the switch
- Contact area
- The part of the tire that actually touches the ground at any particular moment.
Also see
- Contact breaker plate
- The plate on which the breaker points are mounted. When adjusting the points, the plate and the points are moved apart in relation to each other.
- Contact patch
- The area of a tire's tread that touches the ground.
Also see
- Contact points
- Two movable points or areas that when pressed together, complete a circuit. These points
are usually made of tungsten, Platinum, or silver.
Also see
- Contact set
- Replacement parts consisting of breaker points and possibly breaker plate and condenser.
- Contact spring
- A spring which pushes on a contact which holds something in place and maintains contact.
- Container
- A strong steel box of standard dimensions of 8 feet square and length of 20 feet or 40 feet, in which cargo is preloaded. Used to transport freight by ship, rail, and highway. International containers are designed to fit in ships' holds. Containers are transported on public roads atop a container chassis towed by a tractor. Domestic containers, up to 53 feet long and of lighter construction, are designed for rail and highway use only.
- Container Chassis
-
- A single-purpose semitrailer designed to carry a shipping container.
- A truck or trailer chassis consisting of a frame (no floor, sides or roof) with locking devices for securing and transporting a container.
- Containerization
- A shipping system where cargo is loaded into a large container at the factory and shipped from truck to train to ship, etc. without rehandling of contents within the container.
- Contaminant
-
- Some impurity in gasoline or oil or anything else.
- Substance such as dirt, moisture, or other matter foreign to refrigerant or refrigerant oil in system.
- Continental
-
A vehicle brand of Ford cars of which the 1956-57 Mark II models are milestone cars.
Click image for books on
Lincoln ContinentalAlso see
- Continental tire
- The bulge in the rear portion of the Trunk which resembles a tire or a rear mounted tire
- Continental-type fuse
- A ceramic fuse with conical end caps. They are color coded for different values.
- Continuity
-
- Continuous or complete circuit.
- The type of circuit that can be checked with an ohmmeter.
- A continuous path for the flow of an electrical current.
- Continuous AC Ignition System
- (CACIS) An ignition system where a high-energy alternating current arc burns for the entire power stroke. In this system, the spark plugs don't erode as quickly and the air/fuel mixture is more completely burned. Thus there is no need for a catalytic converter.
- Continuous duty cycle
- (CONT) An electrical motor which can continue to operate within the temperature limits of its insulation system after it has reached normal operating (equilibrium) temperature is considered to have a continuous duty rating. Compare Intermittent Duty Cycle
- Continuous furnace
- A furnace in which the charge enters at one end, moves through continuously, and is discharged at the other.
- Continuous ignition source
- An ignition source which, once placed in operation, is intended to remain ignited or energized continuously until manually interrupted.
- Continuous injection system
- (CIS) A mechanical fuel injection system designed and manufactured by Bosch, used on
many German vehicles. In a CIS system, the fuel injectors are always open (i.e., they emit a
continuous spray of fuel into the intake ports). The amount of fuel sprayed is determined by the
fuel pressure in the system, which in turn is determined by the position of the throttle.
Also see
- Continuous rolling contact
- A wheel in steady rolling contact with the ground without slip, wheel-spin, or slide (as with locked brakes). Should be the aim at all times both on and off road.
- Conti tire system
- Abbreviated CTS. A run flat tire and wheel combination which allows the tire to be run for up to 400 km (250 miles) at a speed of up to 80 kph (50 mph)
- Contract carrier
-
- A shipping company which is transporting goods because of a contract with another shipping company.
- A company that engages in for-hire transportation of property under individual contract or agreement with one or a limited number of shippers.
- Contraction
- A thermal action where the size (mass or dimension) of an object is reduced when cooled;
the opposite of Expansion.
Also see
- Contre pente
- Abbreviated CP. A French designed wheel where the raised portion of one of the rim bead
seat is designed to hold the tire bead of a nearly flat tire without breaking the bead (i.e.,
becoming unseated).
Also see
- Contre pente on both bead seats
- Abbreviated CP2. A safety rim contour with a contre pente on both rim bead seats
- Control
-
- A device or mechanism for adjusting a component.
- The ability of the driver to make a vehicle perform as required.
- To regulate.
- Automatic or manual device used to stop, start, and/or regulate flow of gas, liquid, and/or electricity.
Also see- Adaptive Control
- Automatic Beam Control
- Automatic Brightness Control
- Automatic Contrast Control
- Automatic Control
- Automatic frequency control
- Automatic Frost Control
- Automatic Gain Control
- Automatic level control
- Automatic Mixture Control
- Automatic Phase Control
- Automatic Quiet Gain Control
- Automatic Ride Control
- Automatic temperature control
- Automatic volume control
- Balance control
- Boost Control
- Boundary Layer Control
- Brightness Control
- Choke control
- Climate control
- Corrosion control
- Cruise control
- Daylighting Controls
- Defrosting Control
- Deice Control
- Digital frequency control
- Dimmer control
- Direct Digital Control
- Distribution Controls
- Dual Controls
- Dwell-angle control
- EGR Function Control
- Electric air control valve
- Electronic Climate Control
- Electronic control module
- Electronic control unit
- Electronic engine control
- Electronic ride control
- Electronic spark control
- Electronic traction control
- Electronic transmission control
- Emission control
- Evaporation control system
- Evaporative emission control system
- Fail-safe Control
- Feedback control
- Finance and control
- Flow control
- Ground clearance control
- Hand Controls
- Headlight leveling control
- Head Pressure Control
- Heat control valve
- Heating Control
- Hill Descent Control
- Hydraulic control block
- Idle Speed Control
- Ignition control unit
- Ignition timing
- Illumination control
- Inflation control seam
- Infrared remote control
- Instruments And Controls
- Intermittent wiper control
- Intuitive Control
- Knock control
- Lambda Control
- Limit Control
- Limit Cycle Control
- Load Proportional Brake Control
- Low-pressure Control
- Low-side Pressure Control
- Low-speed traction control
- Manifold heat control valve
- Manual Frost Control
- Mixture control unit
- Modulating Combustion Controls
- Motor Control
- Multi-function control stalk
- Oil control ring
- Open-loop Fuel Control
- Orifice Spark Advance Control
- Overrun control valve
- Pressure Motor Control
- Primary Control
- Primary Safety Control
- Quality Control
- Quiet Automatic Volume Control
- Refrigerant Control
- Remote control
- Remote Power Element Control
- Safety Control
- Safety Motor Control
- Semi-automatic Frost Control
- Sequence Controls
- Speed control
- Steering Column Controls
- Temperature control
- Thermal Ignition Control
- Thermostatic Control
- Thermodisk Defrost Control
- Thermostatic Motor Control
- Traction Control
- Vacuum control
- Voltage Control
- Zone Controls
- Control arm
- A metal Strut on the
Suspension which is located at the top and bottom of the
wheel Spindle. The upper and lower control arms allow the
front wheels to change direction. Also called a Wishbone or A-arm.
Also see
- Control cable
- A wire cable which runs from a knob or lever to a device which operates or regulates. Also called a
control wire.
Also see
- Control, defrosting
- Device to automatically defrost evaporator. It may operate by means of a clock, door cycling mechanism, or during off portion of refrigerating cycle.
- Contrôle
- A checkpoint where randonneur bicycle riders must stop to have their route cards signed and stamped to prove they have kept to the course within the time limits.
- Control head
- The dashboard mounted assembly which houses the mode selector, the blower switch and the temperature control lever of the heating, air conditioner, and ventilation system
- Controlled burn rate
- (CBR) A method of improving fuel economy by increasing or decreasing the rate which the fuel burns
See
- Controlled canister purge
- (CCP) ECM-controlled solenoid valve that permits manifold vacuum to purge the evaporative emissions from the charcoal canister
- Controlled combustion system
- (CCS)
- An emission control term used by General Motors to include the
following
- modified Combustion chamber design
- high-temperature coolant systems
- thermostatically controlled air cleaners
- very lean air/fuel mixtures
- high idle speeds
- severely retarded ignition timing
- TCS (transmission controlled spark) and TVS (thermal vacuum switch)
- A system of reducing unburned Hydrocarbon emission from the engine Exhaust
- An emission control term used by General Motors to include the
following
- Controlled vehicle
- A vehicle with a reduced emission system consisting of a catalytic converter, EGR, air injection, fuel evaporative emission control, etc. Also called a detoxed vehicle.
- Controller
-
- A group of controls and circuits used to accurately and automatically operate a device.
- A device which uses a variable resistor to regulate current flow to an electric brake friction assembly based on hand, foot, hydraulic, or air pressure.
- Electronic device that controls the timing and sequencing of traffic signals.
- Control module
- One of several names for a solid-state micro-computer which monitors engine conditions and controls certain engine functions, i.e., air/fuel ratio, injection and ignition timing, etc.
- Control plunger
-
- A device in a fuel injection system which moves up and down to provide the correct amount of fuel to each cylinder.
- One of several names for a solid state device which monitors engine conditions and controls certain engine functions, i.e., fuel injection, ignition timing, glow plug system in a diesels engine, etc.
- Control pressure
-
- The pressure in a fuel injection system.
- The pressure coming from line pressure or throttle pressure in the automatic transmission which pushes on the command valves.
- In a Bosch CIS, the pressurized fuel used as a hydraulic control fluid to apply a counterforce to the control plunger in Bosch CIS. Control pressure alters the air-fuel ratio through the operation of the control-pressure regulator
- The lower chamber pressure, which is controlled by the EHA, to control mixture, warm up and decelerate air/fuel ratio
- Control, pressure motor
- High- or low-pressure control connected into the electrical circuit and used to start and stop motor. It is activated by demand for refrigeration or for safety.
- Control pressure regulator
- In Bosch CIS, the control-pressure regulator is a thermal-hydraulic device that alters the control pressure by returning the excess fuel from the control pressure circuit to the fuel tank. The control-pressure regulator controls the counterforce pressure on top of the control plunger. Also referred to as the warm-up regulator
- Control, refrigerant
- Device used to regulate flow of liquid refrigerant into evaporator. Can be a capillary tube, expansion valves, or high-side and low-side float valves.
- Control stalk
- A shaft which projects from the steering column just below the steering wheel. It may
control lights, cruise control, wipers, windshield washer, signal lights, horn, etc.
Also see
- Control system
- All of the components required for the automatic control of a process variable.
See
- Anti-spin regulation traction control system
- Automatic Flight Control System
- Energy Management Control System
- Evaporation control system
- Evaporative emission control system
- Exhaust emission control system
- Feedback Control System
- Skid Control System
- Thermactor Exhaust Control System
- Transmission control system
- Vacuum Control System
- Wheel Slip Brake Control System
- Control, temperature
- Temperature-operated thermostatic device which automatically opens or closes a circuit.
- Control valve
-
- A valve which regulates or operates a system, especially a hydraulic or vacuum control system.
- Valve which regulates the flow or pressure of a medium which affects a controlled process. Control valves are operated by remote signals from independent devices using any of a number of control media such as pneumatic, electric, or electrohydraulic.
Also see- Air control valve
- Auxiliary Air Control Valve
- Auxiliary Control Valve
- Electric air control valve
- Electronic Air Control Valve
- Exhaust Heat Control Valve
- Idle Air Control Valve
- Manifold Control Valve
- Manifold heat control valve
- Oil control orifice valve
- Overrun control valve
- Purge Control Valve
- Suction Pressure Control Valve
- Thermactor Air Control Valve
- Vacuum Control Valve
- Vacuum Operated Exhaust Heat Control Valve
- Control valve assembly
- A casting located in the sump of the automatic transmission. It contains most of the valves for the hydraulic control system.
- Control wire
- A wire cable which runs from a knob or lever to a device which operates or regulates. Also called a control cable.
- Conv
- Abbreviation for Convertible.
- Convection
-
- The transfer of heat from one object to another when the hotter object heats the surrounding air and the air in turn heats the other object.
- The transfer of heat by the circulation or movement of the heated, or cooled, parts of a vapor or liquid
- The circulatory motion that occurs in a fluid at a nonuniform temperature owing to the variation of its density and the action of gravity. Generally fluid flow occurs because of natural convection (convection caused by density gradients), and forced convection (convection enhanced by mechanical means), and may be characterized by stagnant regions, laminar flow and turbulent flow.
- Convection, forced
- Transfer of heat resulting from forced movement of liquid or gas by means of a fan or pump.
- Convection, natural
- Circulation of a gas or liquid due to difference in density resulting from temperature differences.
- Conventional cross ply
- A tire having two or more carcass plies arranged in a criss-cross manner and diagonally to the beads and travels approximately 1/3 the distance around the circumference before attaching to the other bead. Each cord in the next ply is arranged in the same manner, but in the opposite direction.
- Conventional gasoline
- Finished motor gasoline not included in the oxygenated or reformulated gasoline categories. Note: This category excludes reformulated gasoline blendstock for oxygenate blending (RBOB) as well as other blendstock.
- Conventional ignition
- The transfer of heat from one object to another when the hotter object heats the surrounding air and the air in turn heats the other object.
- Conventional ignition system
- An ignition system consisting of the battery, ignition switch, ballast resistor, ignition coil, distributor, contact breaker points, condenser, centrifugal or vacuum advance unit, spark plugs, and high tension wires.
- Conventionally fueled vehicle
- A vehicle that runs on petroleum-based fuels such as motor gasoline or diesel fuel.
- Conventional oil and natural gas production
- Crude oil and natural gas that is produced by a well drilled into a geologic formation in which the reservoir and fluid characteristics permit the oil and natural gas to readily flow to the wellbore.
- Conventional spare tire
- A spare tire and rim which is the same size as the other four wheels. Most cars do not have them because they take up too much space in the trunk.
- Conventional theory
- The direction of current flow was arbitrarily chosen to be from the positive terminal of the voltage source, through the external circuit, then back to the negative terminal of the source
- Conventional tire
- A Bias ply tire.
- Conventional truck
- Engine forward of cab in power unit. Snub nosed, short hooded cabs are conventional. Step vans are conventional.
- Conversion
-
- The change from one state to another, e.g., harmful gases into harmless gases.
- Altered state of a particular system, or set of parts needed to achieve it.
- Conversion coating
- A coating of some metal which uses the same kind of metal in the coating compound and improves paint adhesion and corrosion resistance
- Conversion factors
- Force and power may be expressed in more than one way. A horsepower is equivalent to 33,000 ft. lb. of work per minute, 746 watts, or 2546 Btu per hour. These values can be used for changing horsepower into foot pounds, British thermal units, or watts.
- Conversion rate
- The rate at which a given catalytic converter purifies the exhaust gas stream, governed by various parameters such as operating conditions and converter design
- Conversion Vehicle
- A vehicle originally designed to operate on gasoline or diesel that has been modified or altered to run on an alternative fuel.
- Converted Vehicle
- A vehicle originally designed to operate on gasoline or diesel that has been modified or altered to
operate on an alternative fuel.
Also see
- Converter
-
- When used with LPG (Propane), it is a device which turns LPG (propane) from liquid to vapor for use in the engine.
- Referring to a Transmission it is the device that transfers engine Torque to the transmission.
Also see- AD Converter
- Aftermarket Vehicle Converter
- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Converter
- Bessemer Converter
- Catalytic converter
- Dual-bed catalytic converter
- Lock-up torque converter
- Lockup torque converter
- Mini catalytic converter
- Monolithic converter
- Open-loop catalytic converter
- Oxidizing converter
- Pellet-type catalytic converter
- Primary catalytic converter
- Rust converter
- Single-bed 3-way catalytic converter
- Single-bed oxidizing converter
- Three-way catalytic converter
- Torque converter
- Converter case
- An assembly in the automatic transmission encasing the impeller with the converter cover welded to it. It contains the converter fluid and vane wheels and connected to the crankshaft by means of the drive plate and revolving at engine speed.
- Converter cover
- A part in the automatic transmission that is welded to the pump and makes up the converter case
- Converter Dolly
-
Sometimes just called Dolly.
- An auxiliary axle assembly equipped with a fifth wheel (coupling device), towed by a semitrailer and supporting the front of, and towing, another semitrailer.
- An undercarriage assembly with one or more axles, a fifth wheel, and a tongue, used to convert a semitrailer to a full trailer.
- Converter Gear
- Colloquial term for converter dolly
- Converter housing
-
- A stationary outer part of the automatic transmission which encloses the converter case.
- The housing of a catalytic converter. Also called converter shell.
Also see
- Converter preheating
- An Emission control device which increases
catalytic action in cold starts when HC and CO are their highest. Although not in
use in Current cars, it may become necessary in the
future. Thus it may mean the following Take longer to start a vehicle in the morning,
require a larger Battery, necessitate plugging a
vehicle into household circuit, need for frequent replacement of the
Catalytic converter.
Also see
- Converter shell
- The housing of a catalytic converter. Also called Converter housing
- Convertible
-
Generally this is a two-door automobile without a fixed roof. Instead, the roof folds up or is removed in some way so that the passenger compartment is exposed to the open air. Some roofs are made of flexible fabric or plastic which folds up behind the passenger compartment. Other roofs are not flexible and retract into the Trunk. Some retract automatically while others must be manually removed and placed in the trunk. The term was introduced in the 1930s. In the 1950s, a Hardtop convertible was introduced to look like a convertible with its top up; but its fixed roof did not fold or retract. It was also called a drophead coupé or open car.
Convertible
Also see
- Convertible adjustable gas pressure regulator
- A regulator for conversion between gases having different heating values whose adjustment means can be positioned from one predetermined outlet pressure setting for one gas to another predetermined outlet pressure setting for the other gas with no intermediate pressure settings and without addition, deletion or substitution of parts.
- Convertible sedan
- This is similar to the Sedan body type, but with provisions of lowering both the all-weather side windows and the fabric top to create a four-door convertible.
- Convertible top
- The soft foldable canvas or vinyl top of a convertible. It usually has a clear plastic rear window.
- Convex drum
- A deformed brake drum in which the diameter at the center of the friction surface is smaller than that at the ends
- Coolant
- Liquid in the Cooling system. Usually a mixture of water and Antifreeze (ethylene glycol). This mixture lowers the freezing point of the water in the Cooling system, prevents rust and corrosion, lubricates the Water pump, and picks up heat from the engine and transfers it to the air passing through the Radiator.
- Coolant controlled exhaust gas recirculation
- (CCEGR) a system that prevents exhaust gas recirculation until engine coolant temperature reaches a specific value
- Coolant level warning light
- A small light on the dash which is illuminated when the radiator is low on coolant
- Coolant recovery system
-
A small bottle that acts as a reservoir for liquid expelled from the Cooling system through the Overflow pipe and returns the liquid to the system when it cools down. A special Radiator Pressure cap is also part of the kit. It is also called a Closed Cooling System when it is part of the Original equipment.
Radiator overflow tank
- Coolant temperature override switch
- CTO A switch that prevents vacuum from reaching a component until coolant temperature reaches a certain value
- Coolant temperature sensor
- (CTS) A sensor located at the bottom of the radiator which is connected to the temperature gauge.
Also see
- Coolant tester
-
A bulb and syringe device which sucks up the antifreeze in a radiator to determine its level of protection.
Coolant Tester
- Cooler
-
- A device for cooling hot liquid or air by passing air through the Vanes of a heat sink.
- Heat exchanger which removes heat from a substance.
- Cooling
- Conditioning of a vehicle's air for human comfort by a refrigeration unit (such as an air conditioner). Use of fans or blowers by themselves, without chilled air, or by opening the windows is not included in this definition of cooling.
- Cooling fan
-
- A large fan designed to suck relatively cool air and force it onto a warm object like an engine.
- A large fan designed to pull away the radiant warm air surrounding a hot object.
- Cooling fins
- The greater the surface area that needs to be cooled, the better you will be able to cool off
a hot object, like an engine. By putting a number of fins on a surface, you increase the overall
area. On air cooled engines, for instance, you will see a series of closely formed ridges or fins in
parallel. As the air passes by them, the engine heat is dissipated.
Also see
- Cooling system
- The system that removes heat from the engine. In a water-cooled engine it includes Radiator, Pressure cap, fan, Water pump, Thermostat, Water jackets; in an air-cooled engine it consists of a fan, cooling fins, and Ducting.
- Cooling tower
- Device which cools by water evaporation in air. Water is cooled to wet bulb temperature of air.
- Coolmax
- A garment constructed of four channel polyester, naturally hydrophobic fabric. Coolmax is designed to regulate body temperature during physical exertion by increasing air flow and transporting moisture through the fibers to the outside of the fabric where moisture evaporates.
- Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
- (CRADA) A federal and private joint research and development program that is used to further technology commercialization.
- Co-ordinated tow
- When recovering a stuck vehicle, the process by which the engine power of both the tug and the stuck vehicle are co-ordinated - usually by a signal from an external marshaller - and the clutches of both vehicles are engaged at the same time to enhance the chance of a first-time recovery.
- COP
-
- Acronym for Coil On Plug Electronic Ignition
- Acronym for Conference of the Parties
- Copper
- A reddish metal that is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. It is malleable, ductile, and non-magnetic with low to average strength and good corrosion resistance. Brass and silicon bronze, composed mainly of copper, gain their strength from the addition of other metals.
- Copper core
- The center electrode of a spark plug or the center wires of a high tension wire which is made of copper.
- Copper-faced hammer
- A hammer with a round head made of copper or brass. It is used to hit objects without damaging them where hitting them with a steel hammer might.
- Copper plating
-
- The application of a thin layer of copper by a process of electrolysis. Primarily it is done to electrical contacts and terminals to give excellent conduction of electricity.
- Abnormal condition developing in some units in which copper is electrolytically deposited on some compressor surfaces.
- Copper Steel
- When steel has a minimum of copper content it is classed as copper steel. The copper is added to enhance erosion resistance of the steel.
- Cord
-
- A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 model cars are classic cars.
- A strand of fabric or steel cable used in the ply of a tire.
- A rope.
Also see
- Cordierite
- A ceramic material of the formula 2MgO-2Al2O3-5SiO2 which is used for automotive flow-through Catalyst substrates and ceramic wall-flow diesel filters.
- Cordura
- The brand name for a heavy-duty, synthetic material made by DuPont that feels like canvas. It is often used in the manufacture of lightweight clothing, backpacks, and camping gear.
- Core
-
- When referring to Casting -- a sand unit placed inside of a Mold so that when the metal is poured, the core will leave a hollow shape.
- The magnetic center of a coil usually made of iron.
- The primary part (engine Block, Alternator, Starter, Radiator, etc.) which has malfunctioned, but is still suitable for Rebuilding or Remanufacturing. You can exchange it for a new or rebuilt part. Thus, instead of paying full price for a new alternator, you can submit your old alternator as a core and pay a lower amount for the new alternator. CORE is an acronym for cash on return.
- Core charge
- The word core is short for cash on return. When you purchase a part which is Rebuildable, you can return your old part and receive a core charge. Generally a core charge is collected for engines, Crankshafts, Alternators, Radiators, Brake shoes. If the part is beyond repair, there may be no core charge.
- Core plug
- A metal plug located in the sides of the engine Block which can pop out because of excessive pressure or freezing and prevent the engine Block from Cracking. These plugs are located in the water jacket and can sometimes leak and should then be replaced. Block heaters are installed by removing a core plug and inserting a heating element. Core plugs are also called freeze plugs or expansion plugs.
- Core support
- The framework that supports the radiator and air conditioner condenser assembly and also serves as the attaching point for the front fenders, grille assembly, hood latch, etc.
- Corncob
- A Bicycle term used to describe a cluster of Cogs on a racing Freewheel because of the small variation in number of teeth on adjacent Cogs.
- Cornering
- The negotiation of a curve, bend, or corner of a road. Good cornering ability allows the vehicle to go around a curve at a reasonable speed without body roll and breakaway.
- Cornering limit
- The maximum Speed that a vehicle can travel around a particular curve.
- Cornering speed
- The speed that a vehicle makes when turning. It is relative to the sharpness of the curve and the ability of the vehicle to stay on the road under control.
- Corner joint
- A junction formed by edges of two pieces of metal touching each other at an angle of about 90°
- Corner panel
- A panel used to fill a gap between larger panels or frame members meeting at an angle and
to serve as a stiffener, such as those at the intersection of sidemembers and crossmembers and the
rear corner panels of rear fenders.
Also see
- Corner steady
- A British term for a jack stand used to support and level the corner of a parked travel trailer.
- Corn flakes
- Trucker slang for A Consolidated Freightway truck as in "Can I get a smokey report there corn flakes."
- Corolla
-
A model of automobile manufactured by Toyota
Click image for books on
Toyota CorollaClick image for books on Corolla
- Corona
-
A model of automobile manufactured by Toyota
Click image for books on
Toyota CoronaClick image for books on Corona
- Corporate Average Fuel Economy
- (CAFE) Regulation enacted in 1975 which requires a motor vehicle manufacturer to classify its U.S. vehicle fleet sales as either domestic or import for the purpose of fuel economy averaging. It set federal fuel economy standards. The CAFE values are an average of city and highway fuel economy test results weighted by a manufacturer for either its car or truck fleet.
- Corridor
- A broad geographical band that follows a general directional flow connecting major sources of trips that may contain a number of streets, highways, and transit route alignments.
- Corridor analysis
- A detailed analysis of a roadway performed for the purpose of obtaining the most accurate projected traffic volumes. The analysis takes into account existing traffic volumes, projected growth, and major traffic generating locations. A corridor analysis will yield projected traffic volumes for every movement allowed on a facility including main lane, ramp, frontage road, and turning volumes.
- Corrode
- To eat away, gradually, the surface material from an object by chemical action, such as rust.
- Corrosion
-
- The chemical process in which metal is eaten away (i.e., rusting).
- Deterioration of materials from chemical action.
- The eating or wearing away of a substance, such as metal, usually caused by chemical decomposition brought about by an acid.
- The residue left by the process of gradual wearing away of a metal surface by chemical reaction.
- Detrimental change in the size or characteristics of material under conditions of exposure or use. It usually results from chemical action either regularly and slowly, as in rusting (oxidation), or rapidly, as in metal pickling.
Also see- Anti-corrosion
- Atmospheric corrosion
- Bimetallic corrosion
- Cold-condensate corrosion
- Electrochemical corrosion
- Electrolytic corrosion
- Fatigue corrosion
- Fretting corrosion
- Galvanic corrosion
- General corrosion
- Graphitic corrosion
- Intercrystalline corrosion
- Intergranular corrosion
- Localized corrosion
- Microbial corrosion
- Oxygen corrosion
- Pitting corrosion
- Scab corrosion
- Selective corrosion
- Stress corrosion cracking
- Uniform corrosion
- Corrosion control
- The minimizing of corrosion by coating with a protective metal, an oxide, or similar substance, or with protective paint, or by making the metal passive.
- Corrosion inhibitor
-
- A substance which reduces or prevents corrosion in oils, anti-freeze, paints, etc.
- Additives used to inhibit corrosion in the fuel system
- Corrosion prevention
- The minimizing of corrosion by coating with a protective metal, an oxide, or similar substance, or with protective paint, or by making the metal passive.
- Corrosion protection
- The minimizing of corrosion by coating with a protective metal, an oxide, or similar substance, or with protective paint, or by making the metal passive.
- Corrosion resistance
- The ability of metal not to corrode. For example, nickel has a high corrosion resistance while iron does not.
- Corrosive
- Causing corrosion, e.g., acid is corrosive because it eats away the substance on which it is
applied. That's why acid rain is so harmful to the surface of automobiles.
Also see
- Corrugations
- Deformation of an unsurfaced track taking the form of transverse, close-pitch undulations - i.e., at right angles to the direction of the track. Sometimes referred to as washboard.
- Corsica
-
A model of small car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1987-96.
Click image for books on
Chevrolet Corsica
- Corvair
-
A model of small car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1960-69 of which the 1960-64 Monza models are milestone cars. The 1962-64 Monza Spyder models are milestone cars. The 1965-69 Monza/Corsa models are milestone cars.
Click image for books on
Corvair
- Corvette
-
A model of sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1953 to the current year. The 1953-70 models are milestone cars. See also a history of the Corvette
Click image for books on
Chevrolet Corvette
- Co-solvents
- Heavier molecular weight alcohols used with methanol to improve water tolerance and reduce other negative characteristics of gasoline/alcohol blends. Tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) was used commercially as a co-solvent for methanol/gasoline blends during the 1980s.
- Cost
- The price that a shop charges for a vehicle or one of its Components. To the shop, it is the price they pay for the Component (i.e., the net price plus shipping) to which they add an amount or percentage to arrive at the selling price.
- Cost-effective
- Worthwhile. Usually a determination of whether repairing a vehicle is worth the expense in comparison with junking or selling it in favor of purchasing a newer vehicle. If you spend a $1000 to repair a vehicle worth $20,000, that is cost effective. If you spend a $1000 to repair a vehicle worth $200, it probably is not. The exception would be a vehicle which has nostalgic or historic value.
- Cost of production
- Actual cost to the manufacturer of producing a vehicle (does not include mark-up).
- Cost per kilometer
- A ratio which is obtained by dividing the total cost of the tire by the distance the tire has gone. The total cost involves adding up the initial price of the tire, price of retreading, repairs, rotation of tires, balancing tires, and other services. From this total any credits such as warranty, rebates, and trade-in value is subtracted. It must be remembered that when calculating the cost per kilometer of summer tires if winter tires were installed for a few months that only the number of kilometers that the summer tires were actually in use should be determined for this ratio. When purchasing tires, it may be helpful to divide the retail cost by the number of expected kilometers in order to compare one brand or one series against another.
- Cost per mile
- A ratio which is obtained by dividing the total cost of the tire by the distance the tire has gone. The total cost involves adding up the initial price of the tire, price of retreading, repairs, rotation of tires, balancing tires, and other services. From this total any credits such as warranty, rebates, and trade-in value is subtracted. It must be remembered that when calculating the cost per mile of summer tires if winter tires were installed for a few months that only the number of miles that the summer tires were actually in use should be determined for this ratio. When purchasing tires, it may be helpful to divide the retail cost by the number of expected miles in order to compare one brand or one series against another.
- Cotter
-
A tapered pin or wedge which is inserted into holes in two parts to secure them. Older bicycles used a cotter to secure the crank arm to the crank spindle. Also called crank cotter
Cotter
Also see
- Cotter pin
-
A fastener shaped like a pin, but split up the center. After it is inserted, the legs are bent around the item containing the hole. A length of wire which is folded almost in half and the bend forms an eye. Also called a split pin.
Cotter pin
- Cottered crank
- A Bicycle Crankset in which the Crankarms are fastened to the axle by means of threaded Cotter pins and nuts.
- Cotterless crank
- A Bicycle Crankset in which the Crankarms are fastened to the axle by means of nuts or bolts instead of Cotter pins.
- Cotterless crankset
- A Bicycle Crankset in which the Crankarms are fastened to the axle by means of nuts or bolts instead of Cotter pins.
- Coulomb
- Abbreviated C. A unit of electric charge. It is the amount of electricity conveyed in one second by a current of one ampere.
- Counterbalancing
- The action of reducing crankshaft vibration by adding a weight at the vibration damper and/or flywheel
- Counterbore
-
- Enlarging a hole to a certain depth.
- The cylindrical enlargement of the end of a drilled or bored hole.
- A cutting tool for counterboring, having a piloted end of the size of the drilled hole.
- Counterclockwise
- Rotation to the left as if the hands of a clock were going backwards. In most cases it is the direction to remove a nut from a bolt. It is the opposite to Clockwise.
- Counter electromotive force
- (CEMF) The induced voltage in an electrical motor armature caused by conductors moving through or cutting field magnetic flux. This induced voltage opposes the armature current and tends to reduce it
- Counter emf
- (CEMF) Tendency for reverse electrical flow as magnetic field changes in an induction coil.
- Counter flow
- A flow in opposite directions in adjacent parts of an apparatus, as in a heat exchanger.
- Counterforce
- In Bosch CIS, the force of the fuel-pressure applied to the top of the control plunger to balance the force of the airflow pushing against the sensor plate
- Countershaft
- The shaft in a manual Gearbox that carries power by means of gears from the Clutch shaft to the Driveshaft, turning opposite to them. The British term is "layshaft"
- Countersink
- To make a Counterbore so that the head of a screw may set Flush, or below the surface.
- Countersteering
- The way you use the handlebar to lean the bike into a turn. If you want to turn right, you push the handlebar to the left, and vice versa
- Countersunk bolt
- A bolt with a special head. The underside of the head is tapered to fit into a hole that has tapered sides (countersunk hole) so that when the bolt is screwed in all the way, the top of the bolt is flush with the surface
- Countersunk head
-
On the underside of the head of a screw or bolt is beveled to fit a flaring hole. In contrast, the bearing surface of other types of heads is generally perpendicular to the body axis.
Countersunk head
- Countersunk hole
- A hole with sloping sides where the top of the hole is larger than the bottom of the hole as in the shape of the letter V
- Countersunk screw
- A screw with a special head. The underside of the head is tapered to fit into a hole that has tapered sides (countersunk hole) so that when the screw is screwed in all the way, the top of the screw is flush with the surface
- Counterweight
-
Counterweight
- A Balance weight
- Weight added to a rotating shaft or wheel to balance normal loads on the part and offset vibration. Counterweights are used on the Crankshaft and are often found on the Flywheel and Driveshaft.
- County mounty
- Trucker slang for Highway Patrol as in "You got a county mounty advertising at the 34."
- Coupe
- An enclosed single-compartment body with two doors and varying Passenger capacity depending on seat arrangements. The SAE standard J1100 defines it as having less than 33 cubic feet (934 liters) of interior Volume. Larger coupes have rear quarter windows. Coupes have fixed permanent back Panels and top, as well as a luggage compartment in the rear deck. Originally it meant a vehicle which was cut (thus the French coupé) by a glass partition behind the front seats so that the Driver was exposed to the air while those in the back were enclosed.
- Coupé
-
See
- Coupled brakes
- Brake system installed with certain large trailers whereby the trailer brakes are applied at the same time as are the brakes of the towing vehicle. Vehicles must be specifically modified to operate this system - with appropriate trailers.
- Coupler
- A device which links two other Components.
- Coupling
- A connecting device used between two objects so motion of one will be imparted to the
other; it may be mechanical, Hydraulic, or electrical.
Also see
- Auto-inductive Coupling
- Autocapacitance Coupling
- Back Coupling
- Capacitance Coupling
- Doughnut coupling
- Electrical Coupling
- Flexible coupling
- Fluid coupling
- Foettinger coupling
- Guibo coupling
- Layrub coupling
- Quick-connect Coupling
- Rotoflex coupling
- Rubber coupling
- Rubber doughnut coupling
- Shaft-to-cage coupling
- Shaft-to-shaft coupling
- Viscous coupling
- Coupling point
- This refers to the point at which both the Pump and the Turbine in a Torque converter are traveling at the same Speed, the drive is almost direct at this point.
- Coupling sleeve
- A collar or sleeve which is moved along the main shaft of a transmission by a selector fork engaging in a groove on its center and having Dog clutches at either end.
- Courier bag
- A flat rectangular-shaped bag with a long strap. They are slung over the head and one shoulder. Called a courier bag because they were originally made for motorcycle and bicycle couriers.
- Cover
-
- The tire itself as opposed to the inner tube
- A Panel designed to protect or hide components.
- Coverage
-
- The surface area that a given quantity of paint will cover adequately
- The area over which a quantity of adhesive, coating, or sealer can be applied at a specific thickness, usually expressed in terms of square feet per gallon
- Covered electrode
- A metal rod used in arc welding which has a covering of materials to aid in the arc welding process
- Covered wagon
- Trucker slang for Gravel trailer covered with a tarp as in "There's a line of sand truck in this destruction up ahead."
- Cowboy
- Trucker slang for Truck driver who constantly changes lanes at high speeds as in "We got a bunch of real cowboys out on the road tonight."
- Cowl
-
- The part of the vehicle body between the engine Firewall and the front of the DashPanel. It usually houses the instruments and the Plenum Chamber for the heater- Ventilation system. The British term is scuttle.
- The part of the bodywork which protects and/or provides streamlining for a usually projecting component.
- Cowl chassis
- A truck Chassis with front fenders and hood as well as the instrument panel. It is used for companies want their own custom body and cab.
- Cowling
-
- The part of the bodywork which protects and/or provides streamlining for a usually projecting component.
- A piece of bodywork that covers the engine area
- Cowl panel
- A British term for Cowl
- Cowl section
- A subassembly of the body shell that includes the bulkhead, cowl, and windscreen pillars; it is preassembled in the factory and spot-welded with the other subassemblies to form the body shell
- Cowl shake
- This is a vibration or shake of a vehicle, usually a Convertible type, in the Cowl area due to lack of Torsional rigidity of the Frame and body. A certain amount is almost unavoidable in Convertibles unless frame-strengthening weight penalties are of no concern.
- Cowl top panel
- A vehicle panel that extends from one side to the other and is located below the windshield and behind the hood.