DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "En"
- Enable:
- A microcomputer decision that results in an engine management system being
activated and permitted to operate
- Enamel:
- Type of paint that dries to a smooth, glossy
finish. It is easier to apply than cellulose. If
cellulose is applied over it, the cellulose will lift (i.e., peel off).
Also See:
finishing enamel
porcelain enamel
vitreous enamel
- Enamelling:
- See:
vitreous enamelling
- EN block:
- See:
EN-block.
- EN-block:
- One piece—such as an engine cylinder
block cast in one piece.
-
Encapsulated winding:
- An electrical motor that has its windings structured completely coated with an
insulating resin (such as epoxy). This construction type is more designed for
exposure to severe atmospheric conditions than is the normal varnished windings.
-
ENCL:
- Abbreviation for an electric motor enclosure
- Enclosure:
- (ENCL) The term used to describe the electrical motor housing as one of the
following types:
drip-proof enclosure,
open drip-proof enclosure,
explosion-proof enclosure,
fan cooled enclosure,
nonventilated enclosure,
open enclosure,
totally enclosed enclosure
Also see:
speaker enclosure
- End:
- See:
belt end
big end
bitter end
bottom end
drive end
drive end bracket
female end
firing end
front end
front end alignment
gudgeon pin end
heavy-duty end cutting pliers
high leverage end cutting pliers
little end
male end
nut end
open end lease
piston pin end
piston ring end gap
rear end
rear end lift
ring end gap
small end
stud end
tie rod end
top end
wedge end
- End alignment:
- See:
front end alignment
- End bearing:
- See:
small end bearing
- End bell:
- End structure of plate of electric motor which usually holds motor bearings.
- End bracket:
- The cover containing a bearing at each end of a generator or alternator. Also
called "end cover," end shield, "end bell,"
or "end cover plate."
Also See:
drive end bracket
slip-ring end bracket
- End cap:
- The cap covering the end of a piece of trim or of a barrel fuse
- End cover:
- The cover containing a bearing at each end of a generator or alternator. Also
called "end bracket" or "end cover plate"
- End cover plate:
- The cover containing a bearing at each end of a generator or alternator. Also
called "end cover" or "end bracket"
- End cutters:
- British term for side cutters
- End cutting:
- See:
heavy-duty end cutting pliers
high leverage end cutting pliers
- End cutting pliers:
- British term for side cutters
Also See:
heavy-duty end cutting pliers
high leverage end cutting pliers
- End dump:
- A term used to describe various dump trucks or trailers that tilt to unload at
the rear.
- End float:
- See:
End play
- End form:
- Any type of connector at the end of a hose or pipe.
- End gap:
- See:
piston ring end gap
ring end gap
- End gas:
- The last part of the fuel-air mixture that
has been introduced into the cylinder but has not
yet been consumed in the normal flame-front
reaction.
- End gear:
- See:
axle end gears.
- End gears:
- See:
axle end gears.
-
End hexagon screwdriver:
- See:
ball end hexagon screwdriver
- End lease:
- See:
closed end lease
open end lease
- End lift:
- See:
rear end lift
- Endo:
- (Short form for "end-over-end"). The maneuver of flying unexpectedly over the
handlebars, thus being forcibly ejected from the
bike as in "If you hit that log you'll go endo."
-
End-of-lease purchase price:
- If there is a purchase option in the lease contract or agreement, this will be
the agreed upon price for the purchase of the vehicle at the end of the lease-the
stated residual value. This price may also include additional fees.
-
End-of term interest rate:
- See:
buy at end-of term interest rate
- Endoscope:
- An instrument used to see into the interior of hollow cavities such as box
sections
- Endothermal:
- Chemical reaction in which heat is absorbed.
- End piece:
- See:
sill end piece
- End play:
-
- The looseness in bearing clearance in an axial direction.
- Slight movement of shaft along its center line.
Also See:
camshaft end play
-
End plug:
- The caps that fit onto or into the ends of the handlebars
-
End shield:
- That part of the electrical motor housing which supports the bearings and acts
as a protective guard to the electrical and rotating parts inside the motor.
This part is frequently called the "end bracket" or "end bell."
- End speed:
- See:
top end speed
- Endurance test:
- A test of a material or system over a long period to determine when it will fail
- Enduro:
- Off-road competition against the clock and usually over long distances
-
Enduro bike:
- A mountain bicycle for cross-country endurance races; generally lightweight,
mid-travel (3 to 4 inches), dual suspension designs to balance performance and
long-ride comfort
- Energize:
- To activate (a solenoid,
relay, etc.) by providing sufficient energy
- Energizing:
- See:
self-energizing
- Energy:
- Capacity (actual or potential) for doing work. It is measured in joules or
kilowatt-hours.
Also See:
high energy battery
high energy coil
high energy
ignition system with electronic spark timing
high energy ignition system
kinetic energy
potential energy
- Energy-absorbing:
- The ability to absorb impact forces
-
Energy absorbing bumper:
- See:
bumper system.
-
Energy-absorbing bumper:
- See:
bumper system.
-
Energy absorbing steering column:
- A steering column which collapses when the
vehicle is involved in a crash.
- Energy audit:
- Process of accurately determining the current energy consumption for a given area.
- Energy battery:
- See:
high energy battery
- Energy coil:
- See:
high energy coil
-
Energy conservation:
- Process, upon reviewing the calculations for determining head loads, of
instituting changes that will result in energy savings.
- Energy
conversion:
- The changing of one form of energy into another or into work, such as that
in the combustion process, the heat of which is used to turn the engine and thus create
motion
- Energy efficiency
ratio:
- (EER) The ratio of the rated cooling capacity in BTU per hour divided by the
amount of electrical power used in watts.
- Energy ignition:
- See:
high
energy ignition system with electronic spark timing
high energy ignition
system
- Energy ignition
system:
- See:
high energy ignition system
high energy
ignition system with electronic spark timing
- Energy ignition system with
electronic spark timing:
- See:
high energy
ignition system with electronic spark timing
- Energy management control
system:
- Controllers used in a system which optimizes total energy usage in a building
or residence.
- Energy
Protection Agency:
- See:
EPA estimates.
- Energy retarder:
- See:
engine brake.
- Energy utilization
index:
- (EUI) A number which is used to compare energy usages for different areas. It is
calculated by dividing the energy consumption (in BTUs) by the square footage of the
conditioned area.
- Engage:
-
- To come into contact and be locked together (with another part).
- To bring (a part) into contact with another so that it is locked to
it
- Engagement:
- The result of
bringing into locking contact (e.g. of the clutch), or selection of a gear
- Engaging the
throttle:
- The action of causing the throttle linkage to move so that more fuel enters the
engine to increase the speed of the vehicle.
- Engine:
-
A machine for changing fuel
energy to mechanical energy. The term applies to the primary source of power generation. In
Britain there is a desire to make a clear distinction between "engine" and "motor" so that "motor"
refers only to electric power units (i.e., starter motor) and "engine" for gasoline or diesel powered
units. However, in the U.S.A. the term "motor" can apply to both types. Yet, even in Britain,
combustion driven vehicles are called "motor cars" and "motorcycles."
Also See:
adiabatic engine
air cooled engine
all-alloy engine
alloy engine
aspirated engine
balanced engine
big-block engine
boxer engine
cam engine
carburetor engine
cih engine
combustion engine
cubic inch engine
diesel engine
dual-piston engine
dual overhead cam engine
electronic engine control
engine types
exchange engine
external combustion engine
F-head engine
federal engine
F head engine
fire engine
flat engine
flooded engine
four-cycle engine
four-cylinder engine
four-stroke cycle engine
four cycle engine
four stroke cycle engine
front engine
fuel-injected engine
fuel injection engine
HC engine
high-camshaft engine
horizontally opposed engine
hydrocarbon engine
I-head engine
IC engine
I head engine
in-line engine
inclined engine
indirect injection engine
injected engine
inlet over exhaust engine
inline engine
intake over exhaust engine
internal combustion engine
ioe engine
L-head engine
lean-burn engine
L head engine
long block engine
longitudinal engine
long stroke engine
mid-engine
naturally aspirated engine
nominal engine speed
normally aspirated engine
OHV engine
opposed engine
over square engine
pancake engine
piston-valve engine
piston engine
plastic engine
pre-combustion engine
pushrod engine
push rod engine
quad-cam engine
radial engine
rear engine
rebuilt engine
reciprocating engine
reconditioned engine
rotary engine
short block engine
short engine
short stroke engine
side-valve engine
SI engine
single-cylinder engine
six-cylinder engine
sixteen valve engine
slant engine
small-block engine
spark ignition engine
square-four engine
square engine
steam engine
stirling engine
straight engine
stratified charge engine
supercharged Engine
SV engine
T-head engine
T head engine
three-port engine
three-valve engine
traction engine
transverse engine
turbine engine
turbocharged engine
twelve-cylinder engine
twelve-valve engine
twin-piston engine
twin cam engine
twin camshaft engine
two-cycle engine
two-stroke cycle engine
two-valve engine
two stroke cycle engine
U-cylinder engine
under-square engine
undersquare engine
under square engine
unit engine
V-eight engine
V-engine
V-four engine
V-six engine
V-sixteen engine
V-ten engine
V-twelve engine
V-type engine
V-X engine
valve-in-head engine
vee engine
V engine
VR engine
V type engine
W-engine
wankel engine
winding the engine
X-engine
X-type engine
x. Liter Engine
X engine
- Engine adapter:
- A unit
that allows a different engine to be installed in a vehicle and still bolt up to the original
transmission.
- Engine analyzer:
- An
electronic engine testing device which (because of its size) used to be placed in a cabinet or a
movable stand. The modern units are often hand-held and are connected to the vehicle's
diagnostic socket (as in the case of the diagnostic read-out box), which provides data on all
aspects of the engine's state of tune
- Engine bay:
- The engine
compartment.
- Engine block:
-
The cylinder block.
- Engine block
heater:
- See:
block heater
-
Engine brake:
- A system that is independent of the conventional braking
systems which assists in the slowing of a vehicle. A driver would
normally down-shift to slow his descent down a hill, using engine
compression. The engine brake increases the effectiveness of this
retarding force. The most common type is called a
"Jake Brake""Jake Brake" because the
predominant manufacturer is Jacobs Vehicle Equipment Co. Other types
of retarders include exhaust retarders, transmission-mounted
hydraulic retarders and axle-mounted electromagnetic retarders.
Also called energy retarder,
or simply retarder.
- Engine braking
effect:
- A retarding effect of an engine when the vehicle is in gear with the throttle
closed. Also called a "jake brake"
- Engine calibration
unit:
- An electronic component which can be specifically programmed to the design of
each car model to control the M/C solenoid. Plugs into the Electronic Control Module (ECM).
Also called a programmable read only
memory (PROM)
- Engine capacity:
- The
swept volume of an engine
- Engine
compartment:
- The space where the engine is mounted. Also called the "engine bay."
Also See:
cluttered engine compartment
crowded engine compartment
- Engine control:
- See:
electronic engine control
engine control module
- Engine control
module:
- (ECM) An advanced electronic computer which monitors engine conditions
and then controls engine settings to optimize the combustion of the air/fuel mixture.
- Engine control
system:
- See:
engine-control system.
- Engine-control
system:
- A computer that regulates the operation
of the engine by monitoring certain engine characteristics (rpm,
coolant temperature,
intake airflow, etc.) through a network of
sensors and then controlling key variables (fuel metering, spark
timing EGR, etc.) according to pre-programmed
schedules.
- Engine
coolant:
- Antifreeze liquid used in the engine's cooling system
- Engine coolant temperature
sensor:
(ECT)
- The thermistor sensor that provides coolant temperature information to
the computer. Used to alter spark advance and EGR flow during warm-up or an overheating
condition
- A sensor which provides an electrical output proportional to
the engine coolant temperature.
- Engine cover:
- The
panel which conceals the engine in a
mid-engine car. Also called
"access panel."
Also See:
hood (British "bonnet") which covers the engine only in a
front-mounted engine.
- Engine
damage:
- Breakage, deformation, or scoring of the internal parts of an engine due to
running at very high rpms for an extended period of time or with insufficient lubrication. A rod
could break off and drive a hole into the cases; a valve could break off or imbed itself into the top
of a piston; the piston could heat and expand and thus seize against the cylinder walls; or other
types of damage could occur.
- Engine
depression:
- Low pressure on the engine side of the throttle caused by piston suction in
the inlet manifold
- Engine
diagnostic connector:
- The electrical connector for plugging in the engine analyzer,
forming an interface between the engine electronic controls and diagnostic unit, and used to read
the engine data as well as any fault codes stored in the memory of the engine controller
- Engine
displacement:
- To determine, multiply the volume
of the space through which the head of the piston
moves in the full length of its stroke by the number of
cylinders in the engine. The result is given in cubic
inches or liters.
- Engineering:
- See:
automotive engineering
badge engineering
production engineering
- Engine flywheel:
- A
spinning plate located at the end of the crankshaft.
Also See:
flywheel.
- Engine hoist:
- Small crane for
lifting an engine out of a motor vehicle, formerly incorporating a block and tackle, but now
usually hydraulically operated.
Also See:
gantry
- Engine
identification number:
- (EIN) A number stamped on the engine which may or may not
match the number on the vehicle identification plate. Also called "engine number"
- Engine knock:
- When the
engine is operating, an audible noise may be heard when the fuel in the cylinders is ignited too
early and/or spontaneously, resulting in colliding flame fronts and shock waves which cause high
thermal and mechanical stress, and can severely damage the engine.
- Engine layout:
-
- The type of engine, with reference to the arrangement of its cylinders
and their number (as in a flat four, V-twin, or straight eight).
- The location of the engine in the vehicle (as in a front mount,
mid-mount, or rear engine).
- The placement of the engine in the engine compartment: e.g., a
transverse or
in-line engine
- Engine
management system:
- (EMS) An electronic engine control system which covers at least
the functioning of the fuel injection and ignition, but may also include emission controls and
self-diagnostics
- Engine map:
- As an engine speeds up, the
timing needs to be advanced. On older vehicles, this is accomplished mechanically with a
counterweight advance in the distributor. In modern vehicles, the timing can be advanced
progressively by means of a computer chip which is programmed to provide the ideal timing. It
also provides other factors in some engines such as the opening and closing of valves,
etc.
Also See:
characteristic map.
- Engine misfire:
- See:
misfire
- Engine
modifications:
- Alterations to the specification of the engine to increase power output,
improve economy, reduce emissions, etc.
-
Engine mount:
- One of two or more supports that connect the transmission and engine to the
vehicle's chassis. Composed of rubber and steel, the engine mounts absorb the
motion (twisting, vibrating, etc.) produced by the operation of the engine and
transmission. They also assist in reducing the noise and motion transmitted to
the passenger compartment. The most efficient recently developed mounts are
hydraulic, in some cases electroncially-controlled.
- Engine mounting:
- A
flexible support for the engine in which an elastic medium, usually rubber, is interposed between
the lugs on the engine and the frame of the vehicle
- Engine noise:
- The amount of
noise produced by the engine when it is running. Engine noise is more noticeable with a diesel at
lower speeds
- Engine number:
- (EIN) A
number stamped on the engine which may or may not match the number on the vehicle
identification plate. Also called "engine identification number"
- Engine oil:
- Oil within the engine
used to lubricate the moving components. At one time the oil was a single grade, but modern
engines use multi-viscosity oil.
Also See:
straight weight engine oil
synthetic engine oil
-
Engine oil gallery:
- A series of passages, usually drilled, through which oil circulates to key
sections of the engine and to the crankshaft
- Engine oil pan:
- See:
oil pan.
- Engine oil level warning light:
- A light
on the instrument panel which comes on when the oil in the sump falls below a certain
level
- Engine
overhaul:
- When an old engine burns too much oil and loses power, it is dismantled and
restored to the manufacturer's original tolerances by replacement of worn parts, reboring the
cylinders, regrinding the crankshaft, etc.
-
Engine overheating:
- A condition that occurs when the coolant in the cooling system is so hot the
metals in the engine are at a temperature that may cause damage to them. In
additionm , the engine runs poorly and usually stalls. See overheat
- Engine
parameters:
- A term used in the context of emission controls for those engine
characteristics sensitive to engine performance, such as power/bhp, general engine performance,
and fuel economy
- Engine
performance tester:
- An engine analyzer
- Engine sequence
test:
- The test which determines how well oil will prevent engine rusting, corrosion,
scuffing, wear, and the formation of sludge and
varnish.
- Engine size:
- The engine
displacement or capacity
- Engine speed:
- The number of
revolutions per minute (rpm) at which the engine
crankshaft turns. The vehicle itself may be stationary or in
motion.
Also See:
nominal engine speed
- Engine speed
limiter:
- A device which acts as a governor which cuts the power when a certain number
of rpm is reached
- Engine speed
sensor:
- In most cases, a magnetic pick-up that scans the flywheel teeth and produces
one output signal per scanned tooth, or a Hall generator in the distributor, whose signals are
passed to the electronic control unit
- Engine subframe:
- A
separate frame in which the engine is mounted
- Engine
temperature sensor:
- A sensor used to monitor the temperature of the engine
- Engine timing:
-
- The point of time when the spark ignites the air/fuel mixture (ignition timing)
- The setting of the valves when they open or close (valve timing)
- Engine type:
- Over the years of
engine development, several types or configurations have been made. All of them relate to the
position of the valves and the camshaft (s) that operates
them.
- Engine warning
light:
- See:
check engine warning light
- Enrichment:
- Making the air/fuel
mixture richer, i.e., increasing the fuel content.
Also See:
acceleration enrichment
after-start enrichment
cold start enrichment
cranking enrichment
full load enrichment
full throttle enrichment
hot start enrichment
warm-up enrichment
- Enrichment
device:
- A circuit in a carburetor providing a richer mixture, operated by engine
vacuum
- Enrichment unit:
- A
circuit in a carburetor providing a richer mixture, operated by engine vacuum
- Enrichner:
- A fuel plunger which is
used in a carburetor in place of a
choke. By activating the plunger more gas is permitted into the
intake area to enrichen the
fuel-air mixture for easier starting.
Also See:
choke
- Entertainment:
- See:
in-car entertainment
- Enthalpy:
- Total amount of heat in
one pound of a substance calculated from accepted temperature base. Temperature of 32°F (0°C) is the accepted base for water vapor calculation. For refrigerator calculations, the accepted base is
-40°F (-40°C).
- Entrain:
- to add or suspend bubbles or
particles in a moving fluid
- Entrepreneur:
- One who
undertakes ownership of a business or enterprise
- Entrepreneurship:
- A
person's ability to organize, manage, and assume risks of operating a business
- Entropy:
- Mathematical factor used in
engineering calculations. Energy in a system.
- Entry:
- See:
illuminated entry system
keyless entry system
multi-entry
remote keyless entry
- Entry-level
version:
- Basic model suitable as someone's first car
- Entry model:
- Basic model
suitable as someone's first car
- Entry system:
- See:
illuminated entry system
keyless entry system
- Envelope:
-
- A thin rubber wrapper that surrounds the tread, sidewall and is tucked
inside the curing rim during the pre-cured cold process retreading. It protects
bonding materials from humidity within the chamber.
- A cover enclosing something entirely, such as the glass of a lamp
bulb.
Also See:
outer envelope
- Envelope
separator:
- A porous plastic separator used in maintenance-free batteries to enclose the
individual plates completely
- Enveloping body:
- See:
all-enveloping body
- Environment:
- The
surrounding conditions.
- Environmentally
aware:
- An awareness of the dangers and threats to the environment caused by vehicle
use and the taking of appropriate action to avoid them
-
Environmentally friendly:
- Something that is harmless to the environment, or
causing as little harm as possible
- Environmental Protection Act:
- See:
Canadian Environmental Protection
Act
-
Environment-conscious:
- An awareness of the dangers and threats to the
environment caused by vehicle use and the taking of appropriate action to avoid them
- Enzyme:
- Complex organic substance,
originating from living cells, that speeds up chemical changes in foods. Enzyme action is slowed
by cooling.
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