DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Fu"

Fuel:

A combustible material used to produce energy. One of the essential factors in a combustion engine (Fuel, Air, Proper proportion of mixture, compression, timing, spark).
Also See:
air-fuel ratio
aviation fuel
deceleration fuel cut-off
diesel fuel
early fuel evaporation system
electric fuel pump
electronic fuel injection
EPA fuel economy
in-line fuel filter
inertia fuel cut-off switch
integral fuel filter
L-jetronic fuel injection system
low fuel indicator
port fuel injection
proper proportion of air and fuel

Fuel accumulator:

A device in the K-Jetronic fuel injection system which serves to absorb the initial pressure surge when a fuel pump starts

Fuel additive:

A chemical preparation which is added to fuel to improve its properties

Fuel advance system:

Advances fuel delivery during cold starts on GM vehicle. Consists of a thermal-sensitive solenoid on the intake manifold which sends a signal to the HPCA terminal, which opens a ball-check valve on top of the injection pump housing. With pump housing pressure reduced, the timing mechanism has less resistance to overcome and operates earlier, advancing fuel delivery 3 degrees

Fuel air mixture:

See:
fuel-air mixture.

Fuel-air mixture:

A combination of vaporized fuel and air which is brought into the cylinder through the carburetor or fuel injectors. When it is compressed and ignited, it produces the power needed to drive the engine.

Fuel air ratio:

See:
fuel-air ratio.

Fuel-air ratio:

The amount of fuel in comparison with the amount of air. This is the reciprocal of the air-fuel ratio.

Fuel burner:

Competition vehicle with an engine set up to burn alcohol, nitro, etc. mixture instead of standard pump gasoline. Also called "fueller."

Fuel cap:

A vented covering on the top of the tube leading to the fuel tank. Also called "gas cap."

Fuel cell:

A galvanic cell in which the oxidation of a fuel (e.g., methanol) is used to produce electricity.

Fuel charge:

The air/fuel mixture delivered to the combustion chamber

Fuel cock:

A tap which can allow or restrict the flow of gasoline from the gas tank to the carburetor. An essential item on a motorcycle with gravity fed fuel (i.e., no fuel pump) because if the fuel cock is left on after the engine is shut down, there is the possibility that gasoline could leak past the needle and seat in the carburetor so that the overflow in the float bowl will make its way into the cylinder and wash the walls and dilute the oil

Fuel computer:

A device which continuously displays the amount of fuel used over the distance since last set.

Fuel consumption:

The amount of fuel used, expressed in miles per gallon in Britain and the USA, whereas the international measure is litres per 100 kilometres. The US term is "fuel mileage."
Also See:
average fuel consumption
specific fuel consumption

Fuel consumption indicator:

An instrument using a flowmeter to indicate mpg or liters/100 km at any given moment on a journey

Fuel cut-off:

See:
deceleration fuel cut-off
inertia fuel cut-off switch

Fuel cut-off switch:

A control device which manually or automatically turns off the flow of fuel.
Also See:
inertia fuel cut-off switch

Fuel distributor:

1. A device constituting the mixture control unit together with the airflow sensor.
2. On Bosch CIS, the device that supplies the injection with pressurized fuel in proportion to air volume, measured by the airflow sensor plate. The fuel distributor houses the control plunger and the differential-pressure valves. All fuel metering takes place inside the fuel distributor

Fuel economy:

The number of liters used per 100 kilometers of driving (a lower number is better); or the number of miles driven divided by the number of gallons used (a higher number is better).
Also See:
EPA fuel economy
Corporate Average Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency:

Although this factor is similar to fuel economy, it differs in that fuel efficiency involves getting the most amount of energy from an amount of fuel. It answers the question, "What percent of the fuel does this engine burn?"

Fuel evaporation:

See:
early fuel evaporation system

Fuel filler flap:

A piece of rubber about 4" square and very thin, which is located behind the filler door. When the door is opened, the flap falls down to protect the body from the fuel nozzle.

Fuel filler neck:

The upper end of the fuel filler tube leading down to the fuel tank, which accepts the fuel hose nozzle at the gas station

Fuel filler tube:

The tube leading down to the fuel tank

Fuel filter:

A device that removes impurities from the fuel before it gets to the carburetor. It is usually found near the carburetor in the fuel line that comes from the fuel pump (in-line fuel filter), or inside the carburetor (integral fuel filter) or fuel pump (integral fuel filter). This unit must be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis, usually once a year or it will become clogged and restrict fuel to the carburetor. Without a filter, the jets and orifices in the carburetor will become clogged.

Fuel gage:

See:
fuel gauge.

Fuel gauge:

An instrument, usually located on the dashboard or center console, which indicates the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Most gauges have a needle which fluctuates between "E" (empty) and "F" (full). Others show a digital readout of how many gallons or liters left in the tank. Also called "gas gauge."

Fuel indicator:

See:
low fuel indicator

Fuel-injected engine:

A gasoline engine with a fuel injection system rather than a carburetor.

Fuel injection:

(FI) A fuel system that uses no carburetor but sprays fuel either directly into the cylinders or into the intake manifold just ahead of the cylinders. It uses an electronic sensing device to deliver the correct amount into the combustion chamber. Throttle-body injection locates the injector(s) centrally in the throttle-body housing, while port injection allocates at least one injector for each cylinder near its intake port.
Also See:
electronic fuel injection
L-Jetronic fuel injection system
sequential fuel injection
timed fuel injection

Fuel injection engine:

A gasoline engine with a fuel injection system

Fuel injection pump:

A pump which receives fuel from the fuel tank (often through the fuel-feed pump in the case of diesel engines) and delivers it under pressure to the injectors

Fuel-injection system test port:

See:
pressure tap

Fuel injector:

1. An injector in a fuel injection system which sprays gasoline into the inlet ports, or diesel either directly into the combustion chamber or into a pre-chamber.
2. In all fuel-injection system (except Bosch CIS, CIS/Lambda, and CIS-E systems), a spring loaded, solenoid (electromagnetic) valve which delivers fuel into the intake manifold, in response to electrical signals from the control module in the CIS, etc. System., the injector is simply a spring-loaded, pressure sensitive valve which opens at a preset value

Also See:
fuel injector nozzle

Fuel injector nozzle:

The device that works like a hypodermic needle to inject the proper amount of fuel into the combustion chamber in response to signals from an electronic sensing device on cars with fuel injection systems. It receive fuel at low pressure and shoot it into the engine cylinders at predetermined intervals under higher pressure. Also called "fuel injector valve" or just "fuel injector."

Fuel injector valve:

See:
fuel injector nozzle.

Fuel knock:

See:
detonation.

Fuelie:

Fuel-injected car.

Fueller:

See:
fuel burner.

Fuel line:

The metal, plastic, or rubber hose or pipe through which the fuel passes from the fuel tank to the fuel pump to the carburetor or fuel injector nozzle.

Fuel metering sensor:

A motor sensor on a carburetor which closes or opens a fuel-metering port to regulate fuel mixture, keeping the air-fuel ratio at exactly 14.6:1 (stoichiometric) at all times.

Fuel mileage:

A measurement or calculation of the number of miles per amount of fuel—usually measured in miles per gallon.

Fuel mixture:

A mixture of gasoline and air. An average mixture, by weight, would contain 16 parts of air to one part of gasoline.
Also See:
air-fuel mixture.

Fuel oil:

Kerosene or any hydrocarbon oil as specified by U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Standard CS1 2 or ASTM D296, or the Canadian Government Specification Board, 3-GP-28, and having a flash point not less than 1000F 1380C1.

Fuel pressure:

The pressure under which fuel is delivered to the injectors by the fuel pump, governed by the pressure regulator

Fuel pressure regulator:

A pressure-activated diaphragm valve that maintains the pressure in a fuel system to a pre-set value above manifold pressure, particularly in a fuel injection system.

Fuel pump:

A vacuum device, operated either mechanically or electrically, that is used to draw gasoline from the tank and sends it into the carburetor or fuel injector nozzles. Mechanical pumps have a rocker arm that is activated by a cam on the camshaft; the arm causes a diaphragm to move up and down, thus pulling the gas through the pump. Some electrical pumps have a rocker arm which is activated electrically and does the same thing as the mechanical pump. Other electrical pumps are located at the bottom of the fuel tank and push the fuel through the fuel lines.
Also See:
electric fuel pump

Fuel pump filter:

1. A filter screen built into the fuel pump itself as used on VW Beetles with a mechanical fuel pump.
   
2. A screw-on canister holding a replaceable pleated paper filter. The canister is mounted onto the base of a fuel pump
   

Fuel pump shut-off switch:

A switch which shuts off the electric fuel pump and fuel to the engine in the event of a major collision

Fuel pump switch:

A switch which shuts off the electric fuel pump and fuel to the engine in the event of a major collision

Fuel rail:

A manifold tube feeding the injectors in a fuel injection system. A special manifold designed to provide a large reservoir of pressurized fuel for the fuel injectors, which are attached between the rail and the intake runners or the cylinder head. The fuel rail also serves as a mounting place for the fuel damper (if equipped) and the fuel pressure regulator

Fuel ratio:

See:
air fuel ratio

Fuel return line:

A pipe returning surplus fuel to the tank from the carburetor(s) or to the inlet side of the injector pump

Fuel stabilizer:

A chemical which is added to gasoline to prevent it from becoming stale. Gasoline, diesel, or heating fuel reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere and leave behind a varnish-like film or gum residue. While some fuel contains an oxidation inhibitor which allows it to be stored for up to three months, other fuels don't have this inhibitor. Stale gasoline can clog fuel lines, carburetors, and injectors. A good fuel stabililzer can lengthen fuel's useful life.

Fuel starvation:

The failure of the fuel system to supply sufficient fuel to allow the engine to run properly, due to a blockage or vapour lock or malfunction of the fuel pump

Fuel supply:

The delivery of fuel to the carburetor or injection system

Fuel system:

A system that stores, cleans, and delivers the fuel to the engine in proper quantities to meet the varying needs that arise as you drive. It is made up of the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filter, and carburetor or the fuel injection system.

Fuel tank:

The storage compartment, under the trunk in most cars, that holds the fuel for the vehicle. Also called the "gas tank."

Fuel tank sender:

A level sensor in the gas tank which sends information about the amount of remaining fuel.

Fuel tank vapor valve:

A valve mounted in the top of the fuel tank. Vents excess vapor and pressure from the fuel tank into the evaporative emission control system

Fuel-vacuum separator:

Used to filter waxy hydrocarbons from the carburetor ported vacuum to protect the vacuum delay and distributor vacuum controls

Fuel vapor:

1. Atomized air/fuel mixture heated in the engine, ready for combustion
2. Fumes given off by gasoline

Fuel vapor recirculation system:

An emission system which traps the excess gasoline vapor, condenses it back to liquid form, and then sends it back to the gasoline tank. Also called evaporative emission control system

Fuel vapor recovery system:

(FVR) a valve responsible for venting excess fuel vapor and pressure from the fuel system to the EEC system

Fulcrum:

The support (often wedge-shaped) on which a lever pivots in raising an object.

Fulcrum pin:

A pin which acts as a pivot, such as a kingpin

Fulcrum ring:

One of two rings on either side of a clutch diaphragm spring on which it pivots.
Also See:
diaphragm clutch

Full bore:

A term expressing top speed or full throttle.

Full cam:

A type of camshaft for race car engines which increases lift of valve, speed of valve opening and closing, length of time valve is held open, etc. Also called race cam, three-quarter cam, or semi-race cam, depending upon design

Full cap:

A condition of retreading where new tread rubber is added to the buffed casing, and covers the crown and shoulder areas.

Full dip treatment:

A painting process in which the whole body shell is immersed, used for applying protective primers

Full face helmet:

A motorcycle helmet which covers the whole head including the chin.

Full floating:

Mechanism construction in which a shaft is free to turn in all parts in which it is inserted

Full floating axle:

See:
full-floating axle.

Full-floating axle:

A rear drive axle that does not hold the wheel on nor does it hold the wheel in line or support any weight. It merely drives the wheel. Used primarily on racing cars and trucks.
Also See:
axle

Full flow filter:

See:
full-flow oil filter.

Full-flow filter:

See:
full-flow oil filter.

Full flow oil filter:

See:
full-flow oil filter.

Full-flow oil filter:

An oil filter that filters all of the oil passing through the engine before it reaches the bearings.

Full house:

An engine that is fully modified and equipped for all-out performance.

Full leather:

A car interior in which the door trim, dash, seats are covered in leather

Full leather upholstery:

A car interior in which the door trim, dash, seats are covered in leather

Full load:

An engine operating conditions where the accelerator is fully depressed, i.e., the throttle is fully open, which does not necessarily mean high engine speed

Full-load current:

The current drawn from the line when the electric motor is operating at full-load torque and full-load speed at rated frequency and voltage

Full load enrichment:

The provision of a richer mixture when the throttle is fully opened. On some system, the computer goes open-loop during full-load enrichment

Full load torque:

1. Maximum torque delivered without overheating.
2. The torque necessary to produce the rated horsepower at full-load speed

Full lock:

1. A condition in which a detachable component (e.g., seat belt buckles) is securely attached.
2. The maximum angle attained by the wheels when the steering wheel is turned to its full extent

Full panel:

A body part that may be made up of several other subassemblies and is fairly complex and cumbersome, e.g., a complete bulkhead assembly incorporating the windshield pillars

Full pressure:

See:
oil full pressure system

Full service history:

(fsh) The documents which show all the work performed on a vehicle, especially the regular service required by the manufacturer

Full-size car:

The largest type of car according to the American system. It is 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, and a Nova was a compact. When cars smaller than the Nova came out (i.e., Chevette), they were called sub-compacts.

Full-size spare:

A spare wheel and tire combination which is the same size as the rest of the wheels. Compare space saver spare

Full-skirt piston:

A former piston style which had a full-annulus skirt, without the cutaway section of modern slipper pistons

Full throttle:

The fully open position of the throttle. Also called "wide open throttle"

Full throttle enrichment:

See:
full load enrichment

Full-time four-wheel drive:

A condition where all four wheels are always being driven by the drivetrain. It may include the option of part-time (that is, shifting into 2WD for dry pavement) operation, and may or may not have Hi and Lo 4WD speed ranges. The British term is "permanent four-wheel drive."

Full trailer:

See:
trailer.

Full wave rectifier:

See:
rectifier.

Full-wave rectifier:

See:
rectifier.

Fully electronic ignition:

(FEI) A distributorless, mapped ignition system with cylinder-selective knock control, dwell-angle control, and digital idling speed stabilization

Fully floating axle:

A live rear axle assembly in which the axle shafts serve only to transmit torque to the wheel. The total vehicle weight and cornering loads are transferred directly from the wheel bearings to the axle housing.
Also See:
semifloating axle

Fully galvanized body:

A body shell which, except for aluminum and plastic parts, is produced entirely of double-sided galvanized steel and galvanized fasteners or which is immersed in galvanizing fluid

Fumes:

Foul-smelling vapors given off by a liquid or a gas, which may be poisonous

Functional:

1. Capable of working even if it is not working to its peak performance.
2. Practical, designed not for esthetics; but solely with a particular use in mind

Fund licence:

See:
road fund licence

Funnel:

A cup-shaped object tapering at the bottom to a small hole and a spout, used for pouring oil, fuel or water into relatively small openings

Funny car:

A car equipped with a powerful engine, used for drag racing. Usually has special body (such as fibreglass) mounted on special lightweight frame and suspension system.

Furnace:

See:
annealing furnace
reducing furnace
tunnel furnace

Furnace, central warm air:

Self-contained appliance designed to supply heated air through ducts to spaces remote from or adjacent to the appliance location.

Fuse:

1. A protective electrical device (usually enclosed in glass or plastic) which has a thin wire between two terminals. The wire will break or melt when the current draw exceeds the capacity of the fuse. In this way, the circuit is protected from overload.
2. The action of melting when a piece of metal turns to a liquid state and sometimes unites itself to a nearby component.
3. A failure of an electrical component because of a blown fuse.

Also See:
continental-type fuse

Fuse box:

A container with a removable cover that holds the fuses for the various electrical circuits, which are all routed through it

Fuse capacity:

See:
fuse.

Fusible link:

Special length of smaller gauge wire designed to "blow" if heavy current flows in circuit

Fusible plug:

Plug or fitting made with a metal of a known low-melting temperature. Used as safety device to release pressures in case of fire.

Fusion:

Two metals reaching the melting point and flowing or welding themselves together.

Fusion fit:

The "Adjustable Retention System" extending behind a Bell bicycle helmets to allow the helmet to grip your head better.

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