Dictionary of Automotive Terms Abbreviations

DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Pu"

Puck: See
Brake pads.

Puckering: A paint fault. See Wrinkling

Pucks: See
Brake pads.

Puddle: Portion of weld that is molten at the place heat is supplied.

Puddle jumper: A colloquial term for a small car. It was used in North America when most cars were very large and was representative of the VW, Austin, Nash Metropolitan, etc.

Puddle lamp: A lamp in the bottom of a luxury car door which illuminates the area into which a passenger is going to step when the door is opened

Puddle welding: See
Plug welding

Pull

The action of a vehicle to deviate towards the side. There may be various causes for a vehicle pulling to one side or the other, the most common being the brakes on either side exerting uneven pressure, incorrect wheel alignment, uneven tire tread, or a defect in the steering system.
The tendency of a car to pull or lead to one side when brakes are applied.

Also See
Door pull
Rim pull

Pull away: To drive away from a standing start

Puller: A device for separating two Components which are secured by Press fitting them.

Also See
Stud puller
Ball bearing puller
Bearing puller
Dent puller
Flange-type puller
Flywheel puller
Gear puller
Hub puller
Lock puller
Magneto puller
Panel puller
Reversible gear puller
Spark plug boot puller
Stud puller
Suction cup dent puller
Tie rod puller

Pulley

A grooved wheel carrying a string, rope, Chain, or belt which turns the wheel.
Flat wheel with a V groove. When attached to a drive and drive members, the pulley provides a means for driving the compressor.

Also See
Camshaft pulley
Crankshaft pulley
Driven pulley
Drive pulley
Fan pulley
Idler pulley
Jockey pulley
Timing belt pulley
V-pulley

Pull in: To drive to the side of the road or into a rest stop, etc.

Pulling: See
Brake pulling

Pulling beam: A hydraulic ram attached securely to the vehicle at strong points; pulling force is then applied to the pulling beam to pull the frame or sheet metal back into place

Pulling post: A post bolted to the shop floor or secured in a concrete foundation which forms the anchor for the chain and hydraulic jack assemblies to straighten misaligned bodies

Pull-in torque: The maximum constant torque that a synchronous electric motor will accelerate into synchronism at rated voltage and frequency

Pull-in winding: A winding as used in a starter solenoid that does the heavy pull-in work. Also see Hold-in winding

Pull it down: A term often used in reference to dismantling and Overhauling an engine. Same as tear it down.

Pull off: To drive off a road (and stop)

Pull out

To drive away from the side of a road.
To drive out from behind a vehicle in front in order to overtake (pass)

Pull-out door handle: An outside door handle which is pulled away from the door skin to open the door

Pull over: To drive to the side of the road and stop

Pullover point: The location of the main circuit discharge in the venturi, which is always higher than the fuel level in the bowl so fuel wont run into the venturi when it shouldn't. Spillover is determined by the size of the venturi and by the displacement of the engine pulling air through the carburetor. Also called Spillover point

Pull Trailer: A short, full trailer (supported by axles front and rear) with an extended tongue.

Pull-type clutch: A clutch in which the clutch release bearing is pulled away from the flywheel when the clutch is disengaged. Compare Push-type clutch

Pull up: To get close to and stop as in "to pull up to the gas pumps."

Pull-up torque: The minimum torque delivered by an AC motor during the period of acceleration from zero to the speed at which breakdown occurs. For motors which do not have a definite breakdown torque, the pull-up torque is the minimum toque developed during the process of getting up to the rated speed

Pulp chips: Timber or residues processed into small pieces of wood of more or less uniform dimensions with minimal amounts of bark.

Pulping liquor: (black liquor) The alkaline spent liquor removed from the digesters in the process of chemically pulping wood. After evaporation, the liquor is burned as a fuel in a recovery furnace that permits the recovery of certain basic chemicals.

Pulp wood: Roundwood, whole-tree chips, or wood residues.

PULSAIR: A GM system similar to the Air Injection Reaction System (AIR) except there is no Air pump. Instead Exhaust pressure pulses draw air into the Exhaust system. Fresh air that is filtered by the Air cleaner is supplied to the system on a command from the ECM.

Pulsar: Click image for books on
Pulsar

A model of automobile manufactured by Nissan in Japan

Pulsation: See
Pedal pulsation

Pulsation damper: A device used to smooth out the pulsations or surges of fuel from the Fuel pump to the Carburetor. Also see Damper.

Pulse: Term referring to one cycle of ignition and combustion of a gas-air mixture in a pulse combustion furnace.

Also See
Hot-start pulse relay
Inductive pulse pick-up

Pulse air principle: The method, in air induction systems of introducing secondary air into the exhaust system by means of aspirator valves actuated by the pressure pulses of the exhaust gas stream

Pulse air system: An air induction system using the Pulse air principle. An exhaust emission control system that uses exhaust pulse in a pipe to permit air to be drawn into exhaust system

Pulse arc welding: A type of welding arc in which the arc welding current is interrupted or pulsed as the welding arc progressed.

Pulse combustion process: Repeated ignition of a gas and air mixture in a high efficiency gas furnace.

Pulsed injection: A system that delivers fuel in intermittent pulses by the opening and closing of solenoid-controlled injectors. Also called Electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Pulse former: A circuit for changing the waveform of a signal

Pulse furnace: Furnace which has a tuned (resonant) combustion chamber. Part of the energy normally lost through flue is returned to start next pulse of combustion.

Pulse generator: The pick-up and reluctor assembly. Generates an electrical pulse which triggers the eletroic control unit or igniter. Also called a pulse signal generator.
See
Pick-up module
Transistorized ignition with inductive pulse generator

Pulse period: The time available, depending on engine speed, for opening the solenoid injectors

Pulse pick-up: See
Inductive pulse pick-up

Pulser coil: See
Coil.

Pulse relay: See
Hot-start pulse relay

Pulse shaper: A circuit for changing the waveform of a signal

Pulse time: The measurement, in milliseconds, of the duration of the signal that activates the fuel injector. In other words, the amount of time that an injector is energized. The duration or pulse width is related directly to the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber. Also called Pulse width

Pulse vacuum hublock: This is a new scheme of switching the hubs in a four-wheel-drive vehicle using a pulse of vacuum rather than electrical solenoids, which are heavier and more prone to failure.

Pulse width: The measurement, in milliseconds, of the duration of the signal that activates the fuel injector. In other words, the amount of time that an injector is energized. The duration or pulse width is related directly to the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber. Also called Pulse time

Pulse-width modulated: (PWM) A continuous on-and-off cycling of an actuator for a fixed number of times per second. Pulse width is usually measured in milliseconds.

Pulse width modulation valve: A normally closed valve, used in some Kelsey Hayes systems on GM vehicles, that opens to release hydraulic pressure from the wheel brake during an ABS stop

Pump

As a verb, it means to move something energetically up and down.

Also See
Pumping the gas pedal
Oil pumping
A device for moving liquid or gas by decreasing or increasing the pressure on it.

Also See
Accelerator pump
Air pump
Canned motor pump
Cell pump
Centrifugal pump
Charging pump
Circulating pump
Coolant pump
Diaphragm pump
Eccentric rotor pump
Electric fuel pump
External vane pump
Feed pump
Floor pump
Foot pump
Fuel injection pump
Fuel pump
Fuel pump shut-off switch
Fuel pump switch
Gasoline pump
Gas pump
Gear-type oil pump
Gear pump
Hydraulic pressure pump
Impeller pump
In-line pump
Injection pump
Internal gear pump
Internal vane pump
Jerk pump
Lift pump
Liquid pump
Low-head pump
Low-pressure pump
Lubrication pump
Mixed-flow pump
Multi-inlet pump
Multi-stage pump
Multi-suction pump
Non-self-priming pump
Oil pump
Oil pump strainer
Petrol pump
Piston charging pump
Plunger pump
Power steering pump
Primary pump
Propeller pump
Radial-flow pump
Reciprocating pump
Roller-vane pump
Roller cell pump
Rotary pump
Rotary vane pump
Rotor-type pump
Rotor pump
Scavenging pump
Secondary pump
Self-priming pump
Sliding-vane pump
Twin diaphragm pump
Two-stage pump
Vacuum pump
Vane-in-rotor pump
Vane-in-stator pump
Vane pump
Water pump
Windshield washer pump

Pump, centrifugal: Pump which produces fluid velocity and converts it to pressure head.

Pump down

The act of using a compressor or a pump to reduce the pressure in a container or a system.
Evacuate

Pump-fed lubrication: See
Forced-feed lubrication

Pump, fixed displacement: A pump in which the displacement per cycle cannot be varied.

Pump gasoline: Normal gasoline (whether regular or premium) available at service stations in contrast with racing fuel obtained from specialty locations.

Pumping: See
Oil pumping

Pumping chamber: See
Precompression chamber

Pumping losses: That part of engine power which is expended on the induction of the fuel and air charge into the engine and the expulsion of combustion gases

Pumping, oil: See
Oil pumping.

Pumping the brakes: A method of repeatedly applying the brakes so that optimum braking can be established without creating brake fade. In anti-lock brakes, this procedure is unnecessary.

Pumping the gas pedal: Forcing the Accelerator up and down in an endeavor to provide extra Gasoline to the Cylinders, this is often the cause of Flooding. It is especially harmful to cars with Fuel injection.

Pumping the throttle pedal: Forcing the Accelerator up and down in an endeavor to provide extra Gasoline to the Cylinders, this is often the cause of Flooding. It is especially harmful to cars with Fuel injection.

Pump inlet check ball: A steel ball located in the plunger head or in the bottom of the accelerator pump well. The pump inlet check ball prevents fuel from escaping from the well when the throttle is opened and pressure is exerted on the fuel in the pump well by the accelerator pump piston

Pumpkin driver: Trucker slang for a driver for Schneider National as in "There's a pumpkin driver ahead."

Pump-Line-Nozzle Fuel System: A fuel system using a single injection pump driven off the geartrain on the front of the engine that also drives the camshaft. The central injection pump feeds a separate injection nozzle located in the cylinder head above each cylinder. Lines which must be of exactly equal length link each pump plunger with the associated nozzle. Each nozzle incorporates a needle valve and the orifices which actually handle atomization.

Pump Octane: The octane as posted on retail gasoline dispensers as (R+M)/2; same as Antiknock Index.

Pump power output: The energy transferred by a pump to the liquid pumped

Pump, reciprocating single piston: A pump having a single reciprocating (moving up and down or back and forth) piston.

Pump rotor: A centrifugal pump assembly consisting of the pump shaft, impeller and further rotating components, such as rotating hearing and shaft sealing parts

Pump sag: A hesitation in carburetor performance between the time the accelerator pump squirts fuel into the venturi and the point at which the main fuel circuit is activated

Pump, screw: Pump having two interlocking screws rotating in a housing.

Pump shaft: A shaft which transmits the driver torque to the impeller(s) of centrifugal pumps or to the displacement element(s) of rotary pumps

Pump shut-off: See
Fuel pump shut-off switch

Pump shut-off switch: See
Fuel pump shut-off switch

Pump strainer: See
Oil pump strainer

Pump switch: See
Fuel pump switch

Pump the brakes: See
Pumping the brakes.

Pump the gas pedal: See
Pumping the gas pedal.

Pump the throttle pedal: See
Pumping the gas pedal.

Punch: A tool for making holes or driving out bolts, rivets and pins.

Also See
Aligning punch
Brass punch
Center punch
Drift
Drift punch
Fender punch
Gasket punch
Hole punch
Nail punch
Pin punch
Starter punch
Tapered punch
Wad punch
Wing punch

Puncture: A penetration of a tire's air chamber by a foreign object, nail, glass, etc. resulting in loss of air. Such loss can be rapid with the collapse of the innertube, or relatively slow in the case of tubeless tires.

Punt chassis: See
Backbone chassis

PUP: Acronym for Pick-ups (like Ford Blackwood or GM Sierra).

Pup Trailer: A short semitrailer, usually between 26 and 32 feet long, with a single axle.

PUR: Acronym for Polyurethane

Purchased: Component supplied by an outside manufacturer

Purchase option: Most closed-end leases grant the lessee an option to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease. The end-of-lease purchase price is usually the same as the stated residual value. Check your lease contract before signing to ensure that there is a purchase option. The lessor must disclose the purchase option price prior to your signing the lease contract.

Purchase price: The price of a vehicle that the consumer pays. Start with the MSRP and subtract any manufacturer discount and dealer discount you negotiate. Purchase price is a key determinant of the true cost of a lease. Purchase price less your down payment and dealer participation equals the net capitalized cost.

Also See
End-of-lease purchase price
Final purchase price

Purchasing: Total materials purchased for manufacturing/assembly into auto parts (i.e., steel, plastics, rubber, textiles, etc.).

Pure: See
Layer of pure zinc

Pure-dirt: Bikes intended for off-road use that are not legal to ride on public roads. Sometimes the term pure-dirt is used to distinguish a dirtbike from a dual-sport motorcycle

Pure zinc: See
Layer of pure zinc

Purge

To get rid of impurities
To free a gas conduit of air, gas or a mixture of air and gas.

Purge control valve: (PURGE CV) used to control the release of fuel vapors from the charcoal canister into the engine

PURGE CV: Acronym for Purge control valve

Purge solenoid: A device used to control the operation of the purge valve in an evaporative control emission system

Purge Test: A test used to determine if fuel vapors are properly drawn from the evaporative canister and the fuel tank into the engine for combustion. If the purge system is not working properly, the evaporative canister can become saturated and vent hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.

Purge Time: The period of time intended to allow for the dissipation of any unburned gas or residual products of combustion.

Purging

Releasing compressed gas to atmosphere through some part or parts for the purpose of removing contaminants from that part or parts.
Thorough evacuation of the air conditioning system

Purification: See
Exhaust gas purification system

Purification system: See
Exhaust gas purification system

Purifier: A machine used for a liquid-liquid separation in which the two intermixed liquids which are insoluble in each other have different specific gravities. Solids with specific gravities higher than those of the liquids can be separated off at the same time. A purifier bowl has two outlets; one for the light phase liquid and one for the heavy phase liquid.

Purple gasoline: Gasoline that has been mixed with an identifying dye (usually purple) and sold for less in order to help farmers. In most places where this is practiced, it is illegal to use purple gasoline in non-farm vehicles. Also called farm gas.

Purpose lacquer: See
General purpose lacquer thinner

Purpose lacquer thinner: See
General purpose lacquer thinner

Purpose pliers: See
General purpose pliers

Purpose: See
General purpose pliers

Purpose ship: See
Dual purpose ship

Push: A colloquial term for Understeer.

Push bar: A bar between the shoes in a drum brake

Push bike: See Kick bike

Push button: See
Pushbutton.

Push-button: A switch which is engaged by pushing a button in. In most cases there are several Button options so that when one is selected, the previously selected button is pushed back out (de-selected).

Pushbutton: A switch which is engaged by pushing a button in. In most cases there are several Button options so that when one is selected, the previously selected button is pushed back out (de-selected).

Pusher axle: A non-powered axle placed ahead of the drive axle in large trucks. Contrasted with a Tag axle which is placed behind the drive axle.

Pushrod: See
Push rod

Push rod: The rod that connects the Valve lifter to one end of the Rocker arm. Used on valve-in-head installations where the cam is below the Piston and the valves are above the piston. The rods are moved by the cam and activate the valve lifter. Engines with overhead cams do not need push rods because the Camshaft connects to the valves directly.

Also See
Master cylinder pushrod
Wheel cylinder pushrod

Push rod engine: See
Pushrod engine

Pushrod engine: Click image to supersize
Pushrod engine

An engine configuration where the camshafts are located lower in the engine. Connecting rods and other components are used to operate the valves at the top of the cylinder heads

Pushrod measuring tool: A tool which measures the length of pushrod needed in an engine; a pushrod of proper length is vital to keep the rocker in the center of the valve, minimize the risk of breakage and extend the valve guide life

Push start: A procedure of starting a vehicle with a manual transmission by pushing the vehicle with another vehicle or by the power of several strong people or by coasting downhill. Once sufficient speed is obtained and the clutch is disengaged (the pedal or lever is pushed in) and the transmission in second gear, then engaging the clutch. At this point, the engine will turn over and start. This procedure will not work with a vehicle with an automatic transmission. The British term is bump start

Push-type clutch: A conventional clutch in which the clutch release bearing is pushed towards the flywheel when the clutch is disengaged. Compare Pull-type clutch

Put the pedal to the metal: Trucker slang for Accelerate, speed up as in "Let's put the pedal to the metal."

Putty: A malleable cement or paste used for repairing minor panel imperfections, e.g., chips or scratches on the filled surface; it is used after normal filling and gives an extremely smooth surface.

Also See
Body putty
Cellulose putty

Putty knife: A tool for scraping off dirt, carbon, and paint or for applying putty