- SI
-
- Acronym for Spark ignition
- Acronym for SI Units (Système international d'unités)
- Siamesed
- Arrangement of Ports when Intake or Exhaust valves are in pairs which allows two-into-one passages to be Cast into the Cylinder head. For example, with the usual valve arrangement in a four-cylinder engine the head can be designed so only two ports connect to the Intake manifold and only three to the Exhaust manifold. Also, when the engine Cylinders are connected solidly together (as in the Vega block) instead of being totally surrounded by Water jackets, the cylinders are said to be siamesed.
- SIC
- Acronym for Standard Industrial Classification on http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSGF/am00655f.html. Industry class that represents a level of organization of production by type of specialization. Currently the 1980 Standard Industrial Classification is in effect identifying each industry at the 4 digit level. The term has been replaced by NAICS
- SID
- Acronym for Side impact dummy
- Side bumper panels
- Large plastic body side moldings attached to the lower body sides which protect the body against road debris, road salt corrosion, and mechanical impact. Sometimes called Sacco panels because they were introduced by Bruno Sacco, the chief designer at Mercedes-Benz
- Sidecar
-
- An addition to a motorcycle which is added to its side. It has an outboard wheel and is designed to carry a passenger or luggage.
- Small carriages attached to the side of a motorcycle to provide extra carrying capacity.
- Side curtain
- The early name for side windows which were made of celluloid in a rigid frame supported by the sides of the body and the doors; some had a hinged flap through which the driver could extend his hand for signaling purposes. On classic roadsters, the entire assembly of sliding windows and flaps; wedge-type side curtains permit the side curtain brackets to be wedged into the door plates without bolts; regular spring-type side curtains are mounted to the doors by means of wing nuts or bolts. The curtains can be stored behind the rear seat Squab or in a pocket at the back of the front seats
- Side cutters
- A tool like a pair of pliers except the end opposite the handles have sharp edges used to cut wire, etc. The British term is end cutters or end cutting pliers
- Sidedraft carburetor
- A Carburetor in which the air passes through the Carburetor into the Intake manifold in a horizontal plane. Contrasts with a Downdraft carburetor.
- Sidedraught carburetor
- British spelling for Sidedraft carburetor
- Side-hung float
- Float design has a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the vehicle axles. It has slightly better float control and fuel handling during acceleration and braking than its center-pivoted counterpart
- Side impact air bag
- Fabric bags installed in the doors of some cars that inflate rapidly during a side impact collision. Inflation occurs at speeds of 12 miles per hour or higher, preventing passengers from hitting their heads against the windows or pillars of the car.
- Side impact bar
- A longitudinal reinforcing beam in a car door, designed to withstand side impact. Also called Side impact intrusion beam
- Side impact intrusion beam
- A metal beam in the door or along the side of the passenger compartment that adds additional protection in the case of an accident. It reinforces the side of the car.
- Sidelight
- A low-intensity white lamp usually located on the side of front fender ahead of the front wheel. It is usually illumined in a steady glow when the signal lights are activated.
- Sidelight pod
- A design feature of older cars that had their side or parking lights incorporated into a separate sheet metal molding on top or at the side of the front fenders
- Side marker lamp
- A low-intensity lamp mounted on the side of a vehicle to indicate its presence when seen from the side
- Side marker light
- A low-intensity lamp mounted on the side of a vehicle to indicate its presence when seen from the side
- Side member
- A box-section member inboard of the outer sill that often runs from the front to the rear of the car and provides reinforcement of both sides of the floorpan
- Side panel
-
- A Quarter panel between the B-pillar and the rear.
- An Aperture panel.
- A vertical panel on the inside of a body shell, e.g., the panel joining the lock pillar to the rear wheel housing.
Also see
- Side pipe
- An exhaust pipe running along the side of the car. Compare Lakers or Lakes pipes
- Sidepull brake
-
A bicycle brake where the cable attachment is on one side rather than in the middle
Sidepull brake
- Side radiator guard
- A molded cover panel fitted to the sides of the radiator to protect it from water splashes
- Side ring
- A demountable metal flange to hold the tire on the rim base. It can be self contained, locking into the Gutter, or may be held in place by a Lock ring, depending on the type.
- Side scoop
- An air intake for the engine and/or for cooling on mid-engine or rear-engine cars; typically found on sports cars such as the Ferrari range
- Side step
- A step plate below the doors to facilitate entry into the relatively high cabin of a commercial vehicle
- Sideswipe
-
- Body damage caused by a car hitting an obstacle at an acute angle, causing the panels to be dented over a relatively large area.
- To scrape along the side of a car.
- Sidewall
-
- That portion of a tire between the tread and bead.
- The vertical part of the box section of a side member
Also see
- Sidewall awareness
- Alert drivers recognize the potential of damage to the tire sidewalls because of low inflation or high-speed cornering.
- Sidewall deflection
- The bulge of the sidewalls of the tire on the ground. The deflection is significant when the tire pressure is low. All radial tires exhibit some deflection when normally inflated, so tire pressure is ignored under low pressure in the belief that it is still normal. Driving at highway speeds with low pressure will cause the tire to overheat, ruin the tire, increase fuel consumption, and affect handling.
- SI engine
- A spark ignition engine or gasoline engine internal combustion engine of the reciprocating type in which an air/fuel mixture is compressed and then ignited by an electric spark. It is unlike a Diesel engine
- Sight glass
-
- A viewing glass or window set in the refrigerant pipe of a car's air-conditioning system, usually in the top of the receiver-drier, which allows a visual check of the refrigerant passing from the receiver to the evaporator. The fluid should be clear and free from foam
- A glass window in the liquid line, the top of the receiver-drier, or a test manifold, for checking refrigerant flow.
- Glass tube or glass window in refrigerating mechanism. It shows amount of refrigerant or oil in system and indicates presence of gas bubbles in liquid line.
Also see
- Sighting point gauge
- A device incorporating a sighting pin, used to measure car bodies for misalignment
- Signal light
- The small lights which blink on either side of the front of the vehicle and either side of the rear of the vehicle. Some early cars (like the Austin and Flying Standard) had small illuminated arms that flipped out from the B-post instead. The purpose of signal lights is to warn other drivers of a change in direction when turning a corner or changing lanes. Also called direction indicator. In Japan they are called winkers.
- Signal light warning light
- A light on the instrument panel which flashes when the signal lights are operating. Usually this light is in the shape of a green arrow. On some cars, like Cadillac, a secondary light is mounted in a pod on the upper edge of each front fender and in a pod inside the cab above the backlight (i.e., back window). Also called direction indicator warning light.
- Signia
- A model of automobile manufactured by Buick Division of General Motors from 1998
- SIL
- Acronym for Shift indicator light
Also see
- Silencer
-
- A Muffler.
- A device in an air-conditioning system designed to minimize pumping sounds from the compressor.
- Silencer-tailpipe tool
-
- A chisel-type tool with several cutting edges to cut muffler sleeves without damaging tailpipes.
- An L-shaped tool whose short end is driven between the silencer and tailpipe to break the bond
- Silent chain
-
- A quiet timing chain with V-shaped teeth
- A type of chain with teeth formed on its links to engage with the teeth in the sprockets. Silent chains drives are not truly silent. The links in a silent chain drive, however, engage with the sprocket teeth with little impact or sliding, and as a result a silent chain produces less vibrations and noise than other chains. The amount of noise generated by a silent chain drive depends of many factors including sprocket size, speed, lubrication, load, and drive support. A link belt silent chain includes removable links joined by rivets or interlocking tabs. These chains offer the advantage of installation without dismantling drive components, reducing inventory, and increasing temperature ranges. Also called Inverted-tooth chain
- Silhouette
-
A model of van manufactured by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors from 1990-2004
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Oldsmobile Silhouette
- Silica
- A common mineral (silicon dioxide) found as sand, quartz, etc., used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics and abrasives
- Silica gel
-
- A form of silica capable of absorbing large quantities of water, used to keep electronic apparatus, etc., dry
- A highly absorbent drying agent, usually located in the accumulator or receiver-drier, used to remove moisture from refrigerant.
- absorbent chemical compound used as a drier. When heated, moisture is released and compound may be reused.
- Silica sand
- A form of silica used for Sherardizing or mechanical plating
- Silicon
-
- A non-metallic chemical element occurring in several forms (principally sand and rock), used in the manufacture of glass and steel (as well as transistors etc.)
- A semiconductor material made from silica, purified for photovoltaic applications.
- A non-metallic substance that adds strength and toughness to copper to help form a bronze alloy.
- Silicon bronze
- An alloy made of 95% to 98% copper plus a small amount of silicon added for strength. Small amounts of manganese and aluminum may also be added for strength, and lead may be added for machineability. Silicon bronze is non-magnetic with a high degree of thermal conductivity and high corrosion resistance against sea water, gases, and sewage. It is often used by the utilities industry for pole line hardware and switchgear equipment, mine sweeping, sewage disposal equipment, food machinery, marine applications, plumbing and liquid handling. Surprisingly, silicon bronze is only a low to moderate conductor of electricity, though it is a better conductor than stainless.
- Silicon carbide
- A material of excellent abrasion and corrosion resistance used in bearings and mechanical seals
- Silicon-controlled rectifier
- (SCR) Electronic semiconductor which contains silicon. Controls current by timing pulses.
- Silicone
- A silicon compound with a high resistance to heat, water, and chemicals, and with good insulating and lubricating properties; used in oils, polishes, sealants, etc.
- Silicone adhesives
- Adhesive compounds of this base have remarkable stability through a wide temperature range. Chief limitations in present use are their high temperature cure, sensitivity to fuels, and relatively high cost. Outstanding high temperature (above 149°C) and low temperature (-73°C) performance have been reported. Highly resistant to oxidation, to ozone, and to corona radiations. Very good dielectric properties.
- Silicone-rubber sealant
- A semi-liquid sealant which keeps out oil and water but not gasoline. Also called RTV sealant
- Sill
-
- A longitudinal box-section member of the body shell at floor level, located below the doors.
- A box-section crossmember just below the lower edge of the trunklid (when closed).
Also see
- Sill cover
- A non-structural part covering the Sill on its entire length; used on certain designs with separate chassis but also on unitary designs
- Sill end piece
- A small panel at the front and rear end of the sill that closes off the hollow sill section towards the front and rear wheel arches. Compare Closing panel
- Sill membrane
- A horizontal stiffening panel between the outer sill and the side member box section; it is ribbed or drilled for extra rigidity
- Sillment seal
- A gas-tight seal between center electrode of a spark plug and insulator and between insulator and shell
- Sill structure
- The overall design of the sills including outer sills, side member, or inner sill and sill membrane
- Silver brazing
- Brazing process in which brazing alloy contains some silver as part of joining alloy.
- Silver solder
- Similar to brazing except that a special silver Solder metal is used. It is used primarily on bicycle tubing.
- SIMA
- Acronym for Special Import Measures Act.
- Simple circuit
- The simplest circuit includes an electrical power source, a load, and some wire to connect them
- Simpson gear set
- It consists of two simple planetary gear sets with a common sun gear and internal gears of different diameter; the planet carrier of one set is fixed to the internal gear of the other set
- Simpson planetary gear set
- It consists of two simple planetary gear sets with a common sun gear and internal gears of different diameter; the planet carrier of one set is fixed to the internal gear of the other set
- Sine wave, AC current
- Wave form of single frequency alternating current; wave whose displacement is sine of angle proportional to time or distance.
- Single
-
- A small, lightweight motorcycles. What the bike lacks in overall power, it gains in its lightweight, small size that makes it easy to ride even if it has a large engine displacement.
- Any single cylinder engine vehicle (especially, a motorcycle)
Also see
- Single-acting
- Having a piston or pistons of a reciprocating engine or pump that are pressurized on only one side
- Single-anchor self-energizing brake
- A type of servo brake where both shoes pivot about one fixed point
- Single-barrel carburetor
- A Carburetor with one throttle opening or barrel from the Carburetor to the Intake manifold.
- Single-bed 3-way catalytic converter
- A converter for the control of HC, CO, and NOx emissions, consisting of one three-way catalyst; in combination with an oxygen sensor, this type of converter yields the lowest emission values
- Single cell test
- A test of the fuel cell performance based on one unit cell. The test is typically a laboratory scale test in which several variables can be adjusted in order to obtain data over a wide range of conditions, such as temperature, current density, fuel and oxidant flow rates, etc. The outcome of a single cell test may be a polarization curve, a voltage stability plot, or other data related to fuel cell performance.
- Single-circuit braking system
- An old form of hydraulic braking system in which a single circuit serves all four brakes. Not to be confused with Single-line braking system
- Single-circuit line
- A transmission line with one electric circuit. For three-phase supply, a single circuit requires at least three conductors, one per phase.
- Single coat
- A Coat of paint, with each stroke
Overlapping the previous stroke by 50%.
Also see
- Single-coil twin ignition
- In the early days of straight eight engines, a distributor with two sets of contact points, firing alternately
- Single-connector system
- An electrical circuit, where only one wire comes from the voltage source to the load. To complete the circuit, the electricity uses the metal body of the vehicle
- Single crystal silicon
-
- (Czochralsky) An extremely pure form of crystalline silicon produced by dipping a single crystal seed into a pool of molten silicon under high vacuum conditions and slowly withdrawing a solidifying single crystal boule (rod) of silicon. The boule is sawed into thin silicon wafers and fabricated into single-crystal photovoltaic cells.
- Silicon cells with a well-ordered crystalline structure consisting of one crystal (usually obtained by means of the Czochralsky growth technique and involving ingot slicing), composing a module. Ribbon silicon is excluded.
- Single-cylinder engine
- An engine with just one cylinder such as used on some motorcycles and utility engines (e.g., lawn mower engine, water pump, portable generator, etc.)
- Single Drop Trailer
- A type of flatbed trailer. The rear is closer to the ground than the front. Also called single drop platform
- Single-grade oil
- Oil suitable for use within a narrow temperature range; outside this range, its flow characteristics will not allow adequate lubrication. Also called straight-weight oil. Compare Multigrade oil
- Single lane
- Control of traffic through construction zones where there is only one lane and traffic must wait until oncoming traffic passes first. It is monitored by a flag person or by electrical signal lights.
- Single leading brake shoe
- The use of a single hydraulic plunger and a common pivot point which expands two shoes
against the drum with equal pressure whether braking from forward or reverse direction. The
leading brake shoe is usually called the Primary Shoe and trailing shoe is called the Secondary
Shoe.
Also see
- Single-line braking system
- A braking system in which a single line is used to connect towing vehicle and trailer. It is not to be confused with Single-circuit braking system
- Single master cylinder
- A master cylinder with only one pressure chamber, used in single brake systems.
- Single overhead cam
- (SOHC) The camshaft is located between the valves and is driven by a chain or belt from
the crankshaft; the valves are normally opened by short rocker arms.
Also see
- Single-overhead cam
- (SOHC) An engine with a single overhead camshaft to operate both intake and exhaust
valves.
Also see
- Single overhead camshaft
- (SOHC) The camshaft is located between the valves and is driven by a chain or belt from
the crankshaft; the valves are normally opened by short rocker arms.
Also see
- Single-overhead camshaft
- (SOHC) An engine with a single overhead camshaft to operate both intake and exhaust
valves.
Also see
- Single-piston caliper
- A disc brake caliper that has one hydraulic cylinder and piston, unlike calipers with two or four pistons.
- Single-pivot steering
- A steering system in which a beam axle is pivoted at its mid-point; rare except on
horse-drawn vehicles and trailers.
Also see
- Single-plate clutch
- A normal type of clutch, with one driven plate; usually dry (i.e., without oil).
Also see
- Single point injection
- (SPI) A gasoline fuel-injection system which sprays fuel under pressure into the intake air at
one place, usually the throttle body on the inlet manifold. It is less complicated than a multi-point
injection system but achieves better carburation than a carburetor.
Also see
- Single rate spring
- A spring with a constant spring rate. For example, if a 100-pound force deflects the spring by one inch, an additional 100 pounds will deflect it one more inch, and so on until the spring either bottoms or fails. The opposite of Progressive rate spring.
- Single-Source Leasing
- A service in which companies can lease both drivers and trucks from the same source, rather than having to procure them from different companies.
- Single-spark ignition coil
- In a distributorless ignition system with an odd number of cylinders, each cylinder requires
its own ignition coil; distributor logic on the low-voltage side performs the voltage distribution to
each coil.
Also see
- Single-tube shock absorber
- A common type of shock absorber with the working cylinder and reservoir contained in one tube.
- Single wire circuit
- An electrical system in which the hot line is in a wire, but the ground line uses the frame.
- Sink in
- A tendency of a hardened filler to settle excessively, making the feather edges of the filled area stand out on the painted surface
- Sinter
-
- To manufacture parts from powdered metals by heating or pressure or both.
- The fine powdered metal itself
- Sintered bronze
- Tiny particles of Bronze pressed tightly together so that they form a solid piece. The piece is highly porous and is often used for filtering purposes.
- Sintered metal brake pad
- A type of brake pad made of Sinter and is designed to reduce noise and increase performance and life.
- Sipe
-
Fine lines or grooves cut into the Tread of tires. They allow the tire to flex and give better Traction on wet surfaces. They may also reduce tire noise.
Sipe
- SIR
- The manufacturer's name for the air bag system
- Acronym for Supplementary Inflatable Restraint
- Acronym for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint
- Sissy bar
-
- A chrome rail which projects up from the back of a motorcycle saddle.
- The backrest mounted behind the passenger's portion of the saddle
- SIT
- Acronym for Spontaneous Ignition Temperature. The temperature at which an oil ignites of its own accord in the presence of air or oxygen under standard conditions.
- SI units
- System of coherent metric units (Système International d'Unités) proposed for international acceptance in 1960.
- SI unit system
- (le système international d'unités) Metric system of measurement adopted by most technical industries throughout the world.
- Six-cylinder engine
- An engine with six cylinders; may be in-line (a straight six) or in a V-layout (a V-6)
- Six-light sedan
- An old designation of a four-door body style that features another small quarter window behind the rear side doors, resulting in three side windows per side or six windows overall
- Six-pack
- Refers to a special triple two-barrel induction system used on some Chrysler V8 engine in the late 1960s and early 1970s. However, other special heavy-duty parts were used in engine that came from the factory equipped with this induction system, so six-pack is frequently used as an adjective to describe other engine components used on these engines. E.g., six-pack connecting rods
- Six-speed transmission
- A Manual transmission with six
forward gears.
Also see
- Sixteen valve engine
- (16V) A four-cylinder engine with four valves to each cylinder. This system permits more air-fuel into the cylinder and exhaust out of the cylinder.
- 6000
-
A model of automobile manufactured by the Pontiac division of General Motors from 1982-1991.
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Pontiac 6000
- Sixty-One (Cadillac)
- A 1939-51 Cadillac model of which the 1948-49 Coupe Fastback models are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac.
- Sixty Special
- A vehicle brand of Cadillac of which the 1948-49 models are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac.
- Sixty-Two (Cadillac)
- A 1940-64 Cadillac vehicle brand of which the Sedanet and Convertible DeVille for 1948-49 are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac.
- Size marking
- The first part of a tire marking molded on the sidewall, giving the tire's width in millimeters