|
|
|
|
Calibrated Friction
Brake |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A calibrated friction brake is included in the fuel tank unit. This prevents
the wave motions of the fuel from fluctuating the pointer on the dash unit, so
that the fuel reading will correctly correspond to the amount of fuel available
in the tank.
|
|
|
Catalytic Converter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A catalytic converter prevents noxious gases like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide
and nitrogen oxides from polluting the environment by converting them into
water vapor and carbon dioxide. The catalytic converter is installed in the
exhaust line, between the exhaust manifold and the muffler, and makes use of
chemicals that act as a catalyst. The harmful gases enter the catalytic
converter, which is a kind of stainless steel container. This is lined with
chemicals such as aluminum oxide, platinum and palladium. These chemicals cause
the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to change into water vapor and carbon
dioxide. Some converters have a third lining of chemicals, platinum and
rhodium, that reduce nitrogen oxides (three-way, dual bed converter). |
|
|
Clutch |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The clutch allows connecting and disconnecting the engine and the transmission
while starting up and during shifts. Friction plates route the rotation of the
engine crankshaft to the gears, and then to the wheels. It takes the rotation
up slowly, so that you aren't off to a screeching start. In a manual
transmission, the clutch is disengaged when you press the pedal down. The pedal
works the thrust pad, and it presses levers in the middle of the clutch cover.
Doing all this lifts the pressure plate away from the clutch plate. The
flywheel (which is turned by the crankshaft from the transmission shaft) gets
disconnected. When you lift the clutch pedal, springs force the pressure plate
and clutch plate against the flywheel. The clutch plate friction linings allow
it to slide before becoming engaged. The sliding causes a smooth start instead
of a jolt. |
|
|
Clutch Pedal, Cables and Levers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One way to activate the throw-out fork of the clutch is by using a system of
levers and cables. These levers and cables are connected between the clutch
pedal and the throw-out fork. When you press the clutch pedal with your foot,
the pressure is transmitted to the fork through the cable and lever
arrangement. |
|
|
Clutch Plate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The clutch plate is a thin, steel, disc whose center is connected to the
transmission input shaft by a grooved piece of metal, or hub. The disc is
covered with material that is similar to the break linings. This material
allows the clutch to slip smoothly and quietly. |
|
|
Compressor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The job of the compressor is to move liquid refrigerant around in a pipe. The
compressor pumps, or forces, the liquid from the evaporator into a condenser
and expansion valve, and then back to the evaporator. There are three common
types of compressors:
• Two-cylinder reciprocating piston type
• Four cylinder RADIAL type
• Six cylinder AXIAL type The engine drives the compressor with a belt.
In action, the compressor takes the low pressure refrigerant from the
evaporator and compresses it according to speed and air temperature. The inlet
side is known as the low (pressure) side and the outlet side is known as the
high (pressure) side. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, and raises its
temperature higher than that of the surrounding air. Then, the compressor
forces the refrigerant into the condenser. |
|
|
Compressor Relay |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A capillary tube from a cycling switch lets the switch know what the
temperature is in the evaporator. This switch turns the compressor on and off
to keep the evaporator temperature at about 32 to 45 degrees F. The relay
switch keeps moisture from freezing on the evaporator core. |
|
|
Condenser |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The condenser is a long tube that goes back and forth through a multitude of
cooling fins. It is mounted in front of the radiator to take advantage of the
forced air provided by the fan and the motion of the car. As the highly
pressurized refrigerant (vapor) flows into the condenser, it gives off heat and
warms the condenser. This causes the condenser to be hotter than the forced air
coming through the condenser. The condenser hands its heat off to the forced
air and turns the refrigerant back into cool liquid in the expansion valve,
where it heads back to the evaporator |
|
|
Coolant (Antifreeze) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coolant (antifreeze) is a complex chemical liquid helps prevent freezing in
cold climates, so that cars can operate in sub zero temperatures, and boils at
a higher temperature than water. Besides this, it also lubricates the water
pump as it flows through. Some antifreeze compounds are specially formulated
for aluminum radiators. Keep the coolant somewhere between 20 and 60 percent of
the mixture in your car, depending on the car and climactic conditions. Do not
use a strong antifreeze mixture as it can cause leaks in your car's cooling
system. Coolant is extremely poisonous and should be handled with care. If it
spills on the ground it can kill stray animals that drink it. |
|
|
Crankshaft |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The crankshaft converts the up and down motion of the pistons into a rotary
motion. It provides the turning motion for the wheels. It works much like the
pedals of a bicycle, converting up-down motion into rotational motion. The
crankshaft is usually either alloy steel or cast iron. The crankshaft is
connected to the pistons by the connecting-rods. Some parts of the shaft do not
move up and down; they rotate in the stationary main bearings. These parts are
known as journals. There are usually three journals in a four cylinder engine. |
|
|
|
|