Sample Review Questions:
1. A thermostat does what?
a. Regulates the operating temperature of the engine
b. Affects the operation of the computerized engine control system
c. Speeds engine warm-up
d. All of the above
2.
Counterman A says the water pump pulls coolant from the engine and
pumps it to the radiator. Counterman B says leaks from the vent hole or
play in the pump shaft are indications that the water pump needs to be
replaced. Who is right?
a. Counterman A only
b. Counterman B only
c. Both Counterman A and B
d. Neither one
3. All of the following statements about radiator caps are true EXCEPT:
a. Pressurizing the coolant lowers its freezing temperature.
b. Caps have different pressure ratings.
c. Pressurizing the coolant raises its boiling temperature
d. A weak or leaky radiator cap may cause an engine to overheat.
4. “Premix” antifreeze contains what percentage of water?
a. 25% water
b. 50% water
c. 75% water
d. No water
ANSWER KEY
1D, 2B, 3A, 4B
EXPLANATIONS:
1.
The thermostat is a temperature-sensing valve that speeds engine
warm-up after a cold start, and regulates the engine’s operating
temperature. Temperature control is necessary to reduce emissions and
wear, to improve cold driveability and to improve fuel economy.
The
thermostat is usually (but not always) located in a housing where the
upper radiator hose attaches to the engine. The thermostat blocks the
flow of coolant until the engine reaches a certain temperature
(typically 195 to 210 degrees). When the thermostat opens, coolant
circulates from the engine back to the radiator. If the thermostat
fails and sticks shut, it can cause the engine to overheat. If it fails
to close, the engine may not reach normal operating temperature.
2.
The water pump circulates coolant so the engine does not overheat. The
water pump pulls coolant from the radiator and pushes it into the
engine. When the engine’s thermostat opens, coolant flows back to the
radiator and continues to circulate in a loop as long as the thermostat
remains open. The water pump has a steel or plastic impeller inside the
moves the coolant. The impeller is mounted on a shaft and supported by
a ceramic bearing and seal. If the bearing is worn, the shaft may
wobble as it rotates causing noise or coolant leaks.
3. A
spring-loaded pressurized cap is used on the cooling system to prevent
coolant loss and to increase the temperature at which the coolant
boils. Pressure ratings are typically 7 to 18 psi. A weak cap that
cannot hold its normal pressure can allow coolant loss and overheating.
Caps can be pressure-tested to check their performance.
Replacement
caps must have the same pressure rating as the original. The radiator
cap is usually mounted on the radiator. But on many late-model
vehicles, the radiator has no cap, and the cap is mounted on a
pressurized coolant reservoir. Others have two caps: a pressure cap on
the radiator, and a screw-on filler cap on a non-pressurized coolant
reservoir.
4. Automotive cooling systems use a mixture of
antifreeze and water. The antifreeze portion provides freezing, boiling
and corrosion protection, while water adds increased heat carrying
capacity to improve cooling efficiency. The optimum mixture is half
water and half antifreeze. With ethylene glycol (EG) antifreeze, a
50/50 mixture will prevent the coolant from freezing down to -34
degrees F and prevent boiling up to 265 degrees F with a 15 psi
radiator cap.
Sections covered:
Automatic Transmission
Batteries
Brakes
Cooling System
Drivetrain
Emissions
Engine Mechanical Parts
Exhaust
Fuel System
HVAC
Gaskets
Ignition System
Manual Transmission
Suspension and Steering
Management