Over Head Cam (OHC). An overhead cam engine has its camshaft in the cylinder head, above the valves and cylinders. This allows the camshaft to directly open the valves without using pushrods.
Category: Glossary of Car Terms
What is Overheating?
Overheating occurs when an engine reaches too high of an operating temperature. Overheating may lead to potentially significant engine damage.
What is Oil Pump?
The oil pump takes oil from the oil pan and pressurizes it, allowing it to travel throughout the engine and lubricate the engine’s moving parts.
What is Oil Pressure Sensor?
The oil pressure sensor measures the pressure at which your engine’s oil is flowing. If the pressure becomes too high or too low, the oil pressure sensor sends a signal to the vehicle’s oil pressure warning light. If you see this light turn on, pull over as soon as possible and shut off your engine….
What is Pushrod?
Pushrods are used in engines with overhead valve (OHV) designs. The camshaft in the engine block pushes up on the lifters and then on the pushrods, which then push the rocker arms, which then open the valves.
What is Piston Rings?
Piston rings fit around the pistons, and prevent combustion energy from being lost around the edges of the piston. They also prevent engine oil from getting into a cylinder.
What is PCM?
Powertrain Control Module. The PCM is a powerful computer that manages the Engines Ignition, Fuel Injection, and Emission Systems. In some vehicles it may control the operation of the Transmission and Anti-Lock Brake Systems as well.
What is Pressure Plate?
The pressure plate is part of the clutch. It applies pressure evenly to the clutch disc friction area, thus allowing a smooth application of power.
What is Parking Brake Shoes-Pads?
The parking brake shoes/pads are just like normal brake pads or brake shoes. The only difference is that they work specifically with the parking brakes.
What is Park-Neutral Safety Switch?
This is a switch found on many modern automatic transmissions that prevents a vehicle from starting unless the gear selector is in park or neutral.
What is Photochemical Smog?
Photochemical smog, commonly referred to simply as smog, is a by-product of the combination of HC and NO X . In the presence of sunlight these two elements form ozone (O 3), nitrogen dioxide, and nitrogen nitrate; all of which cause respiratory problems. Nitrogen dioxide is a light brown colored gas which can affect visibility…
What is Power Steering Pump?
The power steering pump pumps power steering fluid to other power steering system components, allowing the driver to steer with minimal effort.
What is Play?
Play occurs when there is excessive free movement in your vehicle’s steering system. For instance, if you turn your steering wheel either direction from the center and nothing happens for the first two inches of travel, your steering system has play in it.Top
What is Power Steering?
Power steering is a steering system with a high-pressure pump that boosts the driver’s steering efforts, making it easier to steer with much less effort.
What is Piston?
The piston fits into the cylinders and is connected to the crankshaft. When a spark plug fires, it ignites the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder, pushing the piston down which then turns the crankshaft. This is how an engine makes its power.
What is Parking Brake Cable?
The parking brake cable connects the parking brake pedal or handle to the parking brakes themselves.Top
What is Pinging Engine?
When your engine knocks or pings, it is a sign that the engine is firing at the wrong time. This could be because of bad ignition timing, an incorrect grade of gas, or another ignition or fuel system fault.
What is Power Steering Fluid?
A special type of fluid designed for power steering systems.
What is Park Gear?
This is a gear found only on automatic transmissions. The park gear locks a vehicle’s transmission in place, preventing the car from moving.
What is Rust-converting primer?
Rust-converting primer is a special type of primer that stops the progress of surface rust.