University of Windsor – Winter 2021

Automotive Engineering Fundamentals – Lab #1: Engine Dissection Questions

The questions in this assignment relate directly to our laboratory engines; however you may need
reference material outside of the laboratory documentation (i.e. lecture notes, textbooks, online
manufacturer specifications etc.). Your solutions are to be hand written with a scan/photos for
submission; no word-processor solutions will be accepted.

Questions
1. What is the engine displacement, bore-stroke ratio ( oversquare or undersquare ), maximum
torque and rated horsepower? (5 marks)

2. What is the correct spark plug gap and what would be a typical spark plug voltage? (2
marks)

3. What are the recommended maximum and minimum engine speed settings for the engine?
How can engine speed be adjusted? (4 marks)

4. What does the choke accomplish when it is used? Why are there holes in it? (3 marks)

5. Where is the decompression valve located? What action does it cause and how is it utilized
for starting? (3 marks)

6. Is there a fuel filter on this engine and if so, where is it installed? (2 marks)

7. What type of combustion chamber shape would this be? What are the characteristics of this
chamber shape? (4 marks)

8. Why does only the intake valve stem have a seal on the valve guide? (2 marks)

9. Why is there a "finger" on the connecting rod cap. would this feature be included in a
production automobile engine. What component could replace this feature? (3 marks)

10. How is the lubricating oil circulated in this engine (how would it get to the head to lubricate
the valve guides)? (2 marks)

11. What does the oil sensor do and why is it important? (2 marks)

12. What feature/component provides accurate location of the cylinder head with respect to the
engine block? Why is this required? (2 marks)

13. What surface finish does the cylinder have, how is the surface finish generated and why is it
important? (3 marks)

14. Why are there two different oil fill locations on this engine? (l mark)
 University of Windsor – Winter 2021
Automotive Engineering Fundamentals – Lab #1: Engine Dissection Questions

15. There are two features which positively locate the flywheel on the crankshaft, what are they?
(2 marks)

16. What material is the flywheel made of? Why was this material selected over something like
aluminum? Why are there holes drilled on the perimeter of the flywheel? (3 marks)

17. Why are the gears on the crankshaft and camshaft cut in a helical pattern? (1 mark)

18. Why is the crankpin/connecting rod journal on the crankshaft hollow? (2 marks)

19. How is the wrist pin installed and how could you remove it (to replace a damaged piston for
example)? (3 marks)

20. What is the gear ratio between the crankshaft and camshaft? Which is faster or slower?
What type of engine is this based on this gear ratio? (3 marks)

21. Describe how the magnet/coil assembly produces a spark. When is the spark fired? How
does this ignition system compare to a current production spark ignition automobile? (5
marks)

22. What component in the throttle lever assembly ensures constant engine speed? Explain how
this works. (4 marks)