CSLB General Building (B) — All Questions
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Which engine component converts the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotating motion?
- a.Camshaft
- b.Spark plug
- c.Crankshaft✓
- d.Radiator
The crankshaft is connected to the pistons and turns their linear up-and-down motion into rotational motion that drives the wheels. The camshaft instead controls the valves.
What is the main purpose of engine oil?
- a.To cool the cabin
- b.To power the lights
- c.To inflate the tires
- d.To lubricate moving parts✓
Engine oil lubricates moving metal parts to reduce friction and wear. It also helps carry away heat and keep internal components clean.
A spark plug is used to:
- a.ignite the fuel-air mixture✓
- b.cool the engine
- c.filter the oil
- d.charge the battery
In a gasoline engine, the spark plug produces an electric spark that ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture in the cylinder. This controlled ignition powers the piston stroke.
Which tool is best for measuring the gap of a spark plug?
- a.Torque wrench
- b.Feeler gauge✓
- c.Pipe wrench
- d.Hacksaw
A feeler gauge has thin blades of known thickness used to measure small gaps, such as a spark plug gap. A torque wrench instead measures tightening force.
The part of the car that keeps the engine from overheating by circulating coolant is the:
- a.alternator
- b.muffler
- c.radiator✓
- d.distributor
The radiator transfers heat from the circulating coolant to the outside air, keeping the engine at a safe temperature. The alternator, by contrast, generates electricity.
A Phillips screwdriver is designed to fit a screw head shaped like a:
- a.straight slot
- b.square
- c.hexagon
- d.cross✓
A Phillips screwdriver has a cross-shaped, or X-shaped, tip that matches a screw head with a cross-shaped recess. A flat-blade screwdriver instead fits a single straight slot.
Which part of a car stores electrical energy to start the engine?
- a.Battery✓
- b.Muffler
- c.Carburetor
- d.Fuel pump
The battery supplies the electrical current needed to power the starter motor and start the engine. Once running, the alternator recharges the battery.
The device that reduces engine exhaust noise is the:
- a.radiator
- b.muffler✓
- c.alternator
- d.clutch
The muffler is part of the exhaust system and dampens the loud noise created by the engine's exhaust gases. It does not affect engine cooling or charging.
A torque wrench is used to:
- a.cut metal pipe
- b.measure voltage
- c.tighten bolts to a specific tightness✓
- d.sand wood surfaces
A torque wrench applies a precise, measured amount of turning force to a bolt or nut. This prevents fasteners from being too loose or over-tightened and damaged.
Which type of saw is designed for cutting metal?
- a.Crosscut saw
- b.Coping saw
- c.Chainsaw
- d.Hacksaw✓
A hacksaw has a fine-toothed blade held under tension in a frame and is made for cutting metal and plastic. A crosscut saw and chainsaw are intended for wood.
The system that allows a car to slow down and stop is the:
- a.braking system✓
- b.cooling system
- c.fuel system
- d.exhaust system
The braking system uses friction, typically pads pressing on discs or rotors, to slow the wheels and stop the vehicle. The fuel and exhaust systems handle power, not stopping.
Which tool would you use to drive a nail into wood?
- a.Wrench
- b.Hammer✓
- c.Pliers
- d.Level
A hammer delivers a strong impact to drive nails into wood. Wrenches turn bolts, pliers grip objects, and a level checks whether a surface is horizontal.
In a four-stroke engine, which stroke immediately follows the compression stroke?
- a.Intake stroke
- b.Exhaust stroke
- c.Power stroke✓
- d.Cooling stroke
The four-stroke cycle runs intake, compression, power, then exhaust. After the fuel-air mixture is compressed, the spark plug fires and the power stroke pushes the piston down.
The purpose of a vehicle's transmission is to:
- a.cool the engine oil
- b.clean the exhaust gases
- c.store fuel
- d.transfer engine power to the wheels✓
The transmission uses gears to transfer the engine's power to the wheels while matching engine speed to driving conditions. Lower gears provide more force, higher gears more speed.