ASE A1 Engine Repair Practice Test

1. After performing a cylinder pressure test on a four cylinder engine, the #1 cylinder is 30 psi below specifications. All the other cylinders have passed. The pressure in the #1 cylinder increased after injecting engine oil. Technician A says excessive carbon buildup on the piston head has caused these test results. Technician B says these results indicate a faulty intake or exhaust valve. Who is correct?

  • A. Technician A
  • B. Technician B
  • C. Both A and B
  • D. Neither A or B

1.

Answer A is wrong. Neither technician is correct.

Answer B is wrong. If there is no increase in compression, the head gasket or one of the cylinder's valves are at fault.

Answer C is wrong. If the piston rings are worn, the pressure readings will increase after introducing oil into the cylinder and rotating the crankshaft. There will be little or no change if a valve is at fault.

Answer D is correct. Neither technician is correct. When injecting oil increases the cylinder's pressure, the piston rings are faulty. Compression is blowing past this weak seal.

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2. One valve tip on a cylinder head is much higher than the others. The MOST likely cause of this is:

  • A. Weak spring tension.
  • B. Valve spring installed height.
  • C. The valve seat.
  • D. Loose head bolts.

2.

Answer A is wrong. Weak spring tension is not a likely cause. It results in valve float and a misfire at high engine speeds. Excessive spring pressure may cause the valve's neck to stretch.

Answer B is wrong. The valve spring installed height is the distance from the pocket or cup where the spring sits to the underside of the retainer/rotator with the valve closed.

Answer C is correct. A worn valve face or valve seat is the most likely cause. Check the valve stem installed height whenever any of the valves have been replaced.

Answer D is wrong. Loose head bolts result in a loss of compression, overheating and white colored exhaust.

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3. Two technicians are discussing a ballooned oil filter. Which of the following is causing this condition?

  • A. Contaminated oil.
  • B. Stuck closed oil pressure relief valve.
  • C. Stuck closed oil filter bypass valve.
  • D. All of the above.

3.

Answer A is wrong. Contaminated oil will clog the filter, if the oil filter bypass valve is stuck closed. This will result in a swollen and ballooned filter.

Answer B is wrong. A stuck closed oil pressure relief valve would cause high oil pressure and a ballooned oil filter.

Answer C is wrong. A clogged filter and a stuck closed oil bypass valve would result in a ballooned filter.

Answer D is correct. Each of these conditions would result in a ballooned oil filter.

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4. The best tool for checking crankshaft end play is a:

  • A. Bore gauge.
  • B. Digital micrometer.
  • C. Dial indicator.
  • D. None of the above.

4.

Answer A is wrong. Answer C is correct.

Answer B is wrong. Answer C is correct.

Answer C is correct. A dial gauge is used to measure end-play clearance.

Answer D is wrong. Answer C is correct.

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5. Technician A says a supercharger uses an intercooler to keep the engine's oil cool. Technician B says intercoolers are used on turbochargers to keep the oil cool. Who is correct?

  • A. Technician A
  • B. Technician B
  • C. Both A and B
  • D. Neither A or B

5.

Answer A is wrong. Superchargers use an intercooler to keep the air charge cool.

Answer B is wrong. Turbochargers also use an intercooler to keep the air charge cool.

Answer C is wrong. Neither technician is correct.

Answer D is correct. Neither technician is correct.

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