A calibrated friction brake is included in the fuel tank unit. This prevents the wave motions of the fuel from fluctuating the pointer on the dash unit, so that the fuel reading will correctly correspond to the amount of fuel available in the tank. A catalytic converter prevents noxious gases like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides from polluting the environment by converting them into water vapor and carbon dioxide. The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust line, between the exhaust manifold and the muffler, and makes use of chemicals that act as a catalyst. The harmful gases enter the catalytic converter, which is a kind of stainless steel container. This is lined with chemicals such as aluminum oxide, platinum and palladium. These chemicals cause the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to change into water vapor and carbon dioxide. Some converters have a third lining of chemicals, platinum and rhodium, that reduce nitrogen oxides (three-way, dual bed converter).ClutchThe clutch allows to connect and disconnect the engine and the transmission while starting up and during shifts. Friction plates route the rotation of the engine crankshaft to the gears, and then to the wheels. It takes the rotation up slowly, so that you aren't off to a screeching start. In a manual transmission, the clutch is disengaged when you press the pedal down. The pedal works the thrust pad, and it presses levers in the middle of the clutch cover. Doing all this lifts the pressure plate away from the clutch plate. The flywheel (which is turned by the crankshaft from the tran gets disconnected. When you lift the clutch pedal, springs force the pressure plate and clutch plate against the flywheel. The clutch plate friction linings allow it to slide before becoming engaged. The sliding causes a smooth start instead of a jolt.
Image via Wikipedia
No comments:
Post a Comment