ASE Practice Test (A1: Engine Repair) 2

Question 1

A technician is measuring piston ring end gap and finds it is less than the manufacturer's specification. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

File the ring ends carefully to achieve the correct gap

Answer

Install the rings as-is since tight is better than loose

Answer

Replace the piston and rings as a complete assembly

Answer

Hone the cylinder bore to increase the gap

Question 2

When pressure testing a cooling system, a technician finds the pressure drops slowly over 15 minutes with no visible external leaks. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Internal head gasket leak

Answer

Loose radiator cap

Answer

Cracked radiator tank

Answer

Faulty water pump seal

Question 3

A diesel engine has excessive crankcase pressure (blow-by). Which component failure is MOST likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Worn piston rings and cylinder walls

Answer

Failed intake manifold gasket

Answer

Defective PCV valve

Answer

Cracked exhaust manifold

Question 4

During engine assembly, a technician checks main bearing clearance using Plastigage and finds it measures 0.001 inch. The specification is 0.0010–0.0025 inch. What should the technician do?

Accepted Answer

The clearance is acceptable; proceed with assembly

Answer

Install the next undersize bearings to reduce clearance

Answer

Replace the crankshaft because it is out of spec

Answer

Hone the main bearing bores to increase clearance

Question 5

A technician is replacing valve stem seals on an overhead cam engine without removing the cylinder head. What tool is needed to prevent the valves from dropping into the cylinder?

Accepted Answer

A valve spring compressor and an air hose through the spark plug hole

Answer

Valve spring compressor only

Answer

Compressed air through the spark plug hole

Answer

Cylinder head hold-down bolts tightened extra snug

Question 6

An engine produces a loud knocking noise that increases with RPM and load. The noise is most pronounced on the power stroke. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Worn connecting rod bearings

Answer

Worn camshaft lobes

Answer

Loose rocker arms

Answer

Worn main bearings