ASE Practice Test (A1: Engine Repair) 3

Question 1

A technician finds that an engine uses 1 quart of oil every 500 miles but has no external leaks and no visible blue smoke from the exhaust. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Worn valve stem seals leaking oil during deceleration

Answer

Cracked engine block allowing oil into coolant

Answer

Failed rear main seal

Answer

Plugged PCV system causing oil to be pushed past rings

Question 2

What is the purpose of crosshatching cylinder walls during honing?

Accepted Answer

To create an oil retention pattern that aids ring seating

Answer

To measure cylinder bore diameter accurately

Answer

To remove carbon deposits from the bore

Answer

To identify out-of-round conditions in the cylinder

Question 3

A technician performs a cylinder leakage test and finds 35% leakage on cylinder 3. Air can be heard escaping from the air intake. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Leaking intake valve on cylinder 3

Answer

Leaking exhaust valve on cylinder 3

Answer

Blown head gasket between cylinders

Answer

Worn piston rings on cylinder 3

Question 4

When installing a new timing belt on an interference engine, what is the MOST critical step before rotating the engine by hand after installation?

Accepted Answer

Verifying all timing marks are properly aligned

Answer

Checking belt tension with a tension gauge

Answer

Applying belt dressing to prevent slipping

Answer

Tightening the crankshaft bolt to final torque

Question 5

A technician finds a cracked exhaust manifold on a 4-cylinder engine. The customer asks if it must be replaced immediately. What is the BEST answer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because exhaust gases can enter the passenger compartment, posing a carbon monoxide hazard

Answer

No, a cracked exhaust manifold only affects performance slightly and can be delayed

Answer

No, because the crack will seal itself once the engine reaches operating temperature

Answer

Yes, but only because it will damage the catalytic converter immediately

Question 6

What does a reading of 18-22 inches of mercury (Hg) at idle on a vacuum gauge indicate?

Accepted Answer

Normal engine operation

Answer

Excessive engine wear and low compression

Answer

Retarded ignition timing

Answer

A significant vacuum leak in the intake system