ASE A1 Engine Repair Practice Test

1. An engine's connecting rod bearings are worn, resulting in low oil pressure and a knocking sound at startup. Which of the following could be the cause?

  • A. Low contaminated engine oil.
  • B. Clogged crankshaft oil galleries.
  • C. Clogged air filter.
  • D. Both A and B.

1.

Answer A is wrong. The oil galleries are small holes drilled or cast into the engine block and heads that transfer engine oil to the crankshaft, camshaft, and valve train.

Answer B is wrong. Low unchanged and contaminated oil restricting an engine's oil galleries results in premature bearing failure.

Answer C is wrong. A clogged air filter affects fuel mileage and the air-fuel ratio.

Answer D is correct. The crankshaft contains oil supply galleries/passages that transfer oil under pressure from a hole in the engine block through a hole in the main bearing to the connecting rod journals/bearings.

2. Technician A says to measure the oil pump gear end-play before reinstalling the pump. Technician B says to use a feeler gauge and a straight edge to measure oil pump body flatness. Who is correct?

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

2.

Answer A is wrong. As the oil pump's gears and housing wear, the pump's efficiency suffers.

Answer B is wrong. Place the straightedge across the oil pump body and insert the feeler gauge blade to measure the pump body's flatness.

Answer C is correct. Both technicians are correct.

Answer D is wrong. Both technicians are correct.

Torque angle gauge.

3. The technician in the illustration above is:

  • A. Setting torque with a torque wrench.
  • B. Setting angle with an angle gauge.
  • C. Adjusting the rocker shaft.
  • D. None of the above.

3.

Answer A is wrong. Torque-to-yield bolts are typically torqued to snug with a torque gauge and then angled.

Answer B is correct. This process is known as the torque angle fastening method.

Answer C is wrong. Answer B is correct.

Answer D is wrong. Answer B is correct.

4. The charging light on the instrument panel intermittently flickers while driving. The MOST likely cause of this condition is:

  • A. An open positive charging cable.
  • B. A misaligned power steering pulley.
  • C. A faulty clutch pulley bearing.
  • D. A weak accessory belt tensioner.

4.

Answer A is wrong. An open positive charging cable will result in a dead battery.

Answer B is wrong. Removing accessories like the alternator and power steering pump during engine removal can result in pulley misalignment.

Answer C is wrong. If the tensioner applies too much pressure or is overadjusted, the accessory pully bearings will wear and begin to squeal.

Answer D is correct. A weak accessory belt tensioner or a worn accessory belt results in squealing, a flickering charging light, and a flapping belt.

5. A vehicle has black-colored exhaust and a lack of power when accelerating. Technician A says a rich air-fuel ratio may have clogged the catalytic converter. Technician B says to use a back pressure tester to test for a restriction in the exhaust system. Who is correct?

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

5.

Answer A is wrong. When an engine runs rich, the catalytic converter works harder and runs hotter than intended. This heat can damage the substrate and cause it to melt and degrade. The melted substrate results in excessive backpressure.

Answer B is wrong. Perform a backpressure test to confirm a clogged catalytic converter. Backpressure testers test for restrictions in the exhaust flow.

Answer C is correct. Both technicians are correct; a melted substrate results in excessive backpressure.

Answer D is wrong. A clogged catalytic converter causes a restriction that results in a noticeable drop in power during acceleration.