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Auto Parts - C

Calibrated Friction Brake	Catalytic Converter	Clutch
Clutch Pedal, Cables and Levers	Clutch Plate	Compressor
Compressor Relay	Condenser	Coolant (Antifreeze)
Crankshaft	-	-

Calibrated Friction Brake

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.

Catalytic Converter

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).

Clutch

The 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 transmission shaft) 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.

Clutch Pedal, Cables and Levers

One way to activate the throw-out fork of the clutch is by using a system of levers and cables. These levers and cables are connected between the clutch pedal and the throw-out fork. When you press the clutch pedal with your foot, the pressure is transmitted to the fork through the cable and lever arrangement.

Clutch Plate

The clutch plate is a thin, steel, disc whose center is connected to the transmission input shaft by a grooved piece of metal, or hub. The disc is covered with material that is similar to the break linings. This material allows the clutch to slip smoothly and quietly.

Compressor

The job of the compressor is to move liquid refrigerant around in a pipe. The compressor pumps, or forces, the liquid from the evaporator into a condenser and expansion valve, and then back to the evaporator. There are three common types of compressors:

Two-cylinder reciprocating piston type
Four cylinder RADIAL type
Six cylinder AXIAL type

The engine drives the compressor with a belt. In action, the compressor takes the low pressure refrigerant from the evaporator and compresses it according to speed and air temperature. The inlet side is known as the low (pressure) side and the outlet side is known as the high (pressure) side. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, and raises its temperature higher than that of the surrounding air. Then, the compressor forces the refrigerant into the condenser.

Compressor Relay

A capillary tube from a cycling switch lets the switch know what the temperature is in the evaporator. This switch turns the compressor on and off to keep the evaporator temperature at about 32 to 45 degrees F. The relay switch keeps moisture from freezing on the evaporator core.

Condenser

The condenser is a long tube that goes back and forth through a multitude of cooling fins. It is mounted in front of the radiator to take advantage of the forced air provided by the fan and the motion of the car. As the highly pressurized refrigerant (vapor) flows into the condenser, it gives off heat and warms the condenser. This causes the condenser to be hotter than the forced air coming through the condenser. The condenser hands its heat off to the forced air and turns the refrigerant back into cool liquid in the expansion valve, where it heads back to the evaporator

Coolant (Antifreeze)

Coolant (antifreeze) is a complex chemical liquid helps prevent freezing in cold climates, so that cars can operate in sub zero temperatures, and boils at a higher temperature than water. Besides this, it also lubricates the water pump as it flows through. Some antifreeze compounds are specially formulated for aluminum radiators. Keep the coolant somewhere between 20 and 60 percent of the mixture in your car, depending on the car and climactic conditions. Do not use a strong antifreeze mixture as it can cause leaks in your car's cooling system. Coolant is extremely poisonous and should be handled with care. If it spills on the ground it can kill stray animals that drink it.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft converts the up and down motion of the pistons into a rotary motion. It provides the turning motion for the wheels. It works much like the pedals of a bicycle, converting up-down motion into rotational motion. The crankshaft is usually either alloy steel or cast iron. The crankshaft is connected to the pistons by the connecting-rods. Some parts of the shaft do not move up and down; they rotate in the stationary main bearings. These parts are known as journals. There are usually three journals in a four cylinder engine.