Terms Starting with L
Lag-The time it takes for a turbocharger to increase the engine power after the throttle has been depressed.
Laminated-Describes a series of plates of metal placed together and used as a core in a magnetic field.
Latent heat-Heat that is hidden or not readily observable.
Lean mixture-Too much air and not enough fuel for combustion.
Lever-A bar supported by a pivot point with a force applied to one end, used to move a force exerted on the other. Force times distance moved on one side will always equal the force times distance moved on the other. Typically a lever is used to gain a force with a loss in distance.
Lifter-The small component that rides on the camshaft. The camshaft lobe lifts the lifter to aid in opening and closing the valves.
Limited slip differential-A differential that uses clutches or cones to lock-up the internal side gears to the differential case. These components eliminate having one wheel spin faster on a slippery surface.
Lines of force-Invisible magnetic forces around a magnet.
Liter-A unit in the metric system to measure volume. One liter equals 100 cubic centimeters.
Lobe-The part of a camshaft that raises or lifts the lifter.
Lockup clutch-A type of clutch in a transmission which is able to lock up the torque converter turbine with the engine, eliminating slippage between the two.
Lubricating system-The subsystem on an engine that is used to keep all moving components lubricated.
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