Terms Starting with F

Fault codes-Codes, such as numbers, stored in a computer that can be read out on the dashboard of a street rod, or by a scanner, used to identify a specific problem area for the troubleshooter.

Feeler gauge-Small, thin metal blades or wires, each having a different thickness, used to measure small clearances such as valve clearances.

Floating caliper-A moving disc brake caliper with pistons on only one side of the rotor.

Fluid coupling-A fluid connection between the engine and transmission called the torque converter.  The greater the speed, the better the fluid coupling between the two.

Fluidity-A characteristic of a fluid such as oil, meaning the ease of flow.

Flywheel-A circular device placed on the end of the crankshaft with a gear on the outer circle used to crank the engine during starting.

Four stroke engine-An engine that has intake, compression, power and exhaust strokes within two revolutions of the crankshaft.

Four valve head-A cylinder head on an engine that has four valves per cylinder.  Two are used for intake and two are used for exhaust.

Four-wheel alignment-Alignment of both the front and rear wheels together.

Friction-The resistance to motion between two bodies in contact with each other.

Frictional horsepower-Horsepower lost to friction caused by bearings, road resistance, tire rolling resistance, and so on.

Friction bearing-A type of bearing that uses oil between the rotating shaft and the stationary part.

Friction disc-The part of a clutch system that is clamped between the flywheel and the pressure plate. The friction disc is the output of the clutch system.

Friction modifier-A chemical added to gear oil to enhance the oil’s ability to reduce friction.

Fuel consumption-The amount of fuel that is consumed or used by the vehicle.

Fuel injection-Injecting fuel into the engine under pressure. 

Fuel injector-A carburetor mixes the air and fuel at a ratio of 14.7 to 1.  However, today’s vehicles use fuel injectors.  These injectors mix the fuel with the air just before the intake valve.  The fuel is injected into the port under a low pressure.  Computers control the amount of fuel injected.

Fuel system-The subsystem on the engine used to mix the air and fuel correctly.

Fuel vapors-When gasoline heats up, it gives off vapors.  The vapors take space within fuel lines and at times, stop the fuel from flowing.

Fulcrum-The support or point of rest of a lever, also called the pivot point.

Fuse block-A small plastic block in a street rod where all of the electrical fuses are located.  On some vehicles the turn signal flashers and relays are also connected to the fuse block.

Fusible link-A type of electrical circuit protector made from a special wire that melts when the current is excessive for the circuit .
 
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