PRINCIPLES-GASOLINE/DIESEL FUEL SYSTEMS - OD1620 - LESSON 1/TASK 1
LESSON 1
TASK 1.
Describe the characteristics of gasoline.
CONDITIONS
Within a selfstudy environment and given the subcourse text, without
assistance.
STANDARDS
Within one hour
REFERENCES
No supplementary references are needed for this task.
1.
Introduction
Petroleum is the most common source of fuel for modern internal combustion
engines. It contains two important elements: carbon and hydrogen. These
elements are mixed in proportions such that allow them to burn freely in air
and liberate heat energy. Petroleum contains a tremendous amount of
potential energy. In comparison to dynamite, a gallon of gasoline has six
times as much potential energy. Gasoline is the most widely used petroleum
based engine fuel.
Two advantages of the use of gasoline are a better rate of burning and easy
vaporization to give quick starting in cold weather. The major
characteristics of gasoline that affect engine operation are volatility,
purity, and antiknock quality (octane rating). In this lesson, the function
and construction of gasoline fuel systems will be discussed. This first
task will center on the specific characteristics of gasoline.
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