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Quizzes > Science

Engine Parts Quiz: Name the Components Under the Hood

Quick engine knowledge test with instant results and answer explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Igor FlystaUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for engine parts quiz on a sky blue background

This engine parts quiz helps you spot and name common car engine components, from pistons to belts, so you can check your know-how fast. See your score and learn from clear answer notes as you go. Want to explore beyond the engine? Try our car parts quiz, or take a broader challenge with a car quiz test.

What is the primary function of the crankshaft in a piston engine?
Pressurize the fuel rail
Regulate coolant flow through the engine
Ignite the air-fuel mixture
Convert reciprocating motion into rotational motion
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Which component connects the piston to the crankshaft?
Connecting rod
Rocker arm
Pushrod
Cam follower
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Which part stores engine oil when the engine is off?
Valve cover
Timing cover
Oil pan (sump)
Oil filter
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Which device initiates engine rotation during starting?
Fuel pump
Starter motor
Alternator
Idle air control valve
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In gasoline electronic fuel injection, which part primarily regulates airflow into the engine?
Throttle body
Fuel injector
PCV valve
MAF sensor
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Which part controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves?
Crankshaft
Camshaft
Flywheel
Balance shaft
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What is the primary purpose of piston rings?
Reduce exhaust emissions by catalysis
Control coolant temperature
Seal combustion gases and control oil on cylinder walls
Pressurize the fuel system
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What does the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve do?
Measures throttle angle
Controls turbo boost
Increases fuel rail pressure
Routes blow-by gases from the crankcase back into the intake for reburn
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Which sensor measures the mass of air entering the engine?
IAT sensor
MAF sensor
Knock sensor
TPS sensor
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What is the function of the fuel rail?
Store oil for the lubrication system
Vent crankcase fumes
Measure exhaust oxygen
Deliver pressurized fuel evenly to the injectors
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What is the role of a harmonic balancer (crankshaft damper)?
Meter fuel into the intake
Dampen torsional vibrations of the crankshaft
Control idle speed
Increase engine compression
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What does a hydraulic lifter (tappet) do?
Controls the timing belt tension
Automatically maintains zero valve lash using engine oil pressure
Measures oil pressure for the ECU
Filters contaminants from engine oil
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In an overhead valve (pushrod) engine, which component transmits motion from the lifter to the rocker arm?
Cam phaser
Timing chain guide
EGR tube
Pushrod
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What is the function of a rocker arm in a valvetrain?
Regulates fuel pressure
Transfers cam or pushrod motion to open a valve
Seals the combustion chamber
Measures knock
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What does a valve spring do?
Controls turbocharger speed
Closes the valve and prevents valve float at high RPM
Dampens crankshaft torsion
Pressurizes the fuel rail
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What component changes camshaft phasing in a variable valve timing system?
Throttle body
Harmonic balancer
Fuel rail
Cam phaser
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What does a VVT oil control solenoid do?
Directs pressurized oil to the cam phaser to alter cam timing
Filters oil to sub-10 micron levels
Measures crank angle
Activates the starter motor
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In a direct-injection gasoline engine, where are the fuel injectors located?
In the fuel tank
Upstream of the throttle body
Directly in the combustion chamber
In the exhaust manifold
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What is the purpose of swirl or tumble control valves in some intake systems?
Increase exhaust backpressure to warm the catalyst
Enhance air-fuel mixing at low load by inducing in-cylinder motion
Pressurize the fuel system
Adjust ignition timing
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Which cylinder block design provides the most support around cylinder bores?
Semi-closed deck
Wet liner only
Closed-deck
Open-deck
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify major engine components -

    After completing the engine parts quiz, you'll be able to recognize and name key components such as pistons, camshafts, and valves under the hood.

  2. Describe each part's function -

    You will understand the role of every engine component in powering, cooling, and timing, enhancing your overall engine knowledge.

  3. Differentiate between engine systems -

    You'll learn to distinguish intake, exhaust, lubrication, and ignition systems and how their parts interact to keep your car running smoothly.

  4. Apply troubleshooting insights -

    By identifying component functions and locations, you can pinpoint likely causes of common engine issues and make informed repair decisions.

  5. Assess your knowledge gaps -

    Your quiz results will highlight areas for improvement, guiding you toward focused study or hands-on practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. The Four-Stroke Cycle -

    Master the intake, compression, power and exhaust strokes - often memorized with "I Can Power Everything." A simple P-V diagram helps visualize pressure changes, reinforcing why each stroke is critical for engine efficiency (source: MIT OpenCourseWare).

  2. Piston Dynamics and Compression Ratio -

    Review the compression ratio formula (CR = Vmax ÷ Vmin) to see how 10:1 or 12:1 ratios affect performance and knock resistance. Visualize the swept vs. clearance volume in the cylinder for your next engine quiz question (source: SAE International).

  3. Camshaft and Valve Timing -

    Understand cam lobe profiles, overlap and duration - key for peak torque and emissions. Use the mnemonic "OVAL" (Overlap, Valve lift, Angle, Lobe shape) to recall the main camshaft specs on an engine components quiz (source: University of Michigan Automotive Lab).

  4. Fuel Injection and Ignition Timing -

    Compare port-injection vs. direct injection and remember ignition timing is set around 15° BTDC (before top dead center) for most gasoline engines. Sketching a timing diagram can cement this for any car engine quiz challenge (source: Bosch Technical Bulletin).

  5. Lubrication and Cooling Systems -

    Learn oil-flow paths from pump to bearings and coolant flow through the radiator, aiming for optimal 5W-30 viscosity in most climates. Recall "HOT COOL" (Heat Out, Thermostat Closes, Coolant Out) to ace the lubrication section of your engine parts quiz (source: SAE Peer”Reviewed Journal).

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