Glossary: Engine Blocks and Cylinder Heads

The ratio or proportional increase in current flow through the emitter-collector circuit compared to the base current is referred to as gain .

A chemical reaction that produces electricity when two dissimilar metals are placed in an electrolyte.

A valve within a mixer that responds to an electrical or vacuum signal to admit NG into the intake airstream.

Fuel derived from using the Fischer-Tropsch reaction.

Also called gasification; refers to a process where a solid organic substance is converted to a gas. The gas is then usually converted to a liquid.

A standardized unit used to sell natural gas. It equals the energy content of 1 gallon (4 liters) of gasoline and is made up of approximately 231 in3 (3785 cubic centimeters [cm3]) of natural gas or 5.66 lb (2.57 kg) of natural gas.

A situation that occurs when overcharging or rapid charging causes some gas to escape from the battery.

A module that translates communication protocols of various onboard networks to enable internetwork communication between different networks operating on board a vehicle.

A fuel-efficient operating strategy, also called downspeeding , that is used to take advantage of a diesel engine’s low rpm torque. The differential gear ratios are intentionally low to enable high road speed at low engine rpm.

A positive displacement fuel supply pump that sweeps fuel around the gear housing between pump gear teeth and can pressurize the output side to very high pressure.