Glossary “lash ramp” Definition:
Initial portion of the cam lobe that meets the lifter as the cam rotates off its bace circle. The lash ramp compensates for small defections and begins to take up slack in the valetrain without actually lifting the valve.
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latent heat
Glossary “latent heat” Definition:
Amount of heat required to cause a change of state of a substance without changing its temperature.
lapping
Glossary “lapping” Definition:
Valve grinding process using a paste-like grit on the face of the valve.
lapping compound
Glossary “lapping compound” Definition:
A paste-like grit used for lapping valves, no long used on modern engines.
laser
Glossary “laser” Definition:
1). Light Amplification by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation. 2). Device that produces a concentrated, coherent light beam by stimulated electronic or molecular transitions to lower energy levels.
lash
Glossary “lash” Definition:
Clearance between two parts.
lash pad adjusters
Glossary “lash pad adjusters” Definition:
Small round metal pieces of various thickness used to adjust valve clearance.
lands
Glossary “lands” Definition:
Areas of a spool valve that control the opening and closing of hydraulic passages.
lap belt
Glossary “lap belt” Definition:
A seat belt that extends across a person’s lap.
lap joint
Glossary “lap joint” Definition:
Joint between two overlapping members in parallel planes. A type of weld joint made by overlapping two pieces of metal and jioning them with a beed along one or both edges,
lap shear strength
Glossary “lap shear strength” Definition:
The maximum force per unit area that a lap joint can withstand in shear before failure ocurrs. Commonly expressed in kilopascals.
lap weld
Glossary “lap weld” Definition:
Welding process between two overlapping members in parallel planes.
lamp
Glossary “lamp” Definition:
Device to convert electrical energy to radiant energy, which is normally visible light.
land
Glossary “land” Definition:
1). That part of a piston between the ring grooves that separates and supports the rings. 2). The raised surfaces on a valve spool.
laminated core
Glossary “laminated core” Definition:
Assembly of steel sheets for use as an element of magnetic circuit having the property of reducing eddy-current losses. Found in ignition coils.
laminated plate glass
Glossary “laminated plate glass” Definition:
Two thin sheets of glass with a layer of clear plastic between them. It is used for windshields.
laminar airflow
Glossary “laminar airflow” Definition:
1). The smooth, continuous movement of one layer of gas or liquid over another. 2). The movement of a body of A/F mixture through the intake manifold and ports as it flows over the boundary layer.
laminate
Glossary “laminate” Definition:
1). A structure consisting of two or more layers of material, such as fiberglass. 2). To fabricate a structure of two or more layers of material, such as fiberglass.
laminated case
Glossary “laminated case” Definition:
A container, such as a safety fuel cell, with walls of two or more layers of material.
lambda sensor
Glossary “lambda sensor” Definition:
A European auto maker’s term for the oxygen sensor.