Thank you to everyone who participated in the Mechanic.com.au Mastermind Quiz Series. We have had received over 1100 entries and some fantastic creative answers to the open response questions.
Without further adeui, we'd like to congratulate our winner of the 2018 Mechanic.com.au Mastermind Competition:
We'll reach out to you soon with details regarding your prize; a VIP Formula 1 Experience for you and a friend thanks to the Mechanic.com.au Premier Community Partners.
We'd also like to extend a special mention to our close runners up:
FIRST RUNNER-UP: Amy Phillips, Adelaide River, Northern Territory (Score: 32/36)
SECOND RUNNER-UP:
Brendan Hayward, Wamboin, New South Wales (Score: 31/36)
Heath Palmer, Lismore, New South Wales (Score: 31/36)
Participants can find the correct answers to the questions from all 3 Heats below!
Name the three different types of diesel system regenerations (in order of severity, low to high) that occur?
a) Active, Passive and Forced
b) Passive, Active and Forced
c) Spontaneous, Dynamic and Service
d) Whilst driving, When DPF clogged and by the service mechanic
What is the main purpose of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)?
a) Assists with reducing particulate matter tailpipe emissions
b) Helps to reduce tailpipe NOx emissions
c) It removes diesel particulate matter (soot particles) from internal walls of the exhaust system
d) Helps to improve vehicle performance and fuel economy
Why do manufacturers recommend the use of a “Low Ash” engine oil?
a) Because normal oil promotes the formation of soot within the DPF assembly.
b) “Low ash” oil prevents soot from accumulating within the DPF
c) Engine performance may be compromised if normal oil used
d) “Low ash” engine oil is no different from normal engine oil and will not harm the DPF.
Why is it important to select the correct heat rating of a spark plug for an engine?
a) To ensure the coolant temperature can reach operating temperature quickly.
b) To ensure the air-conditioner in your vehicle will operate efficiently maintaining the cabin at a comfortable temperature.
c) To ensure that the correct amount of heat energy is conducted to the cylinder head and ensures that the optimal operating temperature range of the spark plug is maintained.
d) All of the above.
Why can't you replace a ceramic glow plug with a cheaper metal glow plug alternative?
a) You can interchange metal and ceramic glow plugs.
b) Ceramic glow plugs are more durable and can be heated to higher temperatures for longer periods of time.
c) Because metal glow plugs are more durable and can be heated to higher temperatures for longer periods of time.
d) Because metal glow plugs are less durable and can be heated to higher temperatures for longer periods of time.
What is the primary function of an oxygen sensor?
a) Continually detect and measure the fuel content in the exhaust gases of an engine.
b) Continually detect and measure the oxygen content entering the inlet manifold of an engine.
c) Continually detect and measure the oxygen content in the exhaust gases of an engine.
d) Convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful ones.
At what mileage interval does Gates and most vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing a timing belt?
a) 50,000 kms
b) 80,000 kms
c) 100,000 kms
d) 150,000 kms
Belt construction consists of which of the following?
a) HNBR Elastomeric Compound
b) High-Strength Tensile Cord
c) Tooth Jacket
d) All of the above
What is the purpose of the cooling system?
a) Absorb heat
b) Dissapate heat
c) Transport heat
d) All of the above
Important Note: The Mechanic.com.au Mastermind form encountered an issue for this question meaning that option D 'All of the above' did not display as an answer to a portion of quiz respondants. As a result, ALL answers to this questions have been counted as a correct answer.
Is it OK to use a NON approved engine oil for a vehicle that specifies a particular manufacturer specification?
a) Yes, this is fine as long as it meets the same viscosity requirements
b) Yes, as long as the vehicle is out of warranty
c) No, the oil should meet the manufacturer’s specification
d) No, unless the oil manufacturer gives permission for use in this particular application.
A local low key oil manufacturer trying to get your business tells you they have one oil that can replace API SN ILSAC Grades, ACEA A3/B4, ACEA A5/B5 and ACEA C3 grade oils for which you currently range 3 products. Is this a viable claim by the oil manufacturer?
a) Yes, the bigger companies just want you to buy more products
b) Yes, it is possible to have all these specifications in one oil
c) No, it is not physically possible for all of these specifications to be met in one oil
d) No, because API SN and ACEA C3 cannot be met together.
An oil manufacturer tells you it is OK to use GM Dexos 2 engine oil where GM Dexos 1 Gen 2 is required. You have a 2018 ZB Commodore 2.0 Litre Turbo waiting to be serviced and you have a Dexos 2 product but no Dexos 1. Should you use the Dexos 2 product to service the car?
a) Yes, this will be fine as an oil manufacturer has advised it will be ok
b) Yes, this has been done in the past with no side effects
c) No, the GM upgrade from Dexos 1 to Dexos 1 Gen 2 was implemented to reduce LSPI in turbo charged engines for which this is one.
Which way does a clutch plate fit?
a) Hub to cover assembly
b) Flat side to cover assembly
When fitting a clutch with a concentric slave cylinder, should you manually prime the CSC? (Concentric Slave Cylinder)
a) Yes, Definitely
b) No
When fitting a new clutch, does the clutch plate spline need to be lubricated?
a) Yes
b) No
At what stage should you recommend to your customers to change their brake pads, based upon the remaining friction material?
a) Under 3mm of friction material
b) 3 to 4mm of friction material
c) 5 to 6mm of friction material
How do you measure a brake pad?
a) By shape
b) By length and width
c) By thickness and length
d) All of the above
Which of the options below can cause brake shudder to occur?
a) Disc Thickness Variation (DTV)
b) Brake calipers not operating correctly
c) Rotors not having been installed properly
d) All of the above
What is the main benefit of a high carbon disc rotor?
a) Lower rotor temperatures
b) Noise dampening
c) Mechanical strength
d) Less wear
Why is it important NOT to over tighten wheel nuts?
a) So you don’t pull the studs out.
b) To allow the rotor to float on the hub.
c) Too many dugga-dugga’s is bad for your ears.
d) To avoid thermal distortion of the rotor.
Why do you need to bed in new brakes?
a) To engage the rotor and pad mating surfaces.
b) To stress relieve the rotors.
c) To safety test a new brake installation.
d) To engage the rotor and pad mating surfaces AND to stress relieve the rotors.
Worn shocks and struts may affect…
a) Wheel Alignment
b) Braking Distance
c) Steering Response
d) Ride Comfort
e) All of the above
Gas-charged shocks are charged with …
a) Freon
b) Nitrogen
c) Oxygen
d) Argon
What suspension system component damps the oscillations of coil springs or torsion bars?
a) Sway bar
b) Tie rod ends
c) Upper control arm
d) Shock absorbers
A turbocharger wastegate is sticking. Technician A says a stuck open wastegate will result in overboost. Technician B says a stuck closed wastegate will result in an underboost condition. Who is correct?
a) Technician A
b) Technician B
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A or B
Fill in the Gap. If the battery is below _____ volts, charge using the correct charger to match the battery size and type.
a) 12.60v
b) 12.55v
c) 12.42v
d) 12.25v
What is the number one cause of early battery failure?
a) Undercharging
b) Overcharging
c) Manufacturing Fault
d) Lack of Maintenance
What is the purpose of RC (Reserve Capacity)?
a) To determine a battery’s ability to supply high cranking current to start the engine
b) To determine how long the battery will take to recharge after a heavy discharge
c) The time in minutes a fully charged battery will deliver power to run the vehicles electrical loads if the charging system fails
d) A unit of measure of the batteries electrical storage capacity
Technician A says the PCM will advance the engine's ignition timing when it receives a voltage signal from the knock sensor. Technician B says this sensor sends an AC signal to the PCM when it detects ping or detonation. Who is correct?
a) Technician A
b) Technician B
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A or B
Which materials and processes were originally required to develop a quality globe?
a) Neon, Aluminium, Ruthenium, Vanadium, Astatine
b) Nitrogen, Argon, Vacuum
c) Xenon, Nitrogen, Vanadium, Lithium
d) Neon, Xenon, Copper, Lead
Which of the following statements is true with regards to the measure of LUX?
a) The number of candles required to produce the same light output from globes
b) The volume of light emitted from the lamps
c) The measure of the light temperature or colour of a light compared to daylight
d) The intensity or brightness of the light at a measured point
Which of the following affects the life of a performance globe?
a) Alternator output: a 5% increase in voltage can reduce the life of a globe by 50%
b) Automatic Headlights: Lights Turning on and off can potentially reduce globe life
c) Vibration: Vibration from driving on rough terrain can impact the delicate filament of globes and reduce the globe life
d) Touching the bulb glass: Residual oil from fingers creates a ‘hot spot’ on the glass resulting in uneven heating which reduces the globe life
e) All of the above
An engine with variable valve timing has a rough idle, but runs smoothly at higher engine speeds. Technician A says to check the variable valve timing solenoid and its associated circuit. Technician B says this problem can be caused by unchanged contaminated oil. Who is correct?
a) Technician A
b) Technician B
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A or B
When is the recommended time to change your wiper blades?
a) Every 6 Months
b) Every 12 Months
c) Every 2 Years
d) You don’t have to change the wipers, they last the life of the vehicle.
How can you tell when it is time to change the entire wiper blade assembly, not just the refill?
a) When the wiper blade moves/wobbles laterally on the arm more than 5mm.
b) When you don’t have any refills in stock.
c) When the blade starts to make the water streak on the window.
d) The vehicle has not been driven for 6 months.
A Swept spoiler Beam Blade (Trico Force) performs better than Standard Beam Blade (Trico Tech) because:
a) They are more expensive.
b) The spoiler keeps the blade stable and performing to optimum levels in wind speeds in excess of 220 KPH caused by cross winds, buffeting truck winds and general traffic turbulence.
c) They are the only ones you have in stock.
d) The rubber is better quality.
