The Process of Elimination.
Use the process of elimination to answer this question. Since the needle is fluctuating it is highly likely it is associated with one cylinder.
1. A vacuum gauge is connected to an engine's intake manifold, and the needle fluctuates between (15 and 20 in Hg) at idle. This reading indicates:
- A. A normal condition.
- B. Late ignition or valve timing.
- C. A stuck valve or engine miss.
- D. A clogged exhaust.
Answer A is wrong. It's not normal for the vacuum to fluctuate in an engine. Remember a steady 17 - 21 Hg.
Answer B is wrong. Late ignition or valve timing effects all cylinders.
Answer C is correct. Is the correct answer. A misfire or a burned or sticking valve would cause this condition.
Answer D is wrong. A clogged exhaust would effect all of the cylinders.
The Most and Least Likely
Read the question carefully before beginning the process of elimination. ASE questions contain multiple-choice questions that contain the term LEAST LIKELY. It changes the normal flow because, in this question, the correct answer is the answer that does not fit.
2. The least likely to cause low oil pressure in an engine is:
- A. Worn lifter bores.
- B. Main bearings.
- C. Camshaft bearings.
- D. Worn valve guides.
Answer A is correct. Worn lifter bores are the least likely answer to cause low oil pressure.
Answer B is wrong. Worn main bearings result in low oil pressure.
Answer C is wrong. Worn camshaft bearings result in low oil pressure.
Answer D is wrong. Worn valve guides result in low oil pressure.
With the EXCEPT type question, the correct answer is the outlier or the answer that does not fit. Read the question carefully, looking for keywords like, except or least likely before answering.
3. All of these are true about the metering valve except:
- A. It is found on vehicles with front discs and rear drums.
- B. It is a height sensing device.
- C. It delays front brake engagement to overcome rear brake spring tension.
- D. It is often part of the combination valve.
Answer A is wrong. Answer B is correct.
Answer B is correct. A proportioning valve is a height sensing device.
Answer C is wrong. Metering valves delay front brake engagement to overcome rear brake spring tension.
Answer D is wrong. It is often part of the combination valve.
Technician A and Technician B
ASE has used the Technician A and Technician B type question since the beginning. The test is well balanced, and this format is used on all eight A1-A8 ASE tests. The answer may be one of the technicians, both, or neither.
4. Two technicians are discussing hydraulic lifter preload. Technician A says excessive preload will cause high manifold vacuum. Technician B says insufficient preload will cause excessive valve train noise. Who is correct?
- A. Technician A
- B. Technician B
- C. Both A and B
- D. Neither A or B
Answer A is wrong. Excessive hydraulic lifter preloads will cause low manifold vacuum.
Answer B is correct. Insufficient lifter preloads will cause valve train noise.
Answer C is wrong. Technician B is correct.
Answer D is wrong. Technician B is correct.