- C -

Carbon Canister

A canister filled with carbon, used to absorb and store fuel vapors that are normally discharged into the air.

Carbon Dioxide

A byproduct of the internal combustion process that is part of a vehicle's exhaust emissions but is not monitored in a smog check because it is considered part of "perfect combustion" (i.e., when all of the air and fuel is burned during the combustion process, as it should be under ideal conditions). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started to view carbon dioxide as a pollution concern. While it does not directly affect human health, it is a "greenhouse gas" that traps the earth's heat and contributes to the potential for global warming. Abbreviated CO.

Carbon Fiber

A composite fabric that is among the strongest materials available. It's known for its stiffness, as well as reduced weight. Plus, it's attractive. A number of restyling accessories are offered in carbon fiber, including dash trim kits , valvecovers, air cleaners, shift knobs and hood scoops. Some less expensive accessories also are available in simulated carbon fiber.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

An odorless gas composed of carbon (c) and hydrogen (H), formed by the incomplete combustion of any fuel containing carbon. This major air pollutant is potentially lethal if inhaled, even in small amounts.

Carbon Pile

An electrical test instrument used to provide an electrical load for testing batteries and the charging circuit.

Carbon Resistor

A circuit component made of carbon, for opposing the flow of electrons through a circuit (May be either fixed or variable).

Carbon Tetrachloride

CCL4 used as a cleaning solvent , a refrigerant, and as a fire suppressant band by title VI of the clean air act of 1990

Carbon Tracks

A condition where there is a cargo build up, or track, running from one point to another, acting as an electrical circuit and thereby causing a short circuit.

Carbon-fouled Plug

A spark plug having a dry, fluffy black deposit; the result of over-rich carburet ion, over choking, a sticking manifold heat valve, or clogged air cleaner.

Carbonize

The formation of carbon deposits as a result of by-products of combustion in an engine.

Carbonyl Chlorofluoride (COC1F)

A toxic by-product of Refrigerant-12, and other CFCs; toxic if allowed to come into contact with an open flame or headed metal.

Carbonyl Fluoride (COF2)

A toxic by-product of Refrigerant-12, and other CFCs; toxic if allowed to come into contact with an open flame or heated metal.

Carburated

An engine that features a carburetor, rather than fuel injection.

Carburet Ion

A vacuum-dependent device used to mix fuel with air to form a vapor that is ideal for combustion.

Carburetion

The action that takes place in a carburetor while converting liquid fuel to a vapor and mixing it with air to form a combustible mixture

Carburetor

A pressure differential device mounted on the intake manifold of an engine that mixes the air and fuel in the proper proportions to allow even combustion

Carburetor Emission Device

An item attached or adjacent to the carburetor that establishes operating conditions intended to reduce exhaust emissions.

Carburetor Icing

A condition caused by high-velocity fuel flow; ice is formed on the outside of the carburetor.

Carburetor Kick Down

A moderate pressing of the accelerator pedal to change engagement of the fast-idle screw from high step to low step of the cam.

Carburetor Kit

A set of gaskets and parts necessary to rebuild a carburetor.