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Engine Oil Cooler

A small radiator-type device that is designed to cool motor oil. It is sometimes necessary in towing or other heavy-duty applications.

Engine Overhaul

To perform more than minor repairs on a powerplant, though not as extensive as an engine rebuild.

Engine Paint

A paint specially formulated to withstand engine heat.

Engine Rebuild

To perform an extensive engine repair including machining, re-boring, and honing to factory-stock specifications.

Engine Rebuild Kit

A kit that contains all or most of the components required to rebuild an engine. It requires the use of an existing engine block. Some kits contain just a few replacement engine components, while others contain everything but the block. Kits may contain such parts as connecting rods, pistons, piston rings, gaskets, rocker arms, camshafts and more.

Engine Running Test

A Ford diagnostic term for a section of the EEC-IV self-test that tests the input and control functions under actual operating conditions.

Engine Swap

Literally changing the engine that is in a vehicle. Many performance enthusiasts will remove a low-performance engine and swap in a higher-performance model.

Engine Thermal Switch

An electrical switch designed to delay the operation of a system in cool weather to allow time for the engine coolant to warm up.

Engine Thermostat

A temperature-sensitive mechanical device found at the coolant outlet of an engine that expands (opens) or contracts (closes) to control the amount of coolant allowed to leave the engine, based on its temperature.

Engine Torque

A rotating, twisting action developed by the engine that is measured in pounds, feet, or kilowatt hours.

Engine Tune-up

The inspection, testing, and adjusting of an engine; the replacement of any parts required to ensure maximum performance.

Engine-coolant Temperature (ECT)

The temperature of the coolant in an engine.

Engine-coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS)

An electronic or electro-mechanical unit for sensing engine-coolant temperature.

Engine-management System

An electronic device that monitors, adjusts, and regulates the ignition and fuel-injection systems to maintain engine control under varying operating conditions.

Engineering Plastics

Thermoset and thermoplastic materials, such as polycarbonate, ABS, and nylon. Their characteristics and properties enable them to withstand mechanical loads, such as tension, impact, flexing, vibration, and friction, combined with temperature changes, making them suitable for application in structural and load-bearing product design elements.

English Town (E-Town)

A town in New Jersey; the site of the annual NHRA Summer nationals.

Enleanment

The act of reducing fuel delivery to the air-fuel mixture to create a leaner mixture.

Enrichment

The act of adding fuel delivery to the air-fuel mixture to create a richer mixture.

Entertainment System

A system for a car, pickup truck, van or SUV that usually includes a TV monitor, a videocassette player (VCP) and standard or optional headphones. These systems are completely independent of a vehicle's sound system, so the driver can listen to whatever he or she likes while passengers watch a movie or play a video game. Some entertainment systems come with a built-in Nintendo or similar video game player, while others can be hooked up to one pretty easily. These systems run the gamut from portable, backpack-style models to replacement center consoles to complete custom installations in a seat back or overhead.

Entry Angle

The angle at which a vehicle enters a steep dip or slope when traveling off-road. See departure angle.