Cam – Cycle
Cam
The small eccentric on the "half-time" shaft. Generally, a cam is a mechanical contrivance for transmitting, from a rotating shaft, an intermittent reciprocating motion.
Chassis
Denotes the whole of a car, with the exception of body, tyres, and accessories. This is the full meaning; nevertheless, it more often than not is restricted to a reference to the underframe.
Chaffeur
Lit.: "Stoker."
Circuit
An inclusive term for the path to which a current of electricity is confined (by suitable insulation). On a car, the steel frame is used as a "return" path for the current after it has served its purpose.
Clutch
The separable or detachable connection between the engine and the transmission system. Every car with a petrol engine demands a clutch. I have also used the word "dog-clutch."
This is quite a separate mechanism from the clutch proper, and means any pair of interlocking members for joining two parts together.
Combustion Chamber
or "head" of the cylinder; that part within which the gas mixture is imprisoned, and compressed, by the piston.
Compression
-The advantage of compressing the charge before firing it is very great, and results in multiplying the value of the explosion.
The usual compression in a modern motor is between 75 to go lb. per square inch.
Condenser
An indispensable part of a coil or high-tension magneto. It operates on an intricate principle, and results in maintaining the platinum "contact" points clean and unoxidised.
Conductor
The insulated path, lead, or wire, for the electrical current to flow along.
Crank
A lever attached to a shaft, or other rotatable member, which serves the purpose of conveying the revolving effort.
Current
The flow, or passage, of electricity.
Cycle
The sequence of operation of a series of functions.