semplr.

Exams · Certifications · Licensing

ASE Automobile & Light Truck (A1–A8) — Practice Exam

A1 Cylinder head and valve train: practice questions

Our ASE A1–A8 bank has 7 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

Start the free mock exam

Question 1 · A1 Engine Repair

What can too little valve lash cause on an engine with solid lifters?

  1. Excessive valve noise and lower valve lift at all speeds
  2. Valves that don't fully close, leading to burned valves
  3. Low oil pressure
  4. A slipping timing belt
Show the answer

B. Valves that don't fully close, leading to burned valves — Too much lash causes noise and reduced lift.

Question 2 · A1 Engine Repair

What should be done if a timing belt is found oil-soaked during a repair?

  1. Fix the oil leak and replace the belt
  2. Clean the belt with brake cleaner and reinstall it
  3. Spray the belt with dressing
  4. Tighten the belt one notch
Show the answer

A. Fix the oil leak and replace the belt — Oil degrades belt material.

Question 3 · A1 Engine Repair

What is the risk if the timing belt breaks on an interference engine?

  1. Nothing; the engine just stops
  2. The engine will only lose power until the belt is replaced
  3. The alternator stops charging
  4. Pistons can strike open valves, damaging them
Show the answer

D. Pistons can strike open valves, damaging them — That's why belt replacement intervals matter.

Question 4 · A1 Engine Repair

What do variable valve timing (VVT) systems commonly use to move the camshaft?

  1. A cable from the throttle
  2. Oil pressure controlled by a solenoid
  3. A vacuum diaphragm fed from the intake manifold
  4. Coolant pressure
Show the answer

B. Oil pressure controlled by a solenoid — Low or dirty oil is a common cause of VVT faults.

Question 5 · A1 Engine Repair

How is cylinder head warpage checked?

  1. With a micrometer on the valve stems
  2. With a straightedge and feeler gauge across the deck surface
  3. With a dial bore gauge across each of the combustion chambers
  4. By pressure testing the cooling system
Show the answer

B. With a straightedge and feeler gauge across the deck surface — Check lengthwise, crosswise and diagonally against the maker's limit.

More ASE A1–A8 topics