Red Seal Automotive Service Technician Exam (Interprovincial)
B. Engine and engine support systems: practice questions
Our Red Seal Automotive Service Technician bank has 40 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
Two adjacent cylinders both show low compression. What is the most likely cause?
- A head gasket leak between them
- A worn camshaft lobe on one cylinder
- A plugged catalytic converter
- A weak ignition coil on one cylinder
Show the answer
A. A head gasket leak between them — Low readings on neighbouring cylinders point to a leak path between them.
Question 2
Which tool does the RSOS list for testing the cooling system for leaks?
- Compression tester
- Vacuum gauge
- Pressure tester
- Spark tester
Show the answer
C. Pressure tester — The RSOS lists pressure testers, coolant testers, infrared temperature guns and scan tools for cooling systems.
Question 3
An engine takes a very long time to warm up and the heater blows lukewarm air. The likely cause is:
- A thermostat stuck closed
- A plugged radiator
- A thermostat stuck open
- A failed water pump
Show the answer
C. A thermostat stuck open — A stuck-open thermostat lets coolant flow through the radiator all the time, so the engine runs cold.
Question 4
What does variable valve timing (VVT) adjust?
- Spark plug gap
- Fuel pressure
- Oil viscosity
- Camshaft timing relative to the crankshaft
Show the answer
D. Camshaft timing relative to the crankshaft — The RSOS lists VVT actuators; they advance or retard cam timing to suit speed and load.
Question 5
During a leak-down test, air is heard escaping from the tailpipe. Which component is leaking?
- An intake valve
- An exhaust valve
- The piston rings
- The head gasket into the cooling system
Show the answer
B. An exhaust valve — Air at the tailpipe means the exhaust valve is not sealing; at the intake it is an intake valve; at the oil filler, the rings.