ASE A1 FINAL PAPER 2025/2026 QUESTIONS WITH
SOLUTIONS MARKED A+
✔✔A good reading for a cylinder leakage test would be ______________.
a. within 20% among cylinders
b. all cylinders below 20% leakage
c. all cylinders above 20% leakage
d. all cylinders above 70% leakage and within 7% of each other - ✔✔The correct
answer is b. A good mechanically sound engine should measure less than 20%
leakage. The lower the amount of leakage, the better the engine. Answer a is not
correct be- cause all cylinders should be less than 20%, not within 20% of each other.
Answer c is not correct because the leakage should be less than 20%, not more than
20%. Answer d is not correct because the leakage should be very low. A 70% leakage
rate means that 70% of the air entering the cylinder is escaping past the piston rings or
valves.
✔✔A smoothly operating engine depends on ______________.
a. high compression on most cylinders
b. equal compression among cylinders
c. cylinder compression levels above 100 psi (700 kPa) and within 70 psi (500 kPa) of
each other
d. compression levels below 100 psi (700 kPa) on most cylinders - ✔✔The correct
answer is b. A good mechanically sound engine should measure less than 20%
leakage. The lower the amount of leakage, the better the engine. Answer a is not
correct because all cylinders should be less than 20%, not within 20% of each other.
Answer c is not correct because the leakage should be less than 20%, not more than
20%. Answer d is not correct because the leakage should be very low. A 70% leakage
rate means that 70% of the air entering the cylinder is escaping past the piston rings or
valves.
✔✔Technician A says that the paper test, using a piece of paper held up to the tailpipe,
could detect a burned valve. Technician B says that a grayish-white stain could be a
coolant leak. Which technician is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B - ✔✔The correct answer is c. Both technicians are correct.
Technician A is correct because any misfire will cause paper held at the tailpipe to
"puff." A burned valve will cause one cylinder to not produce as strong an exhaust
stream as the others creating the uneven exhaust detected by holding the paper at the
tailpipe. Technician B is correct because antifreeze tends to leave a gray/white stain on
,the engine where coolant has leaked and then evaporated by the engine heat. Answers
a, b, and d are not correct because both technicians are correct.
✔✔Two technicians are discussing torquing cylinder head bolts. Technician A says that
many engine manufacturers recommend replacing the head bolts after their first use.
Technician B says that many manufacturers recommend tightening the head bolts to a
specific torque, then turning the bolts an additional number of degrees. Which
technician is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B - ✔✔The correct answer is c. Both technicians are correct.
Technician A is correct because many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing the
head bolts after use because they are stretched during use and cannot be reused.
Technician B is correct because many vehicle manufacturers recommend an initial
torque setting, and then turning the fasteners additional degrees. This is called torque-
angle or torque-to-yield method. Answers a, b, and d are not correct because both
technicians are correct.
✔✔Two technicians are discussing timing the camshaft to the crankshaft. Technician A
says that marks are often provided on the cam and crank gears or pulley so that the
engine can be properly timed. Technician B says that some engines use a camshaft
sprocket or gear that is not keyed to the cam- shaft. Which technician is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B - ✔✔The correct answer is c. Both technicians are correct.
Technician A is correct because most cam and crank gears or pulleys are equipped with
a mark used to correctly time the camshaft/crankshaft timing. Technician B is also
correct because some camshaft sprockets or gears are not keyed to the camshaft but
are tightened in position. These types of camshafts require a special tool to properly po-
sition the camshaft before the retaining bolt is tightened. Answers a, b, and d are not
correct because both technicians are correct.
✔✔Cleaning chemicals are usually either a alkaline (caustic) material or an acid
material. Which of the following statements is true?
a. Both alkaline and acids have a pH of 7 if rated according to distilled water.
b. An acid is lower than 7 and a alkaline is higher than 7 on the pH scale.
c. An acid is higher than 7 and a alkaline is lower than 7 on the pH scale.
d. Pure water is a 1 and a strong acid is a 14 on the pH scale. - ✔✔The correct answer
is b. Pure water is a 7 on the pH scale with acids represented by numbers lower than 7
and caustic materials (bases) represented by numbers higher than 7. Answers a, c, and
d are not correct because these statements do not correctly represent the pH scale.
,✔✔Many cleaning methods involve chemicals that are hazardous to use and expensive
to dispose of after use. The least hazardous method is generally considered to be the
______________.
a. pyrolytic oven
b. hot vapor tank
c. hot soak tank
d. cold soak tank - ✔✔The correct answer is a. The pyrolytic oven is the least
hazardous method of cleaning. Answers b, c, and d are not correct because the
chemicals used in these cleaning methods represent hazards to the service technician
during their use and may also create a hazardous waste problem.
✔✔Magnetic crack detection ______________.
a. uses a red dye to detect cracks in aluminum
b. uses equal compression among cylinders
c. uses a fine iron powder to detect cracks in iron parts
d. uses a magnet to remove cracks from iron parts - ✔✔The correct answer is c.
Magnetic lines of force tend to get stron- ger at edges and, therefore, a fine powder can
be used to locate cracks in iron parts. Answer a is not correct because aluminum parts
cannot be checked using a magnetic field. Answer b is not correct because a magnetic
method can be used on iron, but not on aluminum parts. Answer d is not correct
because the answer states that the magnet removes the cracks rather than simply de-
tecting the cracks.
✔✔Technician A says that engine parts should be cleaned before a thorough test can
be done to de- tect cracks. Technician B says that pressure testing can be used to find
cracks in blocks or cylinder heads. Which technician is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B - ✔✔The correct answer is c. Both technicians are correct.
Technician A is correct because the parts must be clean to be able to see small cracks
or faults. Technician B is correct because pressure test- ing using air will detect cracks
in engine parts that are under water by observing bubbles from the fault area. Answers
a, b, and d are not correct because both technicians are correct.
✔✔A cylinder head should be removed by loosening the head bolts in which order?
a. Any order as long as all bolts are removed
b.In the same order as the tightening sequence
c. In the reverse order of the tightening sequence
, d. Loosen each a quarter of a turn and then one-half a turn in the same order as the
tightening sequence - ✔✔The correct answer is c. The correct answer is that all engine
part fasteners should be removed in the reverse order of the tightening sequence. This
method helps reline any built-up stress in the part and helps reduce the possibility of
warpage when the part is removed. Answers a, c, and d are not correct because any of
these methods could result in warpage when the part is removed.
✔✔Technician A says that damaged threads in a hole of a cylinder head can be
repaired using a die. Technician B says that an insert may be required to restore a
damaged thread. Which technician is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B - ✔✔The correct answer is b. Technician B only is correct. Damaged
threads in a cylinder head may require that a thread repair insert be installed to allow a
bolt to be used again in the threaded hole. Answer a is not correct because a die is
used to make or repair threads on a rod and cannot be used to repair threads in a hole
in the cylinder head. Answers c and d are not correct because only Technician B is
correct.
✔✔Pushrods should be checked for ______________.
a. weight
b. straightness
c. diameter
d. All of the above - ✔✔The correct answer is b. Most vehicle manufacturers specify
that warpage and out of straightness of less than 0.002 in. The best way to determine if
the pushrods are straight is to roll them on a flat surface and check for any light under
the pushrod as it is rolled. Answer a is not correct because the length would be affected
if bent and are different length for different cylinders or valves in some en- gines.
Answer c is not correct because the diameter is determined by the vehicle manufacturer
and does not change with use. Answer d is not correct because only answer b is
correct.
✔✔A 0.015 inch feeler gauge is able to be inserted between the straight edge and the
cylinder head. What should the service technician do?
a. Reinstall on the engine if a copper gasket is used
b. Resurface or replace the cylinder head
c. Grind the valves and seats and reinstall the cylinder head on the engine
d. Clean the head surface with brake cleaner and sandpaper to remove any dirt and
reinstall on the engine. - ✔✔The correct answer is b. The cylinder head surface should
be machined or the cylinder head re- placed because the head is warped beyond the
normal maximum allowed. Normal maximum warp- age is less than 0.004 in. for a V-8
SOLUTIONS MARKED A+
✔✔A good reading for a cylinder leakage test would be ______________.
a. within 20% among cylinders
b. all cylinders below 20% leakage
c. all cylinders above 20% leakage
d. all cylinders above 70% leakage and within 7% of each other - ✔✔The correct
answer is b. A good mechanically sound engine should measure less than 20%
leakage. The lower the amount of leakage, the better the engine. Answer a is not
correct be- cause all cylinders should be less than 20%, not within 20% of each other.
Answer c is not correct because the leakage should be less than 20%, not more than
20%. Answer d is not correct because the leakage should be very low. A 70% leakage
rate means that 70% of the air entering the cylinder is escaping past the piston rings or
valves.
✔✔A smoothly operating engine depends on ______________.
a. high compression on most cylinders
b. equal compression among cylinders
c. cylinder compression levels above 100 psi (700 kPa) and within 70 psi (500 kPa) of
each other
d. compression levels below 100 psi (700 kPa) on most cylinders - ✔✔The correct
answer is b. A good mechanically sound engine should measure less than 20%
leakage. The lower the amount of leakage, the better the engine. Answer a is not
correct because all cylinders should be less than 20%, not within 20% of each other.
Answer c is not correct because the leakage should be less than 20%, not more than
20%. Answer d is not correct because the leakage should be very low. A 70% leakage
rate means that 70% of the air entering the cylinder is escaping past the piston rings or
valves.
✔✔Technician A says that the paper test, using a piece of paper held up to the tailpipe,
could detect a burned valve. Technician B says that a grayish-white stain could be a
coolant leak. Which technician is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B - ✔✔The correct answer is c. Both technicians are correct.
Technician A is correct because any misfire will cause paper held at the tailpipe to
"puff." A burned valve will cause one cylinder to not produce as strong an exhaust
stream as the others creating the uneven exhaust detected by holding the paper at the
tailpipe. Technician B is correct because antifreeze tends to leave a gray/white stain on
,the engine where coolant has leaked and then evaporated by the engine heat. Answers
a, b, and d are not correct because both technicians are correct.
✔✔Two technicians are discussing torquing cylinder head bolts. Technician A says that
many engine manufacturers recommend replacing the head bolts after their first use.
Technician B says that many manufacturers recommend tightening the head bolts to a
specific torque, then turning the bolts an additional number of degrees. Which
technician is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B - ✔✔The correct answer is c. Both technicians are correct.
Technician A is correct because many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing the
head bolts after use because they are stretched during use and cannot be reused.
Technician B is correct because many vehicle manufacturers recommend an initial
torque setting, and then turning the fasteners additional degrees. This is called torque-
angle or torque-to-yield method. Answers a, b, and d are not correct because both
technicians are correct.
✔✔Two technicians are discussing timing the camshaft to the crankshaft. Technician A
says that marks are often provided on the cam and crank gears or pulley so that the
engine can be properly timed. Technician B says that some engines use a camshaft
sprocket or gear that is not keyed to the cam- shaft. Which technician is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B - ✔✔The correct answer is c. Both technicians are correct.
Technician A is correct because most cam and crank gears or pulleys are equipped with
a mark used to correctly time the camshaft/crankshaft timing. Technician B is also
correct because some camshaft sprockets or gears are not keyed to the camshaft but
are tightened in position. These types of camshafts require a special tool to properly po-
sition the camshaft before the retaining bolt is tightened. Answers a, b, and d are not
correct because both technicians are correct.
✔✔Cleaning chemicals are usually either a alkaline (caustic) material or an acid
material. Which of the following statements is true?
a. Both alkaline and acids have a pH of 7 if rated according to distilled water.
b. An acid is lower than 7 and a alkaline is higher than 7 on the pH scale.
c. An acid is higher than 7 and a alkaline is lower than 7 on the pH scale.
d. Pure water is a 1 and a strong acid is a 14 on the pH scale. - ✔✔The correct answer
is b. Pure water is a 7 on the pH scale with acids represented by numbers lower than 7
and caustic materials (bases) represented by numbers higher than 7. Answers a, c, and
d are not correct because these statements do not correctly represent the pH scale.
,✔✔Many cleaning methods involve chemicals that are hazardous to use and expensive
to dispose of after use. The least hazardous method is generally considered to be the
______________.
a. pyrolytic oven
b. hot vapor tank
c. hot soak tank
d. cold soak tank - ✔✔The correct answer is a. The pyrolytic oven is the least
hazardous method of cleaning. Answers b, c, and d are not correct because the
chemicals used in these cleaning methods represent hazards to the service technician
during their use and may also create a hazardous waste problem.
✔✔Magnetic crack detection ______________.
a. uses a red dye to detect cracks in aluminum
b. uses equal compression among cylinders
c. uses a fine iron powder to detect cracks in iron parts
d. uses a magnet to remove cracks from iron parts - ✔✔The correct answer is c.
Magnetic lines of force tend to get stron- ger at edges and, therefore, a fine powder can
be used to locate cracks in iron parts. Answer a is not correct because aluminum parts
cannot be checked using a magnetic field. Answer b is not correct because a magnetic
method can be used on iron, but not on aluminum parts. Answer d is not correct
because the answer states that the magnet removes the cracks rather than simply de-
tecting the cracks.
✔✔Technician A says that engine parts should be cleaned before a thorough test can
be done to de- tect cracks. Technician B says that pressure testing can be used to find
cracks in blocks or cylinder heads. Which technician is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B - ✔✔The correct answer is c. Both technicians are correct.
Technician A is correct because the parts must be clean to be able to see small cracks
or faults. Technician B is correct because pressure test- ing using air will detect cracks
in engine parts that are under water by observing bubbles from the fault area. Answers
a, b, and d are not correct because both technicians are correct.
✔✔A cylinder head should be removed by loosening the head bolts in which order?
a. Any order as long as all bolts are removed
b.In the same order as the tightening sequence
c. In the reverse order of the tightening sequence
, d. Loosen each a quarter of a turn and then one-half a turn in the same order as the
tightening sequence - ✔✔The correct answer is c. The correct answer is that all engine
part fasteners should be removed in the reverse order of the tightening sequence. This
method helps reline any built-up stress in the part and helps reduce the possibility of
warpage when the part is removed. Answers a, c, and d are not correct because any of
these methods could result in warpage when the part is removed.
✔✔Technician A says that damaged threads in a hole of a cylinder head can be
repaired using a die. Technician B says that an insert may be required to restore a
damaged thread. Which technician is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B - ✔✔The correct answer is b. Technician B only is correct. Damaged
threads in a cylinder head may require that a thread repair insert be installed to allow a
bolt to be used again in the threaded hole. Answer a is not correct because a die is
used to make or repair threads on a rod and cannot be used to repair threads in a hole
in the cylinder head. Answers c and d are not correct because only Technician B is
correct.
✔✔Pushrods should be checked for ______________.
a. weight
b. straightness
c. diameter
d. All of the above - ✔✔The correct answer is b. Most vehicle manufacturers specify
that warpage and out of straightness of less than 0.002 in. The best way to determine if
the pushrods are straight is to roll them on a flat surface and check for any light under
the pushrod as it is rolled. Answer a is not correct because the length would be affected
if bent and are different length for different cylinders or valves in some en- gines.
Answer c is not correct because the diameter is determined by the vehicle manufacturer
and does not change with use. Answer d is not correct because only answer b is
correct.
✔✔A 0.015 inch feeler gauge is able to be inserted between the straight edge and the
cylinder head. What should the service technician do?
a. Reinstall on the engine if a copper gasket is used
b. Resurface or replace the cylinder head
c. Grind the valves and seats and reinstall the cylinder head on the engine
d. Clean the head surface with brake cleaner and sandpaper to remove any dirt and
reinstall on the engine. - ✔✔The correct answer is b. The cylinder head surface should
be machined or the cylinder head re- placed because the head is warped beyond the
normal maximum allowed. Normal maximum warp- age is less than 0.004 in. for a V-8
