In a manual transmission vehicle it is the clutch, in an automatic
     transmission vehicle it is the torque converter, a kind of 'liquid
     clutch'.

     CIAO - Matyin


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Water injection
Author:  pic microcontroller discussion list <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU> at
Internet
Date:    6/15/98 6:00 PM


While on the subject of engines and cars, I would like to ask a slightly
related OT question that has been bugging me for a long time: How can a
car sit still on a hill with the engine holding it from rolling
backwards? The engine, of course, needs to keep its crankshaft turning in
order not to stall. However, the wheels are not turning in this case.
Somehow, the torque is being transferred from the engine to the wheels
while alowing them to move independently of the crankshaft. How is this
possible? What component in the drivetrain allows this?

Thanks,

Sean