Cars - http://maxpages.com/carsinhistory/M

M+S: Acronym for "mud and snow," as in M+S tire.. A tire with a tread design which gives the maximum traction in mud and snow.

Machined surface: A smooth surface of metal such as the top of a cylinder block.

Machining: an operation which shapes metal parts by carving away excess material as chips produced in a sequential process of turning, milling and grinding operations.

MacPherson strut: A suspension piece which employs a coil spring and shock absorber attached to the lower A-arms and the top of the front body structure. Originally it had a lateral link with an anti-roll bar instead of the lower A-arm. It was first invented by a Ford of England engineer, Earle S. MacPherson.

Mag: Abbreviation for "magneto"; or for "magnesium," as in car-dicm.htm#MagWheel">mag wheels."

Mag wheel: Lightweight, sporty wheels made of magnesium. The term mag is often applied to aluminum and aluminum and steel combination wheels. Also see alloy wheels.

Magnaflux: A special chemical process, used to check parts for cracks.

Magnet: A piece of magnetized steel that will attract all ferrous material. The permanent magnet does not need electricity to function and will retain its magnetism over a period of years. Often shaped into the letter "U." Also see alnico magnet and permanent magnet.

Magnetic field: The area encompassed by the magnetic lines of force surrounding either a bar magnet or electromagnet. The flow of magnetic force between the opposite poles of a magnet. See field.

Magnetically controlled electronic ignition: See electronic ignition system.

Magneto: An electrical device which generates electrical current when it is rotated by an outside source of power. It needs no outside source of power such as a battery. It may produce either low or high tension current.

Magneto puller: !!!.

Mags: See mag wheel.

Main bearings: The bearings in the engine block that support the crankshaft.

Main bearing support: See main bearing supports.

Main bearing supports: A steel plate that is installed over the main bearing caps to increase their strength for racing purposes.

Main jet: !!!.

Main triangle: See front triangle.

Make: brand name of a car or truck (i.e., Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Honda).

Mandrel: A round shaft used to mount a stone, cutter, saw, etc.

Manhattan: See Frazer.

Manifold: A pipe or number of pipes connecting a series of holes or outlets to a common opening. See exhaust manifold, high-rise manifold, intake manifold, log manifold, ram intake manifold, and split manifold.

Manifold heat control valve: A valve placed in the exhaust manifold, or in the exhaust pipe, that deflects a certain amount of hot gas around the base of the carburetor to aid in warmup.

Manifold vacuum: As the pistons move down on the intake stroke, they create a suction or vacuum in the intake manifold. This vacuum reading can be used to determine how well the engine is running.

Manual: See flat rate manual, manual choke, manual steering, manual transmission, owner's manual, and service manual.

Manual choke: A linkage system which begins with a knob on the dash which can be pulled to activate and pushed to de-activate. The knob is attached to a cable and the other end of the cable is attached to a the butterfly valve on the carburetor. Because many drivers had difficulty knowing when to use the choke knob, manufacturers developed the automatic choke system which decides this information for the driver.

Manual steering: A steering system that does not have a power booster to reduce the effort of steering changes especially during slow movements such as parallel parking.

Manual transmission: A transmission system in which gears are selected by the driver by means of a hand-operated gearshift and a foot-operated clutch. In a motorcycle the clutch is hand-operated and the gearshift is foot-operated. Contrasts with an automatic transmission. Also called a "standard transmission."

Manufacturer's suggested retail price: (MSRP) Dealers typically sell at a discount to this price.

Manufacturing: process technology (i.e., metal forming, machining, injection moulding, blow moulding, die casting, forgings, electronics/electrical, assembly, coating/plating); capacity utilization (in percent); production volumes; strategic alliances (e.g., joint ventures, technology agreements).

Maquila: Mexican assembly plant located near the U.S.-Mexican border where most production is exported to the United States.

Maquiladora: Mexican assembly plant located near the U.S.-Mexican border where most production is exported to the United States.

Margin: 1. The return an intermediary achieves on the selling price of the article. That is, if the intermediary buys a product for $1 and sells it for $1.50, the margin is calculated. For example, .50 divided by $1.50, or 33%. 2. Also see valve margin.

Market share: The percentage of total sales represented by an individual manufacturer/importer, make or nameplate.

Mark-up: the return an intermediary achieves on the cost price of an article. Using the same example described above, mark-up is .50 divided by $1, or 50%.

Marmon: All 16-cyl.; 1925 74; 1926 74; 1927 75; 1928 E75; 1930 Big 8; 1931 88 and Big 8 models are classic cars.

Marquee: !!!.

Martin: Aston Martin.

Maserati: The 1925-1948 models with required application are classic cars. The 1957-64 3500/3700 GT models are milestone cars.

Mass: The quantity of matter a body contains. Mass is measured in kilograms (and often incorrectly called weight). The mass of a body does not change if, for example, it is moved to the Moon where the force of gravity is less. See weight.

Master: See brake master cylinder, master link.

Master brake cylinder: See brake master cylinder.

Master cylinder: The primary component for pressurizing fluid in a hydraulic system. Used in the braking system, it supports a reservoir for holding brake fluid and is activated each time the driver depresses the brake pedal. See brake master cylinder.

Master link: A special link on a chain that can be opened by flexing a plate, removing a screw, or some other means besides driving out a rivet. The retaining spring clip is shaped like a fish with a round head and twin tails. This illustration helps to determine the position of the clip because the "fish" moves in the direction of chain movement. When installed in reverse, the clip may come off.

Matrix: That portion of the mold which surrounds the tire transferring heat to the uncured rubber and forming the tread pattern.

Maybach: The 1925-1948 models are classic cars.

McFarlan: The 1925-1948 models are classic cars.

Mean effective pressure: (MEP) The pressure of the burning fuel (average) on the power stroke subtracted by the average pressure on the other three strokes. Pressure is in pounds per square inch.

Mechanical brake: See mechanical brakes.

Mechanical brakes: Service brakes that are actuated by a mechanical linkage (rather than hydraulic lines) connecting the brakes to the brake pedal. The parking brake on most vehicles is mechanical.

Mechanical efficiency: An engine's rating as to how much of the potential horsepower is wasted through friction within the moving parts of the engine. The ratio between the indicated horsepower and the brake horsepower of an engine.

Mechanic installed market: (MIL) Vehicle maintenance and repair conducted by a mechanic/professional at a service outlet.

Mechanics lien: When you take your vehicle to a shop to be repaired and you fail to pay your repair bill, the repair shop has a lien on your vehicle and can confiscate and sell your vehicle to pay for the work on your vehicle.

MECP: Acronym for "Mobile Electronics Certification Program".

Medium-duty truck: vehicle weighing from 14,001 to 26,000 lbs.

MEMA: Acronym for "Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association."

MEP: Acronym for "mean effective pressure."

MERA: Acronym for "Mobile Electronics Retailers Association".

Mercedes: The 1925-1948 models with required application are classic cars.

Mercedes-Benz: All 230 and up, and K, S, SS, SSK, SSKL, Grosser and Mannheim models with required application are classic cars. The 1955-61 190 SL models are milestone cars. The 1951-54 220A Coupe and Convertible are milestone cars. The 1956-65 220S/220SE Coupe and Convertible are milestone car. The 1963-67 230SL Coupe and Convertible are milestone cars. The 1965-67 250SE Coupe and Convertible are milestone cars. The 1965-67 250 SL models are milestone cars. The 1969-70 280 SL models are milestone cars. The 1965-67 300 SE Coupe and Convertible are milestone cars. The 1952-64 300 S, SL, SE, 300 Coupe and Convertible are milestone cars. The 1964 600 model is a milestone car. The 1965-70 SWB-LWB 600 models are milestone cars.

Mercer: The 1925-1948 models are classic cars.

Mercosur: the southern zone common market of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Mercosur enacted a common external tariff on January 1, 1995 for almost 85 percent of tariff items of the four countries; most trade among members will be duty-free.

Mercury: The 1967-68 Cougar XR-7 models are milestone cars. The 1946 Sportsman is a milestone car. The 1954-55 Sun Valley models are milestone cars.

Mesh gearbox: See constant mesh gearbox and constant mesh gears.

Metal fatigue: A crystallizing of the metal due to vibration, twisting, bending, etc. The unit will eventually break. Bending a piece of wire back and forth to break it is a good example of metal fatigue. See fatigue.

Metal forming: solid metal and molten metal process such as casting, forging, stamping, and machining.

Metallic paint: finish paint colors that contain metallic flakes in addition to pigment.

METC: Acronym for "Mobile Electronics Technical Center".

Meter: See dwell meter.

Metering jet: A small hole or orifice used to control the flow of gasoline in various parts of the carburetor.

Metering rod: A thin, movable rod which varies the opening area in a carburetor jet. As the rod is raised it permits more fuel to enter the jet.

Methanol: An alcohol that is occasionally blended with gasoline to raise octane levels, it is poisonous to humans and causes trouble with rubber and plastic parts of the fuel system not designed to handle alcohol-blended fuels. Also called "methyl alcohol" or "wood alcohol."

Methyl alcohol: See methanol.

Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl: (MMT) An organic manganese compound. It is used as a fuel additive designed to enhance octane levels in gasoline.

Metric century: A bicycle ride of 100 kilometers (62.14 miles). See century.

Metric size: Units made to metric system measurements.

MEWA: Acronym for "Motor and Equipment Wholesalers Association."

MFN: Acronym for " Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment".

MG: The 1935-39 SA, 1938-39 WA, and (1925-1948 models with required application) are classic cars. The 1946-49 Series TC models are milestone cars. The 1950-53 Series TD models are milestone cars.

MIC: Acronym for "Microvan" (e.g., Suzuki Carry).

Michelin "X": Registered trademark for Michelin's steel belted radial cord tire.

Micrometer: A precision measuring tool that will give readings accurate to 0.002 mm or 0.0001 of an inch. Sometimes called inside micrometer or outside micrometer. Also called a "mike."

Mickey mouse: A trivial thing. In automotive usage it means something that is simplistic and worthless.

Mid-engine: A chassis layout that positions the engine behind the passenger compartment but ahead of the rear axle.

Mid-engine chassis configuration: See mid-engine.

Mike: 1. A micrometer. 2. The use of a micrometer to measure an object.

Mileage tire: See special mileage tire.

Miles per hour: See mph.

Milestone Car Society: P.O. Box 50850, Indianapolis, IN, 46250.

Milestone cars: Great cars of the post-war era, 1946-70 which include the following: AC Ace (1954-61); AC Aceca (1955-61); AC Buckland Open Tourer (1949); AC (Shelby) Cobra (1962-67); Alfa Romeo Giuletta Spider (1956-64); Alfa Romeo Giuletta/Giulia Sprint Speciale (1959-61); Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport (1949); Allard Series J2, K2, K3 (1946-56); American Motors AMX (1968-70); Apollo (1963-66); Arnolt Bristol (1952-62); Aston Martin (1948-63); Aston Martin DB4, DB5, DB6 (all) (1964-67); Austin Healey 100-6 (1956-59); Austin Healey 3000 (1959-67); Austin Healey 100/100M (1953-56); Bentley (1946-67); BMW 507 (1957-59); Bugatti Type 101 (1951); Buick Riviera (1949, 1963-70); Buick Skylark (1953-54); Cadillac Eldorado (1953-58, 67-70); Cadillac Eldorado Brougham (1957-58); Cadillac 60 Special (1948-49); Cadillac 61 Coupe Fastback (1948-49); Cadillac 62 Sedanet, Convertible DeVille (1948-49); Cadillac 75 Sedan/Limo (1946-70); Chevrolet Bel Air V-8 Hardtop and Convertible (1955-57); Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS V-8 and Z-28 (1967-69); Chevrolet Corvette (1953-70); Chevrolet Nomad (1955-57); Chrysler 300 Hurst (1970); Chrysler 300 Letter Series (1955-65); Chrysler Town and Country (1946-50); Cisitalia GT (Pininfarina) (1946-49); Citroën D8 and ID 19 (1955-64); Continental Mark II (1956-57); Corvair Monza (1960-64); Corvair Monza Spyder (1962-64); Corvair Monza/Corsa (1965-69); Crosley Hotshot/SS (1950-52); Cunningham (1951-55); Daimler DE-36 Custom Built (1949-53); Daimler 2.5 Special Sport Convertible (1949-53); Delage D-6 Sedan (1946-49); Delahaye Type 135, 175, 180 (1946-51); DeSoto Adventurer (1956-58); Devon S/S (1958-62); Dodge Coronet R/T (1967-70); Dodge Charger R/T and Daytona (1968-70); Dual Ghia (1956-58); Excalibur II Series I (1965-69); Facel Vega V-8 (1954-64); Ferrari V-12 (All Front Engined) (1947-70); Ford Mustang GT/GTA V-8 (1965-67); Ford Mustang Boss 302/Mach 1 (1969-70);Ford Crestline Skyliner (1954); Ford Skyliner Retractable (1957-59); Ford Crown Vic Skyliner (1955-56); Ford Sportsman (1946-48); Ford Thunderbird (1955-57, 1958-60); Frazer Manhattan (1947-50); Gaylord (1955-57); Healey Silverstone (1949-50); Hudson (All) (1948-49); Hudson Hornet (1951-54); Imperial (1955-56); Jaguar XK 110 (1945-54); Jaguar Mark V Drophead (1951); Jaguar Mark VII and '54 Mark VII M (1951-54); Jaguar KX 140 (1954-57); Jaguar Mark VIII (1956-57); Jaguar Mark IX (1958-61); Jaguar Mark X (1962-64); Jaguar XK 150 (1958-61); Jaguar 3.4/3.8 Sedans (1957-64); Jaguar E Type (1961-67); Kaiser Darrin 161 (1954); Kaiser Deluxe/Deluxe Virginian (1951-52); Kaiser Dragon (1951-53); Kaiser Manhattan (1954-55); Kaiser Vagabond (1949-50); Kaiser Virginian (Hardtop) (1949-50); Lagonda V-12 (1948-49); Lagonda 2.5 Liter Drophead Coupe (1949-53); Lancia Flaminia Zagato (1959-64); Lancia Flaminia GT Two Passenger Coupe or Convertible (1961-63); Lancia Flavia Coupe (1962-66); Lancia Aurelia B.20 and B.2O Coupe (1951-59); Lancia Aurelia B.24 Spyder and Convertible (1953-59); Lea Francis 2.5 Liter Eighteen Sports (1950-54); Lincoln Capri (1952-54); Lincoln Continental (1946-48, 1961-64); Lincoln Continental Convertible (1958-60, 1965-67); Lincoln Continental Custom Limos (Lehman Peterson) (1961-67); Lotus Elite (1958-63); Maserati 3500/3700 GT (1957-64); MG Series TC (1946-49); MG Series TD (1950-53); Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (1955-61); Mercedes-Benz 220A Coupe and Convertible (1951-54); Mercedes-Benz 220S/220SE Coupe and Convertible (1956-65); Mercedes-Benz 230SL Coupe and Convertible (1963-1967); Mercedes-Benz 250SE Coupe and Convertible (1965-1967); Mercedes-Benz 250 SL (1965-67); Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 1969-70; Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupe and Convertible (1965-67); Mercedes-Benz 300 (S, SL, SE, 300 Coupe and Convertible) (1952-64); Mercedes-Benz 600 (1964); Mercedes-Benz SWB-LWB 600 (1965-70); Mercury Cougar XR-7 (1967-68); Mercury Sportsman (1946); Mercury Sun Valley (1954-55); Morgan Plus Four (1950-64); Muntz Jet (1950-54); Nash Healey (1951-54); NSU Wankel Spyder (1964); OSCA MT-4 (1948-56); Oldsmobile 88 (Coupe, Convertible, Holiday) (1949-50); Oldsmobile 98 Holiday HT (1949); Oldsmobile Fiesta (1953); Oldsmobile 442 (1964-70); Oldsmobile Toronado (1966-67); Packard Caribbean (1953-56); Packard Custom (Clipper and Custom Eight) (1946-50); Packard Pacific/Convertible (1954); Packard Panther Daytona (1954); Packard Patrician/400 (1951-56); Panhard Dyna (1946-67); Pegaso (All) (1951-58); Plymouth Fury (1956-58); Plymouth Satellite SS and GTX (1965-70); Plymouth Barracuda Formula S (1965-69); Plymouth Roadrunner and Superbird (1968-70); Pontiac Safari (1955-57); Pontiac GTO (1964-69); Porsche Series 356 (1949-64); Porsche 356C (1965); Riley 2.5 (RMA, RME) (1945-55); Rolls-Royce (All) (1947-67); Shelby 350GT and 500 GT (1965-67); Sunbeam Tiger Convertible (1965-67); Studebaker Avanti (1963-64); Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk (1962-64); Studebaker Starlight Coupe (1947-49); Studebaker Starliner Hardtop (Six and V-8) (1953-54); Studebaker President Speedster (1955); Talbot Lago 4.5 (All) (1946-54); Triumph TR2/TR3 (1953-63); Tucker (1948); Volvo P.1800S, 2-door Coupe (1961-67); Willys Overland Jeepster (1948-51); Woodill Wildfire (1952-58).

Mill: 1. Often used to refer to the whole engine. 2. To remove metal through the use of a rotating toothed cutter.

Millimetre: A metric measurement equivalent to 0.039370 of an inch.

Milling machine: A machine that uses a variety of rotating cutter wheels to cut splines, gears, keyways, etc.

MIL: Acronym for "Mechanic Installed Market".

Minerva: All 1925-48 models except 4-cyl are classic car.

Mint condition: A colloquial term for a vehicle that has been kept in, or restored to, perfect condition. Also called "cherry condition."

Misfire: The failure of the fuel charge in one or more engine cylinders to fire or ignite at the proper time. It can be due to poor compression caused by worn or improperly adjusted valves, worn piston rings, a faulty head gasket, or in the case of a two-stroke engine leaking crank seals. It can also be caused by poor ignition due to worn or dirty spark plug electrodes, worn or improperly gapped points or spark plugs, poor fuel delivery, faulty ignition wiring, or faulty distributor components. An easy way to detect the problem is to put a stiff piece of paper at the end of the tail pipe and listening for an irregular puffing sound. Also called "missing".

Missing: See misfire.

Mist coat: Usually the final color coat, produced by over-reducing with a slow evaporating thinner. It is generally used to blend in the final overlap areas.

Mixte frame: A bicycle frame that replaces the top tube with twin lateral tubes that run all the way from the head tube back to the rear dropouts.

Mixture: A substance made up of two or more chemicals in some proportion. See fuel-air mixture and fuel mixture.

Mixture screw: See idle mixture screw.

ML oil: Motor Light oil used in engines that work under ideal conditions of light loads, moderate speeds, and clean conditions.

Mm: Millimeter. 25.4 mm = 1 inch.

MM oil: Motor Medium oil used in engines that work under moderate conditions where there is moderate loads, occasional high speeds, and a normal amount of dust.

MMT: Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl .

Mock-up: A full-size model of a vehicle made of wood and clay, used for design studies. Also see prototype.

Model line: group of motor vehicles having the same platform or model name.

Model name: word, group of words, letter, number or similar designation assigned to a motor vehicle by a marketing division of a motor vehicle assembler.

Mods: !!!.

Modulation: Variation of a wave. See amplitude modulation and frequency modulation.

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