Burnout
Burnout turns up in 2 fields: HVAC, automotive. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Burnout in HVAC
A compressor motor failure that overheats the windings and contaminates the system with acid, sludge and carbon.
When winding insulation fails, the arc and heat break down oil and refrigerant into acids and carbon, and the system smells sharp and acrid when opened. A mild burnout leaves dark oil; a severe one leaves black sludge through the lines. Cleanup means recovering the charge, replacing the compressor and liquid line drier, adding a suction line filter-drier, and testing the oil for acid until it reads clean.
"Smelled it as soon as I cracked the port, it's a burnout, put a suction drier on the order with the compressor."
Burnout in automotive
A maneuver where the driver spins the drive tires to heat them up and create smoke.
A burnout is a driving stunt or drag racing preparation technique where the vehicle is held in place while the drive wheels are spun at high RPM. At the drag strip, a burnout is performed in the water box to clean debris off the tire tread and heat the rubber compound to its optimal operating temperature for maximum launch grip. On the street, it is a showboating display of engine power.
"The tech inspector warned him after he did a massive burnout past the starting line."