M05-Automtive Mechanical System Fundamental
M05-Automtive Mechanical System Fundamental
Level-I
Based on Curriculum March 2022, TTLM Version 1
Ministry of Labor and Skills wish to extend thanks and appreciation to the many
representatives of TVET instructors and respective industry experts who donated their time and
expertise to the development of this Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM).
In Automotive Mechanic filed; the knowledge, skill and attitude required to demonstrate basic
knowledge and awareness of automotive terminology, terms and principles as they apply to
vehicle systems, components and technologies found in modern motor vehicles and also remove
and re-install non difficult system components.
This module is designed to meet the industry requirement under the Automotive Mechanic
occupational standard, particularly for the unit of competency: Apply Automotive Mechanical
System Fundamentals.
IC Engine Terminologies
Introduction the engine is the vehicle's main source of power. The engine uses fuel and burns it
to produce mechanical power. The heat produced by the combustion is used to create pressure
which is then used to drive a mechanical device.
The engine is the heart of the automobile. It converts fuel into the energy that powers the
automobile. To operate, it requires clean air for the fuel, water for cooling, electricity (which it
generates) for igniting the fuel, and oil for lubrication. Engine system means the engine, the
emission control system and the communication interface (hardware and messages) between the
engine system electronic control unit(s) (ECU) and any other powertrain or vehicle control unit;
The engine consists fixed cylinder of and a moving piston. The expanding combustion gases
push the piston, which in turn rotates the crankshaft. Ultimately, through a system of gears in the
powertrain, this motion drives the vehicle's wheels
Principle of engine operation
1. Two-Stroke Cycle Engines – these are engine where the cycle is completed in two (2) strokes
of the piston. This means that the piston has to move two
times to complete the cycle.
Figure 1.2 Two-Stroke Cycle
2. Four-Stroke Engines - these are engines where the cycle is completed in four (4)
strokes of the piston. This means that the piston has to move four (4) times to complete the cycle.
Drive trains
The drivetrain (also called driveline) is the sum of components which are delivering the engine
power to the wheels. For example, on a rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle, the drivetrain consists
of: clutch (or torque converter), gearbox (manual or automatic), propeller shaft, differential and
drive shafts.
The efficiency of the drivetrain has a significant impact on the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
The higher the efficiency of the drivetrain, the lower the fuel consumption of the vehicle (also
lower CO2).
C. Steering system
To improve driving comfort, most modern automobiles have wide low pressure tires which
increase the tire to road contact area. As a result of this, more steering efforts is required.
Steering effort can be decreased by increasing the gear ratio of steering gear. However, this will
cause a larger rotary motion of the steering wheel when the vehicle is turning, making sharp
turns impossible.
In all power steering systems hydraulic pressure is provided by a pump mounted near the front of
the engine. It is driven by a v-belt from the camshaft pulley. The pump is connected to the
control valve by means of two hoses. One hose delivers the hydraulic fluid to the control valve.
The second hose returns the fluid to the reservoir.
D. Suspension system
Function of suspension system
The suspension system on a vehicle is between the frame and the road. The suspension system's
primary function is to maximize the overall performance of a vehicle as it cruises down the road.
The suspension system also helps to absorb bumps in the road and provide a safe and
comfortable ride
Principles of Suspension System
The principles of the suspension system are due to springing action of motor vehicles.
1. Supporting the weight of vehicle.
2. Absorbing satisfactorily larger and smaller road impacts with the help of a single springing
device.
3. The reduction of rolling or pitching of the body to a minimum design and attachment of
springs.
Foot brakes are used to control the speed and stop the vehicle.
Generally, disc brakes are used in the front wheels and
disc or drum brakes are used in the rear wheels.
(b) Parking brakes
Parking brakes or handbrakes are mainly used when the car
Figure 1.9 Parking brakes
is parked. The mechanical brake system locks the rear wheels.
(c) Engine brake
Engine brake used the retarding effect of
engine when the vehicle is in gear and throttle Valve is closed.
Figure 1.10 engine brakes
Sources of information
Information can come from virtually anywhere; personal experiences, books, articles, expert
opinions, encyclopedias, the web. The type of information needed will change depending on its
application .individuals generate information on daily basis as they go about their work. In
academic institution, staff and students consult various source of information. The choice of the
source to consult is usually determined by the type of information sought.
SPEFICIFICATION
Specifications are included as part of the service manual. Specifications are technical data,
numbers, clearances and measurements used to diagnose and adjust automobile components.
Specifications can be referred to as specs. They are usually considered precise measurements
under standard conditions. Examples of specifications include valve clearances, spark plug gaps,
tire pressure, number of quarts of oil, ignition timing and size of engine.
Owner's manual
An owner’s manual or an operator’s manual is a booklet that comes with a new car. This manual
usually explains how to operate the automobile’s control and accessories. In addition the owner’s
manual provides a great deal of technical information that can be useful to the technician.
An owner's manual (also called an instruction manual or a user guide) is an
instructional book that is supplied with almost all technologically advanced consumer products
such as vehicles, home appliances and computer peripherals. Information contained in the
owner's manual typically includes:
Repair Manual
A repair manual is most often used by the technician at independent repair shops. This manual is
called an aftermarket because it is published by independent publisher and not by the car
manufacturer. Like the shop manual. This contains information on troubleshooting,
specifications and step-by-step repair procedures. The main difference is that they cover many
different car models and years instead of just one. Because they are covering more models and
years, they typically cover topics in less detail.
Structure manual
Manufacturer
Owner’s manual Repair manual
service
manual
Diagnosing
Safety instructions general
information
Assembly information
Procedure instructions engine
Installation transmission
information
instructions electrical
Specification Setup instructions
Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Examples may be necessary to aid some
explanations/answers.
1. - What is meant by TDC
A. The extreme top position up
B. Bottom dead center
C. The extreme Bottom position
D. A &C
2. One of the following statement is true about Classification of modern automobiles
A. Source of energy
B. Engine construction
C. Application
D. All
3. Which vehicle has no propeller shaft that pro vides spacious interiors and comfortable ride
A. Front engine, Front wheel drive (FF)
B. Front engine, Rear wheel drive (FR)
C. Rear engine, Rear wheel drive (RR)
D. Mishap engine, Rear wheel drive (MR)
4. . Is the vehicle's main source of power?
A. Transmission
B. Engine
C. steering system
D. suspension system
5. Which of the following is primarily needed to perform vehicle maintenance
a. Manual
b. Procedure
c. Safety
d. Specification
Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next page:
1. What are primary, secondary and tertiary source of information?
2. List 4 primary, secondary and tertiary sources of information?
3. Write the main Functions of mechanical systems? Score = ___________
Rating: ____________
Answer Sheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
1. _______________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________
The purpose of the fuel supply system for a petrol engine is to store, transfer and filter the petrol
required by the float chamber of a carburetor
Fuel system: -which includes the fuel tank, fuel line, fuel filter, fuel pump, carburetor and
combustion chamber.
Carburetor: - it is a device to mix air with fuel in the proper ratio for the purpose of combustion
Petrol is the fuel used in the gasoline engine.
Fuel tank is used as a reservoir & for the reason of safety it is placed at the rear of the car, to
prevent it from fire hazards. There is a small filter which is placed in the tank at the end of the
line. (Two filter is called strainer)
Which is used to filtered out large particle out of the fuel
The fuel line which allow fuel to reach to the pump & to the carburetor
d. Cooling system
The engine cooling system keeps the engine maintains its normal operating temperature.
Types of Cooling System
The engine cooling system keeps the engine maintains its normal operating temperature.
Direct Cooling System – engines with this type of cooling system are also called air-cold
engines. During operation, air is drawn by a blower leading to air metal fins or shrouds are the
cylinders through air ducts.
f. Starting system
The purpose of the cranking system
The automotive cranking motor circuit includes the storage battery, the starter switch, the cables
to connect the motors and switch, to the battery, and the ground return circuit. The starter motor
is a low voltage direct current motor, which converts electrical energy from the storage battery in
to mechanical energy. When circuit between the starting motor and the battery is completed by
the cranking switch it cranks the engine at speed sufficient to cause the starting of the engine at
speeds sufficient to cause starting of the engine.
Battery: -provide electrical power to the starter motor
Switch: -it controls the starter circuit
Starter Motor: -It converts the electrical energy to mechanical energy & rotates the crank shaft
with a minimum cranking speed
Ring gear at fly wheel: -it takes the starter motor torque to the engine crank shaft
The driveshaft also referred to as the drive shaft, propeller shaft, or prop shaft—is the first
driveline component.
Differential(s). The differential is the driveline component that transmits torque to the wheels.
Axle shafts.
U-joints.
CV joints. Figure 2.16 Drive trains
Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Examples may be necessary to aid some
explanations/answers.
Instruction I choose the correct Answer Questions
1. Mechanic A says that “Adding a turbocharger is one way to increase output power of
diesel engines.”
Mechanic B says that “Adding a turbocharger is one way to decries output power of diesel
engines.” which mechanic is correct?
A. Mechanic A only
B. Mechanic B only
C. Mechanic A nor Mechanic B
D. All
2. Measures the amount of oil in the engine sump by what.
A, Dipstick B, Oil Gallery C, Pressure Gauge D, oil filter
3. Viscosity of oil is expressed by
A, engine oil B, viscosity C, number D, all
4. Witch statement is true about air cleaner?
a. To reduce noise c. it captures moisture
b. To control the flow of fuel d. it act as a flame arrestor
5. Witch statement is false about cooling system?
a. To reduce engine temperature c. to prevent engine overheating
b. To control the flow of oil d. effective combustion
6. __________ it increases the air pressure into the engine so that more fuel can be burnt & the
engine output increases
A. Supercharger B .Turbocharger C. Air cleaner D. None
7. One of the following components is not Flammable liquids and fire risk
A. Petrol B. solvents C. paints D. All E. none
8. Which type of toxic entities
A. Chemical B. biological C. Physical D. Radiation E. All
9. Which system is maximizing the contact between the tires and the road surface, providing
steering stability and good handling other
a. Brake system B. steering system C. Suspension system D. Engine system
D.ALL
Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next page:
1. Write mechanical systems /component?
2. What are Toxic substances?
3. List Flammable materials and fire hazards?
Quality criteria: operate all activates without any damage and according to specifications
Required tools and equipment: Work area, wrench, hammer, screw driver
Consumable Materials: Safety poster, first aid kit, waste bin, kerosene
Precautions:
Wearing proper clothes, eye glass, glove
Make working area hazard free
Read and interpret manual which guide you how to use tools and equipment
Procedures:
1. Before road-testing the car, check the tires for specified inflation pressure and for
abnormal wear. Abnormal wear would mean suspension trouble and the need for wheel
alignment.
2. Check for proper operation of the instruments-panel warning lights, gauges, and
information displays.
3. Check the suspension system for looseness, excessive play and wear.
4. Check the front-suspension ball joints for excessive wear.
5. Check for loose wheel bearings at the non-driving wheels. Adjust the wheel bearings if
necessary.
6.Note any unusual noise, vibrations or hardness heard or felt during the road test.
7. Inspecting your shocks for leaks, cracks or other damage;
8.Looking for vehicle bounce, nose dives, squats or rolls;
9.Spinning the tires manually to see if there is any wobble, imbalance or uneven tire wear;
10. Checking for leakage from any of the steering components;
11. Ensuring the tension in the power steering pump belt is correct;
12. Bouncing the car to see if your shocks or struts are functioning correctly.
Quality criteria: operate all activates without any damage and according to specifications
Required tools and equipment: Work area, wrench, hammer, screw driver
Consumable Materials: Safety poster, first aid kit, waste bin, brake fluid kerosene
Precautions:
Wearing proper clothes, eye glass, glove
Make working area hazard free
Read and interpret manual which guide you how to use tools and equipment
Procedures:
1. Check for Proper Operation of the Instruments-Panel Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Information Displays.
2. Check The Brakes For Even And Adequate Braking.
3. Note Any Unusual Noise, Vibrations Or Hardness Heard Or Felt During The Road Test.
4. Check Brake Fluid
5. Brake Noise.
6. Vibration
7. Abnormal Pad Wear.
8. Check Pedal Height
9. If Necessary, Adjust Pedal Height
10. Check Pedal Free play
11. Check That Parking Brake Lever Travel
12. If Necessary, Adjust Parking Brake Lever Travel
Quality criteria: operate all activates without any damage and according to specifications
Instructions: Given necessary templates, tools and materials you are required to
perform the following tasks within 6 hour. The project is expected from
each student to do it.
a. Engine system
An Engine is a mechanical device used to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. And is
usually called a Heat Engine.
1 - Distributor
2 - Valve cover
3 - High tension cables
4 - Tappet
5 - Air cleaner
6 - Timing pulley
7 - Camshaft
8 - Water pump
9 - Timing belt
10 - Connecting rod
11 Crankshaft pulley
12 - Oil sump 13 - Strainer
14 – Crankshaft 15 - Engine block
16 – piston 17 - exhaust manifold
18– Valve 19 - Cylinder head
Figure 3.1 location of engine components
b. The Drivetrain and the Transmission
The drivetrain and the transmission are actually two very different concepts. The main function
of the transmission is similar to the chain on a bicycle: it keeps the engine turning in time with
the wheels, regardless of what gear the vehicle is in. The drivetrain represents everything that is
behind the transmission involved in propelling the vehicle. The main function of the drivetrain is
basically to convey power from the vehicle’s engine, through the transmission to the drive
wheels on the vehicle to control the amount of torque. “Torque” is turning or twisting force.
Figure 3.3
location of
steering
system
components
d. Suspension System
A suspension system also maintains the stability of the vehicle in pitching or rolling when
vehicle is in motion. It supports the body on the axles and maintains the proper geometrical
relationship between the body and wheels.
Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Examples may be necessary to aid some
explanations/answers.
Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next page:
1. How to Locate mechanical system or component on vehicle
Score = ___________
Answer Sheet
Rating: ____________
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
Examining subassembly components
Identifying common faults
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
Examine subassembly components
Identify common faults
That means in order to increase the engine output, either the engine displacement or engine speed
must be increased.
Fuel system related problems, can be difficult to solve. Figure 4.8 Failure of fuel flow
Consequently, anything that might affect the flow and pressure of the fuel system; is going to
result in poorer performance.
Above all, the biggest cause of any fuel system problems is dirt.
So, the weak link in the fuel system is usually, the fuel filter. In other words, the very purpose of
this usually small part is to; prevent any contaminants from getting into the fuel.
The big thing to note is that most of the failure warning signs; are the same for most fuel system
problems:
Hesitating Engine
Stalling
Not Starting
Hard Starting
Different Performance at Different Speeds
Engine Misfiring
Engine Sputters at High Speeds
Loss of Power When the Vehicle Is Under Load
Surging
The head gasket sits between the cylinder head and the engine block. Its job is to keep
combustion gases in the combustion chamber and coolant in the water jackets.
When a leak forms in the head gasket, it is possible for coolant to leak into the combustion
chamber and burn off, exiting the exhaust. When you have an internal head gasket leak, you are
Some intake manifolds have water jackets. If these intake manifold water jackets were to leak
into the intake, coolant would be sucked into the combustion chamber. The resulting symptoms
would resemble a blown head gasket.
Leaking Turbo Seal
Most turbos are cooled using engine coolant. If a turbo seal allows coolant to leak into the turbo,
you will lose this coolant out the exhaust.
The water in your coolant can only evaporate when the system isn’t perfectly sealed. The source
of the leak can be tricky to find since it happens so slowly.
As long as the coolant loss is very slow (a few drops every month), this is often no immediate
cause for concern. Keep an eye on things to make sure the leak doesn’t get worse. If you start to
see coolant on the ground, it’s time for a proper repair.
Acceleration tends to get the most attention when it comes to cars, but great performance is
about more than going fast. It's also about stopping quickly.
When you have a brake problem, bringing your car to a full stop can take more effort than it
should. Spongy brakes—also described as squishy or mushy brakes—can cause big trouble if not
addressed right away with a brake inspection and service. Find out what could be causing such a
change in braking performance and how we can help solve it.
Air in the Brake Lines
Air in the brake lines is one of the most common causes of spongy brakes. Braking systems rely
on evenly distributed hydraulic pressure to bring vehicles to a halt. Air in any of these lines can
throw off this balance of pressure. Poor pressure can result in more time, distance, and/or effort
to stop. In other words: a soft brake pedal. Air in the brake lines could be due to a leak or low
brake fluid.
What can damage a brake line and cause a leak? Rust, for one. Rust from road salt and moisture
can cause brake lines to become brittle, leak, and break. Damage from a car crash can also cause
brake lines to bend and collapse, weakening them and making them more susceptible to
problems down the road.
Old or Low Brake Fluid
And how about low brake fluid? Time might be the key suspect here. Brake fluid converts the
energy you apply to the brake pedal into the force required to bring your car to a stop. Just as
your brake pads wear thin over time, so can your brake fluid. If you can’t remember when you
last had a brake service, then you might have low brake fluid simply because it’s being used by
your braking system. Or, the low fluid could be due to a leak. Either way, it’s time to schedule a
brake inspection!
Cylinder Wear
The master cylinder plays an important role in distributing the hydraulic pressure mentioned in
#1. It pushes the brake fluid where it needs to be to help bring your car to a stop. Over time, seals
within the cylinder can break or leak. If you have to press the brake pedal all the way to the floor
to bring your vehicle to a stop, this might be why. The braking system simply isn’t working as
efficiently as it used to.
Damaged Disc Brake Caliper
Braking creates a great deal of heat. That heat can damage your car’s disc brake calipers over
time. How can you spot disc brake caliper damage? On top of spongy brakes, you may notice
that your car pulls to one side or the other when stopping. You might also hear a squeaky or
squealing sound when braking.
Rating: ____________
Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
1._______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Quality criteria: operate all activates without any damage and according to specifications
Instructions: Given necessary templates, tools and materials you are required to perform the
following tasks within 6 hour. The project is expected from each student to do it.