Butler Community College
Career and Technical Education Division
Mark Jaye
Revised Fall 2014
Implemented Spring 2015
COURSE OUTLINE
Engine Performance I
Course Description
AT 120. Engine Performance I. 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: AT 119 with a C or better.
This course will enable the student to identify and correct system integrity problems
within the fuel, ignition and exhaust systems.
Required Materials
Halderman, J. D. Automotive Technology. Upper Saddle River, N.J.
Prentice Hall Publishers.
* For complete textbook information, refer to http://www.butlercc.bkstr.com
Butler-assessed Outcomes
The intention is for the student to be able to:
1. Verify engine mechanical integrity.
2. Identify and correct fuel and induction system concerns.
3. Identify and correct problems related to the ignition and exhaust systems.
Learning PACT Skills that will be developed and documented in this course
Analytical Thinking Skills
Critical thinking – By applying logical/sequential thought processes to formulate
solutions for engine related concerns. The student will utilize appropriate electronic
tools in the diagnostic process and solve system problems.
Major Summative Assessment Task(s)
These Butler-assessed Learning Outcome(s) and the Learning PACT skill(s) will be
demonstrated by:
1. Verifying engine mechanical integrity
A. Linked External Standards: 8A1-8A12, 8A15, 8A16, 8B1, 8B6 & 8C3
2. Exploring the fundamentals of fuel system theory (Instructor provided evaluation
criterion)
3. Identifying fuel system concerns
A. Linked External Standards: 8A12, 8B6, 8B8, 8D1-8D7
4. Exploring the fundamentals of Ignition Theory (Instructor provided evaluation
criterion)
5. Identifying Ignition system concerns
A. Linked External Standards: 8A12, 8B1, 8B6, 8C1-8C4
6. Identifying Induction system concerns
A. Linked External Standards: 8A8, 8B1, 8B6, 8B8, 8D1, 8D5, 8D7
7. Identifying exhaust system concerns
A. Linked External Standard: 8A7, 8A8, 8B1, 8D1
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Learning Units
I.
Computer and network principles
A. Computer functions
B. Digital computers
C. Computer input sensors
D. Computer outputs
E. Module communication classifications
F. S.A.E. communication classifications
G. Module communication diagnosis
H. OBD II data link connector
II.
OBD-II diagnostic systems
A. Generation II systems
B. Diagnostic executive and task manager
C. Monitors
D. OBD-II monitor information
E. Enabling criteria
F. OBD-II DTC numbering designations
G. Diagnostic trouble code priority
I. Enabling conditions
J. Generic OBD
K. Diagnosis utilizing Mode 6
III. Gasoline and alternative fuels
A. Refining
1. Distillation
2. Cracking
B. Volatility
C. Distillation curve
D. Normal and abnormal combustion
E. Octane rating and testing
F. Octane improvers
G. Oxygenated fuels
H. Alcohol additives
I. Testing for alcohol content
J. Combustion chemistry
K. Air fuel ratios
L. Altitude and octane
M. Reformulated gasoline
N. Alternative fuels
O. Synthetic fuels
IV. Fuel pumps lines and filters
A. Fuel tanks
B. Fuel lines
C. Electric fuel pumps
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D.
E.
F.
G.
V.
Fuel filters
Fuel pump testing
Current draw testing
Fuel pump removal and replacement
Fuel Injection components and operation
A. Speed density fuel injection systems
B. Mass airflow fuel injection systems
C. Throttle body injection
D. Port fuel injection
1. Grouped double fire
2. Simultaneous double fire
3. Sequential
F. Fuel pressure regulators
G. Vacuum biased fuel pressure regulator
H. Electronic E. Direct fuel injection return less fuel system
I. Mechanical return less fuel system
J. Demand delivery system
K. Fuel injector design
L. Fuel injection modes of operation
M. Idle control
N. Electronic throttle control
VI. Fuel injection system diagnosis and service
A. Regulator diagnosis
B. Visual inspection
C. Scan tool vacuum leak diagnosis
D. Testing for injector pulse
E. Resistance checking
1. Group
2. Individual
F. Pressure drop balance test
G. Voltage drop tests
H. Scope testing fuel injectors
I. Idle air control diagnosis
J. Fuel System scan tool diagnostics
L. Fuel injector service
VII. Ignition system components and operation
A. Ignition coils
1. Self-induction
2. Mutual induction
3. Secondary voltage production
4. Primary ignition circuit
5. Secondary ignition circuit
B. Ignition switching and triggering
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C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
M.
1. Magnetic impulse
2. Hall effect
3. L.E.D.
Distributor ignition
1. GM H.E.I.
2. Ford ignition systems
3. Chrysler distributor ignition
Waste spark ignition systems
Ignition control circuits
Bypass ignition control
Compression sensing ignition
Coil-On-Plug ignition
Ion-Sensing ignition
Ignition timing requirements
Knock sensors
Spark plugs
1. Reach
2. Heat range
3. Materials
VIII. Ignition system diagnosis and service
A. Electronic ignition trouble shooting procedures
B. Component testing procedures
C. Secondary ignition component inspection and testing
D. Secondary ignition service
E. No–start testing
F. Performance testing
G. Ignition timing
H. Scope testing the ignition system
1. Interpreting spark lines
2. Pattern selection
3. Dwell section
4. Coil polarity
5. Acceleration check
6. Rotor gap voltage
I. Waste spark scope tests
J. Scope Test Coil-on-Plug
Learning Activities
Learning activities will involve the student with multiple engine systems, fuel and
induction principles, ignition system principles and the solution of component related
concerns. Lectures, discussions, projects, research assignments, and assessment
tasks may be used at the discretion of the instructor.
Grade Determination
The student will be evaluated on learning activities and assessment tasks. Grade
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determinates may include the following: class participation, project completion,
research assignments, quizzes, tests and other methods of evaluation at the
discretion of the instructor.
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