AFM 281 - Gasoline Engine Performance

8 Credits, 12 Contact Hours
6 lecture periods 6 lab periods
Modern gasoline fuel engine and emissions controls components, systems operation, and diagnostics.

Prerequisite(s): AFM 101, AFM 111, AFM 161, and AFM 162
Information: Students who successfully complete this course may receive Service Technician Specialty Training credit from Ford Motor Company for Engine Performance Theory and Operation, Engine Performance Diagnosis and Testing and Advanced Engine Performance.

Course Learning Outcomes

Distinguish engine components, subsystems, and operational fundamentals.
Evaluate primary powertrain inputs and outputs.
Evaluate powertrain control systems.
Describe fuel and air theory, operation.
Distinguish gasoline engine air intake system variants.
Describe ignition system theory and operation.
Describe exhaust and emissions theory, operation.
Assess engine performance system relationships and OBD monitors.
Describe forced induction system variants and operation.
Interpret engine performance diagnostic methods.
Interpret engine performance diagnostic routines
Diagnose fundamental engine performance malfunctions.
Diagnose emissions-related engine performance malfunctions.
Diagnose complex and intermittent engine performance malfunctions

Outline:

Ignition System Diagnosis, Testing and Repair
1. Ignition system Diagnosis
  1. Scanning Ignition System Problems
  2. Spark Intensity Testing
  3. Checking for a Dead Cylinder
  4. High-Voltage Leakage Testing
  5. Ignition Primary Voltage Testing
  6. Ignition Circuit Scope Testing
  7. Evaluating Ignition System Test Results
2. Spark Plug Service
  1. Removal
  2. Reading
  3. Gapping
  4. Installation
3. Secondary Wire Service
  1. Resistance Test
  2. Replacing Wires
  3. Checking Actual Ignition Timing
  4. Monitoring, Adjusting Timing Command
4. Ignition Coil Service
  1. Testing Coils
  2. Coil Replacement
5. Ignition Module Service
  1. Fixed and Variable Dwell
  2. Testing Ignition Control Modules
  3. Module Replacement
6. Ignition Sensor Service
  1. Crankshaft Position Sensor
  2. Camshaft Position Sensor
    1. Primary Ignition Pickup Devices
Automotive Fuels and Combustion Efficiency
1. Gasoline
  1. Fuel Chemistry
  2. Octane Ratings
  3. Combustion Chemistry
  4. Abnormal Combustion
Fuel Tanks, Pumps, Lines and Filters
1. Fuel Systems
  1. Supply Systems
    1. Tanks
    2. Lines/hoses
    3. Pumps/Filters
  2. Fuel Supply Service
    1. System Datalogging
    2. Vapor Lock
    3. Tank Service
    4. Line/Hose Service
    5. Pump/Filter Service
    6. Air Filter Service
Gasoline Injection
1. Fundamentals
  1. Atmospheric Pressure
  2. Vacuum
  3. Pressure Differential and Flow
  4. Throttle Valve
  5. Injection Timing
  6. Injection Pulse-Width
  7. Direct and Indirect Injection
  8. Injector Types
    1. Solenoid
    2. Piezo
  9. Pressure Control and Regulation
2. Control Sensors
  1. Oxygen Sensors
    1. Narrow Band
    2. Wide Band
  2. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensors
  3. Throttle Position Sensors
  4. Coolant/Cylinder Head Temperature Sensors
  5. Mass Airflow Sensors
  6. Intake Air Temperature Sensors
  7. Crankshaft Position Sensors
  8. Camshaft Position Sensors
  9. Fuel Pressure Sensors
  10. Fuel Temperature Sensors
  11. Other Sensors
3. Idle Speed Control and Dashpot
Gasoline Injection Diagnosis and Repair
1. On-Board Diagnostics
2. Inspecting Fuel Injection System
3. Fuel System Tests
  1. Scan Tool Live Readings
  2. Fuel Injection System Scope Tests
4. Fuel Injector Problems and Tests
  1. Leaking Injector
  2. Dirty Injector
  3. Inoperative EFI Injector
  4. Faulty DEFI Injector
    1. Fuel Injector
      1. Resistance
      2. Operating Voltages
      3. Scope Testing
      4. Scope Waveforms
      5. Noid Light Test
      6. Balance Testing
  5. Relieving EFI System Pressure
  6. Injector Flow Tester
  7. Fuel Injector Impedance test
5. Replacing Multiport Fuel Injectors
6. Replacing Direct Fuel Injectors
7. Electronic Fuel Injector Cleaning
8. Fuel Pressure Regulator Service
  1. Testing the Fuel Pressure Regulator
9. Fuel System Sensor Service
  1. Oxygen Sensor Service
  2. Throttle Position Sensor
  3. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
  4. Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  5. Intake Air Temperature Sensor Service
  6. Mass Airflow Sensor Service
  7. Servicing other EFI Sensors
10. Control Module Service
  1. ECM Scan Tool Data
11. Idle Speed Motor Testing
  1. Idle Air Control Valve Service
12. Multiport Throttle Body Service
Exhaust System Technology and Repair
1. Exhaust System Operation
2. Exhaust System Components
  1. Exhaust System Manifold
  2. Header Pipe
  3. Hangers and Clamps
  4. Heat Shields
  5. Tailpipe
  6. Muffler
  7. Intermediate Pipe
  8. Catalytic Converter
3. Exhaust System Design
  1. Single Exhaust System
  2. Dual Exhaust System
  3. Exhaust Pipes
4. Exhaust System Service
  1. Exhaust System Inspection
  2. Checking for Hidden Leaks
  3. Catalytic Converter Temperature Check
  4. Exhaust Back Pressure
  5. Engine Vacuum Test
5. Exhaust System Repairs
  1. Stainless Steel Exhaust System Repairs
Turbochargers and Superchargers – Construction, Operation, and Repair
1. Engine Air Intake
  1. Engine Aspiration
2. Turbochargers
  1. Turbocharger Operation
  2. Variable Vane Turbochargers
  3. Turbocharger Location
  4. Waste Gate
  5. Turbocharger Boost Pressure
  6. Turbocharger Blow Off Valve
  7. Turbocharger Intercooler
  8. Sequential Turbocharger Systems
  9. Turbocharged Engine Modifications
  10. Turbo Computer Control
3. Turbocharging System Service
  1. Scanning a Turbocharging System
  2. Inspecting a Turbocharging System
  3. Turbocharger Service
  4. Installing a Turbocharger
  5. Waste Gate Service
Superchargers
1. Supercharger
  1. Drive Pulley
  2. Rotors
  3. Timing Gears
  4. Housing
  5. Extension Housing
  6. Bypass Valve
  7. Operation
  8. Intercooler
2. Supercharger System Service
  1. Scanning a Supercharging System
  2. Supercharger System Diagnosis
  3. Measuring Supercharger Boost Pressure
  4. Supercharger Belt Replacement
  5. Supercharger Clutch Replacement
  6. Supercharger Replacement
  7. Intercooler Replacement
  8. Intercooler Service
  9. Supercharger Oil Service
Emission Control System Technology
1. Vehicle Emissions
  1. Hydrocarbons
  2. Carbon Monoxide
  3. Oxides of Nitrogen
  4. Particulates
  5. Vehicle Emission Sources
2. Emission Control Engine Modifications
  1. Smaller Combustion Chamber Surface-to-Volume Ratio
  2. Reduced Quench Areas
  3. Decreased Valve Overlap
  4. Higher Operating Temperatures
  5. Leaner Air-to-Fuel Mixtures
  6. Wider Spark Plug Gaps
3. Emission Control Systems
  1. Positive Crankcase Ventilation
  2. Evaporative Emissions Control Systems
  3. Emission Control Management Systems
  4. Catalytic Converter
  5. Exhaust Gas Recirculation
4. Oxygen Sensors
  1. Primary Oxygen Sensors
  2. Secondary Oxygen Sensors
  3. Oxygen Sensor Positions
  4. Heated Oxygen Sensors
  5. Zirconia Oxygen Sensors
  6. Planar Zirconia Oxygen Sensors
  7. Titania Oxygen Sensors
  8. Wide-Band Oxygen Sensors
5. Emission System Monitoring
6. Evaporative Emissions System Monitoring
7. EGR Monitor
8. Catalyst Monitor
9. Engine Misfire Monitor
10. Sensor Monitoring
11. Actuator Monitoring
12. Diesel Particulate Filter
Emission Control System Testing and Repair
1. Computer-Controlled Emission System Service
  1. Scanning Emission Systems
2. Inspecting Emission Control Systems
  1. Engine Exhaust Gases
3. Exhaust Gas Analyzer
  1. Types of Exhaust Gas Analyzers
  2. Using an Exhaust Gas Analyzer
  3. Exhaust Gas Analyzer Readings
4. State Emissions Testing Programs
  1. IM 240 Test
  2. Vehicle Inspection Reports
5. PCV Service
  1. PCV System Testing
6. Evaporative Emissions System Service
  1. Tank Filler Cap
  2. Hoses
  3. Charcoal Canister
7. EGR System Service
  1. Vacuum EGR System Testing
  2. Electronic EGR System Testing
8. Catalytic Computer Service
  1. Testing Catalytic Converter Efficiency
  2. Catalytic Converter Replacement
9. Oxygen Sensor Service
  1. Testing Oxygen Sensors
  2. Oxygen Sensor Replacement
10. OBD II Drive Cycle
Engine Performance and Drivability
1. Locating Engine Performance Problems
  1. Performance Problem Troubleshooting
2. Typical Performance Problems
  1. No-Start Problem
  2. Stalling
  3. Misfire
  4. Engine Load
  5. Rough Idle
  6. Hesitation
  7. Stumbling
  8. Surging
  9. Backfiring
  10. Dieseling
  11. Pinging
  12. Fuel Line Freeze
  13. Poor Fuel Economy
  14. Lack of Engine power
3. Vacuum and Pressure Gauge Tests
  1. Vacuum Pump Tests
  2. Other Engine Performance Problems
Advanced Diagnostics
1. Strategy-Based Diagnostics
2. Advanced Scan Tool Tests
  1. Scan tool
    1. Snapshot
    2. Datastream values
    3. Actuator Tests
3. Systemic Approach
  1. Verify Symptoms
  2. Narrow Down the Cause
  3. Make and Verify the Repair
  4. Perform the Proper Tests
4. Checking ECM Terminal Values
  1. Breakout Box
  2. Connector Electrical Values
  3. Electromagnetic Interference
5. Digital Thermometer Tests
  1. Temperature Related Problems
6. Dynamometer Testing
7. Using an Oscilloscope
  1. Reading the Scope Screen
  2. Scope Sweep Rate
  3. Ignition System Patterns
  4. Computer System Scope Tests
Engine Mechanical Problems
1. Common Engine Mechanical Problems
  1. Engine Smoke
  2. Engine Pre-Teardown Inspection
2. Testing Engine Mechanical Conditions
  1. Cranking Balance Test
  2. Cylinder Balance Test
  3. Compression Test
  4. Wet Compression Test
  5. Cylinder Leakage Test
3. Deciding the Type of Engine Repair
4. Evaluating Engine Mechanical Problems
5. Engine Gasket Problems
  1. Leaking Intake Manifold Gasket
  2. Leaking Exhaust Manifold Gasket
  3. Leaking Cam Cover
  4. Part Warpage
6. Cylinder Head Problems
  1. Cracked Cylinder Head
7. Valve Train Problems
  1. Valve Problems
  2. Camshaft Problems
  3. Hydraulic Lifter or Follower Problems
  4. Rocker Arm Problems
  5. Valve Spring Problems
  6. Push Rod Problems
8. Camshaft Mechanism Timing Problems
9. Cylinder Block Problems
10. Connecting Rod Problems
  1. Bent Connecting Rod
  2. Broken Connecting Rod
  3. Connecting Rod Bore Problems
11. Piston Problems
  1. Burned Piston
  2. Worn Piston Rings and Cylinders
  3. Piston Breakage
  4. Piston Knock
  5. Piston Pin Knock
12. Crankshaft and Bearing Problems
  1. Connecting Rod Bearing Knock
  2. Spun Rod Bearing
  3. Main Bearing Knock
  4. Worn Main Bearings
  5. Excessive Crankshaft End Play
  6. Flywheel and Flexplate Problems
  7. Crankshaft Vibration Damper Problems
13. Engine Mount Problems
  1. Checking Engine Mounts
14. Intake and Exhaust Manifold Problems

Effective Term:
Fall 2024