Series 4: Small Engines & Auto Mechanics
12 weeks of hands-on mechanical fundamentals covering small engines, automotive systems, and maintenance. Explore combustion engines, drivetrain components, fuel systems, and essential mechanical repairs while understanding the science and engineering behind each system.
Session Structure (90 Minutes)
15 min
Historical/Scientific Story
Engaging narrative about the science behind the system
20 min
Instructor Demo
Live demonstration of techniques and diagnostics
50 min
Hands-On Repair
Students work on actual mechanical systems
5 min
Show & Reflect
Share work and discuss learnings
12-Week Curriculum
Week 1: Four-Stroke Engine Fundamentals
Historical Fact: Nikolaus Otto's invention of the four-stroke cycle (1876) → revolutionizing transportation and power generation.
Hands-On Project: Disassemble and reassemble a small lawn mower engine, identifying intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes.
Materials: Small 4-stroke engine (Briggs & Stratton or Honda), basic hand tools, manual
Week 2: Carburetor Science: Air/Fuel Ratios
Historical Fact: Karl Benz's carburetor design (1885) and Bernoulli's principle in fuel atomization.
Hands-On Project: Clean, rebuild, and adjust a carburetor; troubleshoot running issues.
Materials: Carburetor rebuild kit, cleaner, adjustment tools, safety glasses
Week 3: Ignition Systems: Spark & Timing
Historical Fact: How the invention of the spark plug (1902) enabled the internal combustion revolution.
Hands-On Project: Test spark plugs, replace ignition coils, and set ignition timing on a small engine.
Materials: Spark plug tester, gap gauge, ignition coil, timing light
Week 4: Oil & Lubrication Systems
Historical Fact: The development of motor oil viscosity standards and tribology (science of friction).
Hands-On Project: Perform an oil change on a small engine; study oil filter cutaways.
Materials: Engine oil, oil filter, drain pan, filter wrench, funnel
Week 5: Cooling Systems: Heat Transfer
Historical Fact: How radiator design evolved from air-cooled to liquid-cooled engines in the early 1900s.
Hands-On Project: Flush and refill a cooling system; test thermostat operation.
Materials: Coolant, radiator flush, thermostat, pressure tester, hoses
Week 6: Brake Systems: Hydraulics & Friction
Historical Fact: Pascal's principle (1653) → modern hydraulic brake systems invented by Malcolm Loughead (1918).
Hands-On Project: Replace brake pads and inspect rotors; bleed brake lines.
Materials: Brake pads, brake cleaner, bleeder kit, jack stands, safety equipment
Week 7: Drivetrain Basics: Gears & Torque
Historical Fact: The evolution from manual to automatic transmissions (GM's Hydra-Matic, 1940).
Hands-On Project: Disassemble a small transmission or gearbox; study gear ratios and torque multiplication.
Materials: Small gearbox (bicycle or go-kart), measuring tools, assembly diagrams
Week 8: Electrical Systems: Batteries & Alternators
Historical Fact: From 6V to 12V automotive electrical systems (1950s standardization).
Hands-On Project: Test battery voltage, load test, and check alternator output; replace battery cables.
Materials: Multimeter, battery load tester, battery terminal cleaner, cables
Week 9: Fuel Systems: Pumps & Injection
Historical Fact: The transition from carburetors to electronic fuel injection (EFI) in the 1980s.
Hands-On Project: Replace fuel filter, test fuel pump pressure, clean injectors.
Materials: Fuel filter, pressure gauge, fuel line tools, safety equipment
Week 10: Suspension & Steering: Forces & Motion
Historical Fact: Independent suspension invention (1930s) and the science of weight transfer in cornering.
Hands-On Project: Inspect suspension components, replace shock absorbers or tie rod ends.
Materials: Shocks/struts, tie rods, alignment specs, spring compressor (if needed)
Week 11: Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Historical Fact: OBD-II standardization (1996) revolutionizing automotive diagnostics.
Hands-On Project: Use OBD-II scanner to read codes, interpret sensor data, diagnose common issues.
Materials: OBD-II scanner, service manual, diagnostic flowcharts
Week 12: Complete Maintenance Service (Capstone)
Historical Fact: The evolution of preventative maintenance schedules and service intervals.
Hands-On Project: Perform a complete tune-up: oil change, spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, fluid check, and brake inspection.
Materials: Full service kit for chosen vehicle/engine, all fluids, filters, tools
Learning Objectives
- Understand the four-stroke combustion cycle and engine operation principles
- Learn to diagnose and repair common small engine and automotive issues
- Master basic automotive electrical, fuel, and cooling systems
- Apply torque specifications, fluid ratings, and safety procedures
- Develop systematic troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
- Perform preventative maintenance and service procedures
Contact
Questions? Reach out to:
Email: info@avemakerclub.com