Mechanical

Fundamentals of Engines

A video-primary, hands-on introduction to internal combustion engines for mechatronics technicians, covering principles, systems, maintenance, troubleshooting and overhaul with an emphasis on diesel.

Level 4 23 Lessons 6 Quizzes 4 Hours +

About This Course

This course introduces the principles of internal combustion engines, focusing on energy conversion, reciprocating motion, components, configurations and the four-stroke cycle. It covers installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, overhaul and tune-up of engines, with a strong emphasis on diesel systems and aligned with SAE J1939 (engine diagnostics) and ISO 26262 (functional safety).

Through guided videos and practical workshop exercises in disassembly, inspection and reassembly, trainees with no prior knowledge build foundational to intermediate skills for entry-level roles in automotive and industrial engine maintenance in Nigeria, with safety consciousness embedded throughout.

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Module 1

Engine Basics and Principles

Understand what an engine is and how it works. This module explains the purpose of the engine and energy conversion, reciprocating motion and engine configurations, the four-stroke cycle, spark- versus compression-ignition, and the advantages of diesel over petrol engines.

What's included
5 Videos 1 Reading 1 Graded Test
Module 2

Engine Systems

Study the systems that keep an engine running. You will cover the air-intake and exhaust systems, diesel, gasoline and gaseous fuel systems, and the cooling, lubrication, governing and DC systems that support engine operation.

What's included
6 Videos 1 Graded Test
Module 3

Engine Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Service and diagnose engines. This module covers routine and preventive tune-up with environmental considerations, a five-step troubleshooting approach, and diagnosing, repairing, overhauling and reconditioning engine components to manufacturer specifications.

What's included
4 Videos 1 Graded Test
Module 4

Practical Application

Install, maintain and troubleshoot on real engines. You will install engine systems such as fuel and cooling, maintain intake and exhaust systems, and troubleshoot fuel, cooling, lubrication, governing and DC systems safely, documenting the process.

What's included
4 Videos 1 Reading 1 Graded Test
Module 5

Capstone and Assessment

Complete a full maintenance cycle. This module has you overhaul and test a diesel engine component, apply environmental and safety considerations, and complete a full engine-maintenance capstone for the final assessment.

What's included
3 Videos 1 Graded Test
Module 6

Final Examination

What's included
1 Graded Test
Module 7

Resources & Further Reading

What's included
1 Reading
Module 8

Assignments

What's included
5 Assignments

Requirements

  • None - this is a Level 4 foundational course open to trainees with no prior engine knowledge.
  • Willingness to follow workshop safety rules and wear appropriate PPE (overalls, safety boots, gloves, goggles).
  • Basic literacy and numeracy to read manuals, specifications and gauges.

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