ASE T1 Gasoline Engines (Medium/Heavy Truck) study plan
ASE T1 Gasoline Engines (Medium/Heavy Truck) · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
General Engine Diagnosis & Engine Removal, Installation, and Rebuilding Procedures
List the six major steps of a systematic no-start diagnosis and state the test performed at each step
Describe how to verify base engine integrity (compression, cylinder leak-down, vacuum) and interpret results
Explain the purpose and sequence of engine removal preparation steps (fluids, wiring, mounts, lifting)
Identify the location and function of major engine sensors and actuators on a gasoline medium/heavy truck engine
Write a diagnostic flow for an engine that cranks but does not start, including three prioritized tests
Your checkpoint
A one-page no-start diagnostic flowchart with test order and pass/fail criteria
General Engine Diagnosis & Fuel System Diagnosis and Repair
Differentiate rich, lean, and misfire symptoms using fuel trim and oxygen sensor data
Explain how to perform and interpret a cylinder balance or power balance test
Describe the operation of port fuel injection and identify the function of the fuel pressure regulator, pump, and injectors
Outline the steps to test fuel pressure, volume, and injector pulse width
Match five driveability complaints to likely root causes in fuel or engine mechanical systems
Your checkpoint
A completed symptom-to-cause matrix for five driveability complaints with supporting test evidence
Fuel System Diagnosis and Repair & Ignition System Diagnosis and Repair
Explain the relationship between ignition timing, knock, and fuel octane
Describe how to test an ignition coil, spark plug wire, and spark plug using a scope or ohmmeter
Identify the components of a distributorless ignition system and state the function of the cam and crank sensors
Outline the procedure to check base timing and verify ignition advance
Diagnose a misfire using ignition secondary waveform interpretation
Your checkpoint
A written analysis of three ignition secondary waveforms (normal, open circuit, shorted) with diagnosis for each
Cylinder Head, Valve Train, and Camshaft Diagnosis and Repair & Cylinder Block, Crankshaft, and Bearings Diagnosis and Repair
Describe the procedure to remove, inspect, and reinstall a cylinder head, including torque sequence and valve lash adjustment
Explain how to inspect valve springs, guides, and seats for wear and measure valve stem-to-guide clearance
Identify the parts of a camshaft and describe how to check cam lobe wear and timing chain/belt alignment
Explain how to measure cylinder bore taper and out-of-round and determine if boring is required
Describe crankshaft inspection steps including journal measurement, taper, and runout
Your checkpoint
A completed inspection checklist for a cylinder head and block with measurements recorded and pass/fail judgments
Lubrication System Diagnosis and Repair & Cooling System Diagnosis and Repair
Explain the operation of a full-flow oil filtration system and the function of the bypass valve
Describe how to test oil pressure and interpret low or high readings
Outline the steps to diagnose coolant loss, including pressure testing and combustion gas testing
Explain the function of the thermostat, water pump, and radiator and how to test each
Describe the procedure to bleed a cooling system and verify proper operation
Your checkpoint
A troubleshooting guide for overheating and coolant loss with at least five causes and a test for each
Air Induction and Exhaust System Diagnosis and Repair & Engine Electrical and Electronic Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Explain how to inspect and test the air induction system for restrictions and leaks
Describe the operation of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and how to test the EGR valve and ports
Identify the function of the turbocharger or supercharger and describe basic inspection steps for boost leaks
Explain how to test a charging system and starting system using a multimeter and load tester
Describe how to diagnose electrical faults using voltage drop testing and wiring diagrams
Your checkpoint
A diagnostic worksheet for an EGR fault and a charging system fault, each with three tests and expected results
General Engine Diagnosis & Fuel System Diagnosis and Repair & Ignition System Diagnosis and Repair
Integrate fuel, ignition, and mechanical test results to diagnose a complex driveability complaint
Explain how to use a scan tool to view live data and freeze frame for engine diagnosis
Describe the procedure to perform a compression test and interpret results with throttle position and engine temperature considerations
Outline the steps to diagnose an intermittent misfire using a lab scope and road test
Review and resolve three case-study style diagnostic scenarios
Your checkpoint
A written diagnostic report for a simulated complex driveability case with test data and conclusion
General Engine Diagnosis & Engine Removal, Installation, and Rebuilding Procedures
Review all domains using a practice test and identify weak areas
Explain engine installation procedures including alignment, torque specs, and post-installation checks
Describe the steps to verify engine rebuild quality including pre-oil, priming, and initial start-up procedures
Create a personal list of ten key facts or procedures to remember for the exam
Complete a timed practice exam and score at least 80%
Your checkpoint
A scored practice exam with a review sheet of missed topics and corrected answers
Milestones
Week 4: Score at least 70% on a 25-question quiz covering General Engine Diagnosis, Fuel, Ignition, Cylinder Head, and Block
Week 8: Score at least 80% on a full-length timed practice exam covering all domains