ASE T1 Gasoline Engines (Medium/Heavy Truck) study materials
ASE T1 Gasoline Engines (Medium/Heavy Truck) study resources

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

Week 1

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

Week 2

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

Week 3

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

Week 4

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

Week 5

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

Week 6

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

Week 7

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

Week 8

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