Departments› Automotive Mechatronics Technology› Module I› Vehicle Engine Maintainance› Ch 12: Service valve train components
Automotive Mechatronics Technology  ·  Level 6
Vehicle Engine Maintainance
Chapter 12: Service valve train components
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⚑ What you will be able to do

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • correctly adjust valve clearances following the manufacturer's train specifications
  • accurately calibrate valve lash adjusters according to the manufacturer's specifications
  • check for anomalies in variable valve timing, valve opening, and valve lift systems using the manufacturer's standard procedure
  • safely replace faulty valve train components following the manufacturer's standard procedure

Mastering these skills ensures your vehicle’s engine runs smoothly and efficiently, keeping you confident and ready for real-world maintenance challenges.

Chapter Practical Activities

Practical 1: Remove valve train components from a petrol engine

Automotive Mechatronics Technology · Level 6
Vehicle Engine Maintainance
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Remove all valve train components including rocker arms, push rods, valve springs, and valves from a petrol engine cylinder head 400mm x 350mm x 200mm as per workshop procedures.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Valve spring compressorCleaning cotton waste
SpannersEngine oil for cleaning
Ratchets
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Feeler gauge set
Funnel
Drain pan
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Complete petrol engine on engine stand1 Pc per Candidate
2Complete toolbox with spanners, ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers1 Set per Candidate
3Valve spring compressor1 Pc per Candidate
4Feeler gauge set1 Set per Candidate
5Cleaning cotton waste100 g per Candidate
6Engine oil for cleaning0.5 L per Candidate
7Safety boots1 Pair per Candidate
8Overall/dust coat1 Pc per Candidate
9Gloves1 Pair per Candidate
10Drain pan for used oil1 Pc per Candidate
11Funnel1 Pc per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Preparation and PPE
Wore personal protective equipment including safety boots, overall, and gloves
(Award 1 mark each or zero x 3 = 3 Marks)		3
Prepared the working area by clearing and organizing tools
(Award 1 mark or zero)		1
Sub-Total4
TASK 2: Draining and Access
Placed drain pan under engine and drained engine oil to prevent spillage
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Removed engine top cover and rocker arm assembly carefully
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Marked all parts for correct reassembly
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Sub-Total7
TASK 3: Removal of Valve Train Components
Used valve spring compressor to safely compress and remove valve springs
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Removed valves carefully without damaging valve seats
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Removed push rods and rocker arms systematically
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Sub-Total9
TASK 4: Cleaning and Inspection
Cleaned all removed valve train components with engine oil and cotton waste
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Inspected valve springs, rocker arms, and valves for visible damage or wear
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Disposed of used oil and waste according to workshop regulations
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Sub-Total8
TASK 5: Safety and Housekeeping
Observed safety procedures throughout the task
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Cleaned and organized the work area after task completion
(Award 1 mark or zero)		1
Sub-Total3
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
All valve train components removed intact without damage
(Award 5 marks or zero)		5
Valve train components cleaned thoroughly with no oil or dirt residues
(Award 4 marks or zero)		4
Correct marking and organization of parts for reassembly
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Sub-Total12
GRAND TOTAL43
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)

Practical 2: Inspect valve train components for wear and defects

Automotive Mechatronics Technology · Level 6
Vehicle Engine Maintainance
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Inspect valve train components of a petrol engine for wear, damage, and defects, measuring valve stem diameter, valve stem clearance, valve spring length, and rocker arm wear as per manufacturer's specifications.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Valve spring compressorCleaning cotton wool
Feeler gauge setParaffin
MicrometerSafety boots
Dial gauge/indicatorOverall/dust coat
Vernier caliperHand gloves
Basic hand tools
Bench vise
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Complete petrol engine with accessible valve train components1 Pc per Candidate
2Valve spring compressor1 Pc per Candidate
3Feeler gauge set (0.05mm to 1.0mm)1 Set per Candidate
4Micrometer (0-25mm)1 Pc per Candidate
5Dial gauge/indicator1 Pc per Candidate
6Vernier caliper (0-150mm)1 Pc per Candidate
7Cleaning cotton wool50g per Candidate
8Paraffin0.5 litre per Candidate
9Safety boots1 Pair per Candidate
10Overall/dust coat1 Pc per Candidate
11Hand gloves1 Pair per Candidate
12Toolbox with basic hand tools (screwdrivers, spanners, pliers)1 Set per Candidate
13Bench vise1 Pc per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Preparation and PPE
Wore personal protective equipment: safety boots, overall/dust coat, gloves
(Award 1 mark each or zero x 3 = 3 Marks)		3
Prepared working area and arranged tools and materials
(Award 1 mark or zero)		1
Sub-Total4
TASK 2: Disassembly and cleaning
Removed valve cover and rocker arm assembly according to manufacturer's specification
(Award 1 mark each or zero x 3 = 3 Marks)		3
Used valve spring compressor to safely remove valve springs
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Cleaned valve train components thoroughly with paraffin and cotton wool
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Sub-Total7
TASK 3: Inspection and measurement
Measured valve stem diameter using micrometer
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Measured valve stem to guide clearance using feeler gauge
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Measured valve spring free length using vernier caliper
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Checked valve spring squareness and condition
(Award 1 mark or zero)		1
Checked rocker arm for wear or damage using dial gauge and visual inspection
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Sub-Total9
TASK 4: Reporting and reassembly
Reported worn or damaged parts needing replacement
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Reassembled valve train components in correct order and torque
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Fitted valve cover and secured correctly
(Award 1 mark or zero)		1
Cleaned work area and disposed of waste paraffin and cotton wool properly
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Observed safety procedures throughout the task
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Sub-Total10
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Valve stem diameter within manufacturer's tolerance ±0.02mm
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Valve stem clearance within specification 0.03mm to 0.08mm
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Valve spring free length meets minimum length per manufacturer's data
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
No visible cracks, breaks, or excessive wear on valve springs and rocker arms
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Correct reassembly and secure fitting of valve train components
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Sub-Total10
GRAND TOTAL40
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)
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🔒Clean valve train components to remove carbon deposits and dirtPractical 3
🔒Measure and record valve clearances on a petrol engine cylinder headPractical 4
🔒Adjust Valve Clearances on a Petrol Engine Cylinder HeadPractical 5
🔒Replace worn valve springs, tappets, and push rods on a petrol engine cylinder headPractical 6
🔒Reassemble Valve Train Components Ensuring Correct Alignment and Torque SettingsPractical 7
🔒Test Valve Train Operation by Manual Engine RotationPractical 8
🔒Identify and describe valve train components on a petrol enginePractical 9
🔒Document Valve Train Service Procedures on a Petrol EnginePractical 10
Am I competent?

At the start of this chapter we promised you would be able to:

  • correctly adjust valve clearances following the manufacturer's train specifications
  • accurately calibrate valve lash adjusters according to the manufacturer's specifications
  • check for anomalies in variable valve timing, valve opening, and valve lift systems using the manufacturer's standard procedure
  • safely replace faulty valve train components following the manufacturer's standard procedure

Tick each one you can genuinely do.

So, are you there yet?

You're competent when you can confidently do 50% or more of what this chapter promised.

Sign in to record how you're doing.

← Ch 11: Service engine vibration dampening…