SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Inspect, assess and report on piston and connecting rod assemblies 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244045  Inspect, assess and report on piston and connecting rod assemblies 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Vehicle Maintenance 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for people in the automotive engineering industry who are expected to inspect and assess pistons and connecting rods, make recommendations and order necessary components to ensure that the components are able to function as designed.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Inspect piston and conrod assemblies.
  • Assess piston and conrod assemblies.
  • Report on piston and conrod assemblies.
  • Order parts required for piston and conrod assemblies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.
  • The ability to use automotive engineering tools and equipment.
  • The ability to check an engine for condition using hand held test equipment.
  • The ability to work safely in a workshop.
  • The ability to use measuring tools. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • Reference to suitable tools and equipment means industry approved tools and equipment that are recognised within the industry as being the most suited to complete the task to a professional and competent manner with due regard to safe working practices.
  • The practical assessment evidence must be obtained from commercial jobs in the workplace under normal workplace conditions.
  • Engines include multi cylinder 2 and 4 stroke diesel or petrol engines with an engine capacity of not less than 1300cc.

    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Inspect piston and conrod assemblies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safe working practices are observed throughout the task. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal safety, safety of others, equipment, vehicle, and machine safety.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The piston and conrod assemblies are identified in accordance with the job instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pistons and conrod relate to a set for an engine.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and equipment are selected and used in accordance with their design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Removable parts and components are removed without causing damage to the part or the piston or conrod. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The piston and conrod assembly is cleaned and visually inspected for signs of damage. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Areas inspected include big end, small end, shank, shoulder, cap, locating and dowel pins, bolts and nuts, oil holes and channels.
  • Damage includes piston scuffing, wear, stuck and broken rings, irregular combustion, conrod misalignment, cracks.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Assess piston and conrod assemblies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safe working practices are observed throughout the task. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal safety, safety of others, equipment, vehicle, and machine safety.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are selected and used in accordance with their design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The piston and conrod assembly is assessed for compliance to manufacturer specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Assessment includes straightness, dimensions, twisting, tolerance, bolt specifications and ring condition.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of incorrectly assessing piston and conrod assemblies are explained in terms of potential damage to the engine, lost production time and customer dissatisfaction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work is completed in accordance with agreed time allocations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Report on piston and conrod assemblies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Findings on piston and conrod assemblies are recorded in accordance with workplace requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Findings are compared to manufacturer specifications and deviations are identified in terms of allowable tolerances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Deviations outside allowable tolerances are noted and reported to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Corrective action required is identified in terms of rectifying the deviations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of not correctly reporting the deviations are explained in terms of potential damage to the engine, lost production time and customer dissatisfaction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Work is completed in accordance with agreed time allocations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Order parts required for piston and conrod assemblies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Parts that cannot be repaired cost effectively are identified in terms of damage and manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Replacement part numbers are identified in accordance with engine manufacturer workshop manuals and component manufacturer parts lists. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potential suppliers are identified and quotes obtained in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Suppliers are limited to existing suppliers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Orders are placed with relevant suppliers in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Orders are expedited in accordance with workplace procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the Unit Standard.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Workplace procedures.
  • Safe working practices.
  • The use and application of automotive engineering tools.
  • How to locate manufacturer specifications in a workshop manual.
  • Ways of checking components for damage.
  • Identifying deviances from specifications.
  • Identifying part numbers.
  • The implications of superseding part numbers.
  • Placing orders with suppliers. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Terminology:
  • Terms used in this unit standard are generic to the automotive industry in South Africa.

    Notes to assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    The following particular issues should be taken into consideration when assessing against this unit standard:
  • The assessment must take place in a fully equipped workshop where all the tools and equipment required for the task are available. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58497   National Certificate: Automotive Repair and Maintenance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2009-02-18  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.