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: 

Perform a basic condition test on an engine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244109  Perform a basic condition test on an engine 
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  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2008-02-06  2009-02-18  SAQA 0875/08 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-02-18   2013-02-18  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
260721  Perform a basic condition test on vehicle components  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for people in the automotive industry engineering who are expected to check the condition of engines.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Perform a visual inspection of the engine and components.
  • Carry out a compression test on an engine.
  • Carry out a cylinder leakage test on an engine.
  • Carry out a vacuum test on an engine. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • The ability to work safely in an automotive workshop.
  • The ability to use automotive engineering tools and equipment.
  • The ability to understand the basic operation of engines. 
    		•

    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 and 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 
    Perform a visual inspection of engines and components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Suitable tools and equipment are selected and used that enable the engine inspection to be carried out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Engine oil, coolant, and fuel leaks are identified and reported to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The serviceability of the engine oil, engine oil filter, air filter element and fuel filter are determined and reported to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Loose engine components are identified and reported to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The engine is started and run to operating temperature and details concerning its operation are noted and reported to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Noises, difficulty in starting, idling, misfiring, fuming, emissions, responsiveness, acceleration, deceleration, flat spots, under load, overheating.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Any signs of oil and coolant entry into the combustion chamber is noted and recorded in accordance with company requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Carry out a compression test on engines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Suitable tools and equipment are selected and used that enable the compression test to be carried out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Engine normal operating temperature is reached before the compression test is carried out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Components necessary to conduct the compression test are removed from the engines without damage to components and threads, and without foreign matter entering into the combustion chamber. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    No restriction in the intake and exhaust system exists that will affect the compression readings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The compression test is carried out according to engine manufacturer instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dry test, wet test; cranking speed, cycle.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Compression readings are recorded and compared to manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    An analysis of the engine condition based on the compression readings obtained is made in accordance with workplace requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Leakage between adjacent cylinders, leakage past valves, leakage past rings.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Components are re-fitted to the engine according to manufacturer instructions and specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Carry out a cylinder leakage test on engines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Suitable tools and equipment are selected and used that enable the cylinder leakage test to be carried out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Engine operating temperature is reached before the cylinder leakage test is carried out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Components necessary to conduct the test are removed from the engine without damage to components and threads, and without foreign matter entering the combustion chamber. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The cylinder is prepared for testing according to test equipment instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Piston at top dead centre (TDC), compression stroke, engine locked to prevent crankshaft turning.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The test equipment is connected and used according to equipment manufacturer's instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Air supply, interpreting gauge readings.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The source of air leakage in each cylinder is located by inspection in accordance with equipment manufacturer requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Past piston, into adjacent cylinder, past exhaust valve, past inlet valve, into cooling system.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    An analysis of the engine condition based on the gauge readings obtained is made to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    No action required, further investigation recommended.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Components are re-fitted to the engine according to manufacturer instructions and specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Carry out a vacuum test on engines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Suitable tools and equipment are selected and used that enable the vacuum test to be carried out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Engine operating temperature is reached before the vacuum test is carried out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The vacuum gauge is connected to a vacuum source on an engine that gives true manifold depression. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Vacuum gauge readings are interpreted in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Normal reading, late ignition timing, late valve timing, intake leak, poor rings or bores, sticking valve, leaky valve, burnt valve, worn valve guides, weak valve springs, improper idle mixture, small spark gap, head gasket leak, restricted exhaust system.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    An analysis of the engine condition based on the gauge readings obtained is made to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The engine vacuum source is sealed to prevent any vacuum leakage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Vacuum gauge readings are recorded clearly and accurately. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Workplace procedures.
  • Safe working practices.
  • The use and application of tools and equipment.
  • How to locate and interpret manufacturer specifications in a workshop manual.
  • The functions and operation of engines. 
    		•

    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 CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 260721, which is "Perform a basic condition test on vehicle components", Level 3, 8 credits.

    Terminology:

    Terms used in this unit standard are generic to the automotive engineering 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.
  • The unit standard can be assessed in an integrated manner and common evidence of the candidate's ability need not be repeated for each specific outcome.
  • Assessment must take place against at least one petrol and one diesel engine. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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.