Guide to Automotive Engines and Engine Components Education and Training

Proper training gives you a jump-start in your career working with auto engine parts

By M. Krasniak, Freelance Writer/Editor

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gain insight into car motor components by reading up on them using easy-to-follow guides

If you think you're interested in pursuing a career working with automotive engine components, then it is a good idea to read up on the basics to be sure this is the career path for you. Once you know more about what makes up an auto engine, then you will be able to definitively decide if you want to pursue further automotive engines and engine components education and training.

I recommend: Learn all the details of automotive engine components by reading through the informative information on FamilyCar. HowStuffWorks is a great resource to turn to when you want to learn about automotive engine parts.

Take the applicable car engine classes and become a skilled auto repair technician

Once you've decided you want to pursue a career dealing with automotive engines and engine components, then the next step is to find a training program that suits your desired program of study. Because of the hands-on nature of the field, most classes dealing with auto engine parts are in-person. Many vocational schools offer certificate programs in auto repair that focus specifically on engines, such as classes for automotive engine rebuilders.

I recommend: Taking automotive repair classes through Gatlin Education Services means you will learn the ins and outs of car engine components. Patrick Henry Community College in Virginia has automotive engine repair classes to get you up to speed so you can be a successful technician. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is the most respected name for certifying skills in auto engine repair and it offers an extensive program of education and testing.

Join other professionals who work with auto engine components at auto repair organizations

Once you've completed your education, it is a good idea to join an automotive repair trade organization. Here you can meet other professionals who work with automobile engine components as well as take continuing education classes and seminars to keep your talents polished.

I recommend: Join the Automotive Service Councils of California and take advantage of their continuing education classes and networking events. Mingle with other professionals and discuss automotive engines and engine components at events put on by the Washington, Maryland, Delaware Service Station and Automotive Repair Association.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider taking an internship or apprenticeship on your own time at a local automotive engine shop to get even more hands-on training time under your belt.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stock gasoline powered car engine components

Some of your customers may not be able to afford to purchase a brand new automotive engine. In order to accommodate these customers, you should offer a selection of remanufactured, rebuilt or used automobile engines. It is important that you specify the type and length of any warranty you offer on these engines.

I recommend: HiPerformer has remanufactured and used automotive engines and engine components for most makes and models. They offer wholesale prices, shipping discounts and dealer rates. S&S Rebuilt Engines offers car and truck engines. You get all new internal automotive engine components when you order from this company. Every car engine comes with a full warranty.

Sell diesel powered automotive engine parts

Some large trucks and a few cars use diesel powered engines instead of gasoline-powered engines. By selling diesel engines, your business can target some industries, such as the construction industry, where diesel engines power many of the vehicles.

I recommend: Automotix.net has a wide range of diesel automotive engines and engine components. They offer shipping discounts and decent warranties on the automotive engines they sell. ASAP Motors offers remanufactured diesel engines for domestic and foreign vehicles. They offer limited warranties on their engines.

Consider racing engines

Some people want to improve the performance of their car so they can use it for racing. Offering race car engine components and kits will enable you to serve these customers. When you sell engines that are only for racing purposes, make sure that your customers understand that the car engines are not for street use and may not meet current pollution control requirements in your area.

I recommend: Keith Craft Inc offers a large selection of racing engines. This company has in house automotive engine rebuilders. They claim they can make an engine with customized specs. ATK Engines carries high performance GM, Ford and Chrysler car engines. They offer fleet discounts and wholesale discounts to companies who meet certain requirements.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that most companies charge a core fee when you order a complete automotive engine or automotive engine parts. Companies usually refund this fee when you send the old engine back to the company.
• •  Consider stocking engine fluids and other accessories such as belts and chains. These can add up to bigger profits if you offer these to customers when they come to pick up their auto engine or auto engine parts.

Guide to Automotive Engines and Engine Components Key Terms

Learn the lingo that drives the automotive engine repair biz

By Trisha Schulz

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Cylinder head

A cylinder head is a removable plate that protects the cylinder chamber of an automotive engine or pump.

I recommend: CylinderHeads.com explains how cylinders are repaired.

Piston

A piston is a disk fitting inside a cylinder that moves in a rotating motion by compressing and expanding. The piston works in moving matter (such as air, water or gas) and transforming it into energy.

I recommend: Check out the HowStuffWorks four-step process explaining how a piston works in a vehicle engine.

Gasket

To pack a piston, a gasket is placed inside the cylinder to make the whole unit air and water tight. The gasket can be made out of a variety of materials including rubber, metal or rope, depending on the vehicle.

I recommend: View this 5min Video detailing the importance of a gasket as an automotive component.

Valve springs

A system of valves can be found throughout automobiles, and valve springs are a key element to making the valves work properly. The spring holds the valve closed, especially significant in the cylinder head of a vehicle engine.

I recommend: Review this CraneCams article answering commonly asked questions about valve springs.

Pushrod

A pushrod is important in the suspension process that gives a vehicle air resistance. For race car drivers, a good suspension and push and pull rod system can allow them to place the car lower to the ground. The end result? Higher speeds.

I recommend: Learn more about suspension technology and the push and pull rod system in this F1Technical.net article.

Timing belt, timing chain

A timing belt helps to control engine valves. Also called a timing chain or cam belt, the belt appears flat but has teeth. The timing belt works in conjunction with the crankshaft for a perfect alignment. There are non-automotive uses for timing belts, so make sure you study the right one.

I recommend: Check out an engine diagram and read through the example of how a timing belt is used in this FamilyCar item.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the major auto engine parts in your gasoline-powered vehicles

If you have a gasoline-powered vehicle, then you may want to look for prices of new car motor components for gas-powered cars. Getting new gasoline automotive engine components pricing and costs shouldn't be a problem if you know for what you're looking. So study the car diagrams and manual and then start window shopping for gasoline auto engine parts. Items like engine blocks can cost from around $1,000 to more than $4,000, depending on the vehicle model and year. With such a wide variety of new auto engine parts available, prices vary just as much. Small parts like plugs can run around 20 cents while a crankshaft can run $300.

I recommend: Both Auto Parts Warehouse and RockAuto sell new gasoline auto engine parts.

Look for prices on diesel car engine components

If you have a diesel-powered vehicle, then you'll need to start combing the web for the best prices on diesel car engine components. You can find both rebuilt and new diesel engines and diesel automobile engine components online. The prices range from just less than $1,000 to more than $20,000 depending on the vehicle and type of auto engine. Components will general cost less.

I recommend: DieselEngineMotor.com has a wide range of diesel automotive engine parts that will give you a good idea of what your business should budget for automotive engines and engine components pricing and costs. ASAP Motors & Transmissions will also help you set a realistic budget for diesel auto engine components.

Shop the Internet for competitive pricing on rebuilt engines and automotive engine components

Businesses that sell rebuilt engines generally offer a guarantee as well as a refund on your engine or engine components if you return them. Rebuilt engines start at less than $1,000 and can cost as much as $10,000 if you need an industrial automotive engine and engine components.

I recommend: S & S Engine Remanufacturing Company and Action Auto Wreckers are two companies that will let you shop for rebuilt engines and auto engine components online.