Auto Mechanics
NOTE: Access to an automobile or truck (with owners manual)
is needed to meet some of the requirements for this
merit badge.
- Discuss with your counselor the safety equipment,
tools, and clothing used while checking or repairing a
motor vehicle. Use the equipment, tools, and/or
clothing (when needed of called for) in meeting the
requirements for this merit badge.
- Explain how an internal combustion engine operates and
the differences between gasoline and diesel engines.
- Demonstrate you knowledge of general maintenance.
Do the following:
- Demonstrate how to check the fluid level of the following:
- Brake Fluid
- Engine Oil
- Coolant
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Transmission fluid (automatic and standard)
- Check battery fluid, if possible, and the condition
of battery terminals.
- Show the location of fuse boxes and the size of
fuses, and demonstrate the proper replacement of
burned-out fuses.
- Review the maintenance chart in the owner's manual.
Explain the requirements and time limits.
-
- Choose a care cleaner and wax product for the
vehicle. explain clear-coat paint and the
precautions necessary for care. Clean and wax
the vehicle, both inside and out.
- Use a vinyl and rubber protectant (on vinyl
tops, rubber door seals, sidewalls, etc.) and
explain the importance of this protectant.
- Demonstrate how to check the condition and tension
of belts and hoses.
- Demonstrate the following:
- Check the lighting in the vehicle, including
instrument, warning, and exterior bulbs.
- Check headlight alignment
- Demonstrate how to check the vehicle exhaust
system.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the following:
- Explain the difference between tire and
vehicle manufacturer's information
specifications and demonstrate where to find
these specifications.
- Demonstrate how to check pressure and properly
inflate a tire.
- Using the manufacturer's jack supplied with
the vehicle:
- Demonstrate how to engage the jack correctly
on the vehicle.
- Demonstrate how to correctly change a tire.
-
- Explain the difference between bias-belted
tires and radial-belted tires.
- Diagram and explain in writing how to rotate
bias-belted and radial-belted tires.
- Using the manufacturer's guidelines, rotate
the tires on the vehicle.
- Explain the camber, caster, and toe-in
adjustments on wheel alignment.
- Explain why wheel alignment is important to
the life of a tire.
- Explain the purpose of the lateral-wear bar
indicator.
- Explain how to dispose of old tires properly.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of engine lubrication.
Do the following:
- Explain the purpose of motor oil.
- Explain where to find the recommended type and
amount of oil to be used in the vehicle engine.
- Explain the difference in viscosity (10W/30 versus
SAE 30).
- Perform an oil change and oil filter change on a
vehicle.
- Explain how to dispose of the used oil and filter
properly.
- Cooling system
Do the following:
- Explain the need for coolant in the cooling system.
- Flush and change the engine coolant in the vehicle
according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Explain how to dispose of used coolant properly.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of a fuel system.
Do the following:
- Explain how the air and fuel system work together.
- Explain how a carburetor works and how a fuel-
injection system works.
- Explain how an on-board computer works with the
fuel injection system. Show where the computer is
located.
- Explain why it is necessary to have an air filter
and a fuel filter. Locate them and change them
according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Explain what fuel additives are. for both the
carburetor and the fuel injection systems.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of ignition and electrical systems.
Do the following:
- Diagram and explain the parts of the electrical
system.
- Explain the cylinder engine sequence.
- Explain the spark plug gap and if practical, change
the spark plug. (Use an engine with spark plugs
that can be reached without tilting the engine.)
- Demonstrate how to connect jumper cables on your
battery properly. Explain how to jump-start a
vehicle.
- Explain the difference between electronic and point
ignition systems.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of a drive train.
Do the following:
- Diagram the drive train and explain the different
parts.
- Explain the difference between automatic and
standard transmissions.
- Explain the types of automatic transmission fluid.
- Explain the types of lubricants used in a standard
transmission and in the differential.
- Explain the difference between front-wheel, rear-
wheel, and four-wheel drive.
- Explain the gear ratio of the differential.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of a brake system.
Do the following:
- Explain the brake system (including anti-lock
systems) and how it operates.
- Explain the differences between disk and shoe
systems.
- Demonstrate checking conditions on a vehicle brake
system. After checking make a recommendation for
repairs (if necessary).
- Explain the purpose, importance, and limitations of
passive restraints.