Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to balance rotating and reciprocating engine components. It involves preparing for the task, determining and performing the balancing requirements for the engine component in an engine reconditioning process, and completing workplace processes and documentation.
It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The engine components include those in vehicles from all sectors of the industry.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare to balance rotating and reciprocating engine component | 1.1 Job requirements are determined from workplace instructions 1.2 Methods of balancing component are sourced and interpreted from manufacturer literature and workplace procedures 1.3 Tools and measuring equipment are selected and checked for serviceability 1.4 Hazards associated with the work are identified and risks are managed 1.5 Engine component is prepared for balancing operations and balancing machine is prepared to accept component according to safety requirements |
2. Balance rotating and reciprocating engine component | 2.1 Component is mounted and engaged with machine according to workplace procedures and safety requirements, and following machinery safe operating procedures 2.2 Rotating and reciprocating engine components are balanced in line with workplace requirements and according to workplace procedures, safety requirements, and machinery safe operating procedures, and without causing damage to components or system |
3. Complete balancing processes | 3.1 Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace requirements 3.2 Component is cleaned and presented ready for use or stored according to workplace procedures 3.3 Work area is cleaned, waste and non-recyclable materials are disposed of, and recyclable material is collected 3.4 Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Before competency can be determined, individuals must demonstrate they can perform the following according to the standards defined in this unit’s elements, performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:
balance one four or six cylinder in-line engine crankshaft assembly, including:
front pulley
crankshaft and flywheel and pressure plate (manual transmission) or drive plate (automatic transmission)
balance one V8 engine crankshaft assembly, including:
front pulley
crankshaft and flywheel and pressure plate (manual transmission) or drive plate (automatic transmission)
balance one piston and connecting rod assembly
during the above work, perform each of the following methods of adding or removing weight from engine components:
drilling
welding
machining.
Evidence of Knowledge
Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to balancing rotating and reciprocating engine components, including operational risk assessment and treatments associated with:
electrical safety of balancing equipment and machinery
equipment and machinery movement and operation
operating principles of component balancing, including:
dynamic balance
internally and externally balanced engines
reciprocating mass
rotating mass
sources of torsional vibration
gas pressure
purpose of counterweights, torsional vibration dampeners, and balance shafts in balancing
difference between in-line engine balance, flat plane and V type engine balance, including the effect of the number and angle of cylinders
balancing procedures and techniques, including:
in-line engines, flat plane crankshafts and V type engines
protecting crank pins from damage from bob-weight clamping
protecting main bearing journals from damage from balancing machine cradle rollers or V block
weight matching the pistons and rod ends
methods of calculating bob-weight values for V type and in-line engines, including:
rotating mass with oil allowance
reciprocating mass
effect of number of cylinders and V angle on the total calculation
mounting bob-weights on crankshafts of V type engines
balancing internally balanced engines
balancing externally balanced engines
procedures for adding and removing metal to the crankshaft, including:
drilling and linishing to remove weight
welding to add weight
machining or drilling and adding heavy metal.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.
Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the rotating and reciprocating engine components that they have balanced, e.g. repair orders.
Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
The following resources must be made available:
automotive repair workplace or simulated workplace
workplace instructions
manufacturer engine specifications
material relevant to balancing rotating and reciprocating engine components
multi-cylinder crankshafts, flywheels and piston and connecting rod assemblies specified in the performance evidence and requiring balancing
precision measuring equipment, including:
dial indicators
inside and outside metric and imperial micrometers
scales in 0.1 gram graduations
linishing machine
hand, air and power tools appropriate to balancing rotating and reciprocating engine components.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skills | Description |
Learning skills to: | locate appropriate sources of information efficiently. |
Reading skills to: | identify and interpret engine component specifications from workshop literature interpret safe operating procedures for engine component balancing machinery from operating manuals. |
Writing skills to: | legibly and accurately fill out workplace documentation when recording measurements. |
Oral communication skills to: | clarify instructions. |
Numeracy skills to: | interpret numerical information in manufacturer specifications, workshop manuals, and machinery dials and gauges use basic mathematical operations, including addition, subtraction, division and multiplication to: convert metric dimensions to imperial, and imperial dimensions to metric weigh engine components to determine weight to be removed or added. |
Digital literacy skills to: | navigate and operate computerised balancing machinery. |
Problem solving skills to: | determine the most appropriate balancing method for the situation. |
Technology skills to: | use metric and imperial precision measuring equipment. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Preparing must include: | procedures for chemically cleaning components without damage checking all components to ensure no further machining is required. |
Safety requirements must include: | work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including operational risk assessment and treatments associated with: electrical safety of balancing equipment and machinery equipment and machinery movement and operation. |
Sectors
Technical - Manufacture
Competency Field
Mechanical Miscellaneous