Automotive Engines

Engines 8e Front cover2

Automotive Engines, Diagnosis, Repair, and Rebuilding Eighth Edition

This comprehensive resource provides detailed content on the theory of operation, diagnosis, repair, and rebuilding of automotive engines. Learners will gain essential technical expertise as they develop the skills and knowledge they need for professional success, including critical thinking and awareness of key industry trends and practices. AUTOMOTIVE ENGINES: DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR, AND REBUILDING, Eighth Edition, emphasizes universal repair techniques and case histories based on real-world scenarios to prepare users for careers in the field. Instructor resources include lesson plans, customizable lab sheets that address ASE Education Foundation Standards, a customizable test bank with questions based on chapter content, PowerPoint® presentations, and more. Now updated with new, full-color images and information on the latest trends, tools, and technology—including hybrid engines and high-performance components—this trusted resource is the ideal choice for automotive instructors who want a complete teaching package for their Engines course.

What’s new in the 8th Edition?

This eighth edition of Automotive Engines has been updated and refined to reflect changes in the marketplace. The seventh edition was produced in a four color design for the first time with many new and updated photos and illustrations. This has been a tremendous improvement. An emphasis on photos and art anticipates the needs of those with different learning styles and encourages student interest in reading the related text. New color photos and illustrations have been added to this eighth edition to continue improving this project. The design and engineering of the internal combustion engine is continuing to evolve, with enhancement of high-performance sport compact cars and vehicle restoration accounting for a substantial part of the industry. 

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Here is a listing of some of the highlights:

  • The updated high-performance Section 5 includes three chapters with updated information on engine breathing, including intake and exhaust manifolds, turbocharging, supercharging, high-performance camshafts, and variable valve timing.
  • Up-to-date information on cooling and lubrication systems is included in this edition of the text. Engines last far longer than they did 25 years ago. Maintenance is important to vehicle owners; cooling system failures that result in serious engine damage must be avoided.
  • Metric micrometer reading has been expanded in Chapter 6. New or updated case histories highlight real world situations, providing more critical thinking practices.
  • Vintage Engines additions help put newer technologies in historical perspective by offering interesting facts about older technologies while separating them from the core text, along with accompanying photographs.

Product Benefits


Features & Benefits

  • A robust package of instructor resources makes it easier to integrate the text within your course; highlights include PowerPoint® presentations, lesson plans, customizable lab sheets incorporating ASE Education Foundation Standards, and a test bank featuring abundant questions based on chapter content.
  • Special features throughout the text help support effective learning and career preparation, including images of failed and worn parts to help users prevent recurring problems, information on repairing and restoring high-performance sports cars, and tips from experienced professionals on shop practices and engine machining.
  • Compelling case histories provide real-world examples to illustrate key concepts and techniques, helping users appreciate the practical applications of text material and think critically about using their knowledge and skills in a variety of professional scenarios.
  • The author emphasizes repair techniques universal to all engines, covering fundamental principles and practices to prepare users for career success in independent repair shops, parts and machine shops, auto dealerships, and other settings.
  • Includes ASE-style engine practice test questions and explanations in the back of the book that will help readers to effectively prepare for the ASE Certification Exam.

Table of Contents


  • Engine Operation.
    Simple Engine. Four-Stroke Engine Operation. Cylinder Arrangement. Valve Train. Cylinder Block. Front-Wheel Drive. Engine Classifications. Combustion Chamber Designs. Firing Order. Types of Cooling Systems. Ignition Types. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Engine Shop Safety.
    General Shop Health and Safety. Hazardous Materials. Safety Test.
  • Diagnosing Engine Problems.
    Diagnosing Problems Before an Overhaul. Oil Consumption. Fuel Mixture Problems. Compression Loss. Engine Noises. Oil Pressure Problems. Cooling System Problems. Electronic Failures/Engine Damage. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Engine Removal, Disassembly, Inspection, and In-Chassis Repairs.
    Shop Manuals. Engine Removal. Engine Disassembly. Ordering Parts. Major Engine Repair - Engine in the Vehicle. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Cleaning the Engine.
    Cleaning Methods. Cleaning the Inside of the Engine. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Measuring. Metric System.
    Measuring Tools. Precision Measuring Tools. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Cylinder Head: Parts and Service.
    Head Disassembly. Carbon Removal. Crack Inspection. Crack Repair. Valve Guide Inspection. Valve Guide Repair. Valve Guide Seals. Resurfacing Heads. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Cylinder Head: Springs, Valves, and Valve Seats.
    Valve Springs. Push Rods. Rocker Arms. Valves and Valve Service. Valve Seats and Service. Reassembling the Head. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Camshafts, Lifters, Timing Belts, and Chains.
    Camshaft. Hydraulic Lifters and Lash Adjusters. Hydraulic Lifter Operation. Roller Cam and Lifters. Cam Drives. Timing Drive Maintenance. Timing the Cam to the Crank. Timing Belts. Timing Belt Replacement. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Cylinder Block - Inspection and Service.
    Cleaning the Block. Oil and Water Plugs. Main Bearing Caps. Main Bearing Bore Alignment. Decking the Block. Inspecting Cylinder Bores. Deglazing Cylinders. Reboring Cylinders. Honing Cylinders to Size. Chamfering the Cylinder. Cylinder Sleeves. Lifter Bores. Final Block Preparation. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Crankshaft, Bearings, and Engine Balancing.
    Crankshaft Design. Crank End Thrust. Checking Crank Condition. Bearing Inserts. Engine Balancing. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Pistons. Piston Rings. Connecting Rods.
    Pistons. Piston Rings. Connecting Rods. Wrist Pins. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Lubrication System.
    The Lubrication System. Oil. Oil Pumps. Priming the System. Oil Filters. Filter Bypass System. Crankcase Ventilation. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Cooling System.
    The Cooling System. Cooling System Circulation. Water Pump. Belts. Thermostat. Thermostat Bypass. Radiators. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Engine Hardware: Fasteners, Thread Repair, And Gaskets.
    Characteristics of Fasteners. Bolt Stretch. Torque and Friction. Bolt Failures. Drill Bits. Taps and Threads. Repairing Broken Fasteners. Flared Lines. Gaskets. Gasket Sealer. Seals. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Reassembly And Starting.
    Warranty. Reassembly. Completion of Assembly. Engine Installation. Engine Starting and Initial Break-in of the Camshaft. Final Inspection and Cleaning. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Engine Breathing: Intake And Exhaust Systems.
    Intake and Exhaust Manifolds. Engine Modifications to Improve Air Flow. High-Performance Valves and Valve Springs. Exhaust Manifolds and Headers. Mufflers. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Turbochargers And Superchargers.
    Supercharging and Engine Power. Turbochargers. Turbo Boost and Lag. Supercharger Pressure Control. Variable Geometry Turbochargers. Aftercooler/Intercooler. Turbocharger Troubleshooting. Turbocharger Damage Diagnosis. Belt-driven Superchargers/ Blowers. Pressure Relief Valves. Dynamic Superchargers. Blower Problems. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.
  • Producing Power: Valve Timing, Power And Torque Measurement.
    Camshaft and Engine Performance. Checking Camshaft Timing. Camshaft Phasing, Lobe Centers, and Lobe Spread. Variable Valve Timing. Active Fuel Management/Displacement on Demand. Power and Torque. Measuring Torque and Horsepower. Dynamometer Safety Concerns. Study Questions. ASE-Style Review Questions.