Auto Mechanics
Auto Mechanics was first offered in 1992 and last revised in 2001.
It was preceeded by Automobiling (1911-1963) and Automobile Safety (1962-74).
Requirements | Counselors |
Worksheets, Aids & Resources | Earned By |
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Requirements
NOTE: Access to an automobile or truck (with an 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 this equipment, tools, and/or clothing (when
needed or called for) in meeting the requirements for this merit badge.
- Explain how an internal combustion engine operates and the difference between gasoline
and diesel engines.
- Demonstrate your 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 car 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 tires. Do 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
change a tire correctly. |
-
- 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 caster, camber, 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 the 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:
a. Diagram and explain the parts of the electrical system.
b. Explain the cylinder engine sequence.
c. 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.)
d. Demonstrate how to connect jumper cables on your battery properly. Explain how to
jump-start a vehicle.
e. Explain the difference between electronic and points 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 disc and drum systems.
- Demonstrate checking conditions of a vehicle brake system. After checking, make recommendations for repairs (if necessary).
- Explain the purpose, importance, and limitations of passive restraints.
Troop Merit Badge Counselors
The following individuals are merit badge counselors for
Auto Mechanics.
Their e-mail addresses and phone numbers are in the Troop Directory.
Ed Lowe
Kevin Melody
Al Willen
Worksheets & Resources
The merit badge pamphlet was last revised in 2001.
The following worksheets can be downloaded from MeritBadge.com, and are highly recommended as tools for organizing your
work on this merit badge:
Worksheet in Acrobat .pdf format or in
Microsoft Word .doc format
Currently no counselor has posted any links, hints, or resource material for this
merit badge
Scouts Earning Auto Mechanics
No Scouts currently in Troop 240 have earned this merit badge.
Requirements | Counselors |
Worksheets, Aids & Resources | Earned By |
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Last Updated: December 1, 2004
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