Program:

Teacher(s):
Lesson Title:
Tasks/Compete
ncies Covered:

Automotive Technology
Mike Faryniak
Performing Cylinder Compression Tests
709 Performing cylinder compression tests; determine necessary action

1. Objectives:

Given lecture, instructor modeling and video demonstration on performing

a cylinder compression test students will be able to properly conduct a
cylinder compression test with 90% accuracy compared to instructors
previous readings.

2. Materials,
Resources and
Technologies:

Computer
Projector
You Tube
Cylinder Compression Task Sheet
2 Column Notes

Technology
examples include:
PowerPoint, Turning
Point, Wikis, Blogs,
Overheads, Software

Computer
Projector
You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lX-YGvby8Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovvXnd7AhiU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W0kQeTvURU

Commercially
Developed Curriculum
(Refer to text,
publisher, section # &
page #)
List Tools &
Equipment

Click here to enter text.

Other

Shop Vehicles
Compression Gauges
Hand Tools
Click here to enter text.

3.
Introduction:

Why does an engine need compression in order to operate?

How do we tell if the engine has enough compression to operate properly?
These are some questions that we will be learning the answers to in this
lesson. We will talk about what compression does and understand why it is
needed for an engine to operate. We will also be able to determine how
much compression an engine has and if the engine has the required
compression to operate properly.

4.. Lesson
Body and
Activities:

Student Centered: Students in the classroom will be using 2 column notes as

guided by instructor. During the video students will complete a series of events
worksheet. Students in the shop will be using a compression gauge to check the
cylinder compression on shop vehicles.
Modeling: Instructor will demonstrate how to remove a spark plug, install a
compression gauge and test compression.
Direct Instruction: Instructor will identify key points during testing such as
making sure gauge is tightly sealed in the cylinder, the proper adapter is used,
and wet vs dry compression testing in order to verify results.
What is the main purpose of a compression test?
If you suspected an engine had low compression what steps would you do?
Literacy Strategy: 2 column note taking and series of events worksheet
Numeracy Application: Students will be recording number readings from the
compression gauge for each cylinder, the students will then have to determine the
maximum difference between the readings and convert that result to percentage

Aug 2012

to compare to manufacturers specifications.

Guided Practice: Students will be grouped into teams of two, assigned a shop
vehicle and must conduct a compression test on each cylinder of the vehicle. The
results will be recorded on the compression test task sheet which will be filled out
with 100% accuracy.
Check for Understanding: Q&A discussion before we enter shop to make sure
students understand the task and its correct procedure. Q&A after tasks have
been completed to compare and contrast results between the different readings
of each team.

5. Summary:

How does compression relate to the running and performance of an engine?

When would you justify using a compression test on an engine would you
do it on every car?
What kind of facts can we compile about doing a compression test?
In conclusion the students will understand why the engine needs
compression to operate properly, what compression does for the engine
and how to test the compression to determine in the engine compression is
within manufacturer specifications.

6. Assessment of
Knowledge and/or
skill attainment:
Quiz/ Test
Practice (lab
activities)
Worksheet/Workbo
ok/ Diagrams,
Packets
Homework/
Reports/Project
Rubrics,
Competency
Checklist/ Checkoff Sheets
Math Common
Core Statement(s)
and #
Reading Common
Core Statement(s)
and #
Science-Common
Core Statement(s)
and #
NOCTI Skill
Statement(s)

7.
Timeframe
Aug 2012

Describe each item and insert hyperlinks where applicable.

Click here to enter text.
Compression test quiz
Students will be grouped into teams of two, assigned a shop vehicle
and must conduct a compression test on each cylinder of the
vehicle. The results will be recorded on the compression test task
sheet which will be filled out with 100% accuracy.

Click here to enter text.

Compression test task sheet

M5.A.2.1.1: Solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole
numbers (multipliers up to 2 digits divisors one digit) and decimals including money (answer
through hundredths no divisors with decimals).

Click here to enter text.

Click here to enter text.
709 Diagnose general engine drivability concerns

Estimate the amount of hours/days/weeks it takes to complete this

lesson:

Hour
s

If this skill or task is repeated on a regular basis, indicate frequency:

Daily

Weekl
y

Monthl
y

Other:

8.
Special Needs Adaptations and/or Accommodations may include slower
Notes/Reflection explanations, have pictured handouts that student can write notes on
:
during lecture, one on one time with a student, or possibly pairing a
student with a more advanced student.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Adaptations and/or Accommodations
may include having pictured handouts with complete explanations and
pictures, pairing student with another student who is versed in that
language, or using ESL staff to assist in helping student.

Compression Test Task Sheet

Name(s) ____________________________________________________
Vehicle:
Year ____________
Make ____________________
Model ____________________
Engine ____________________
Manufacturer compression specifications
_____________________________________________________________
Cylinder 1 ________________
Cylinder 2 ________________
Cylinder 3 ________________
Cylinder 4 ________________
Cylinder 5 ________________
Cylinder 6 ________________
Cylinder 7 ________________
Cylinder 8 ________________
Highest Cylinder ________________
Aug 2012

Lowest Cylinder ________________

Difference in PSI _______________
Difference in PSI(%) ________________
Does this engine meet manufacturer specifications? YES

NO

Compression Test Quiz

Name _________________________

1. Why does a vehicle need compression to operate?

_______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
2. When doing a compression test how should the throttle be positioned?
______________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Technician A states that compression results may vary with a big difference in altitude.
Technician B states that the adapter must properly seal in the spark plug hole in order
to get a correct reading. Who is correct?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Technician A
Technician B
Both technician A and B
Neither technician A or B

4. When working with a partner who is cranking the engine name 2 safety items we
discussed in class when watching the compression gauge.
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________

Aug 2012

5. Technician A states that you cannot crank too long or the engine may start. Technician
B states that you should crank for 2-3 seconds to make sure you have the proper
reading. Who is correct?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Technician A
Technician B
Both technician A and B
Neither technician A or B

There are three different videos that I will be using for this lesson. Each video points
out great information and all three videos together cover a great array of information from
different angles. The first video shows a high performance engine, which will be a good
attention getter for the students. The second video has a gentleman who shows a lot of
enthusiasm and keeps interest plus the video starts with a motorcycle revving its engine. The
third video will only be used for the last scene which is a close up of the gauge and what to
expect the gauge to do when cranking the engine.

Aug 2012

Aug 2012

Series of Events
(List below in order steps to compression test a vehicle)

Aug 2012