Engines 1 – Fundamentals

Engines 1 – Fundamentals is an entry-level course designed to introduce the essential concepts behind internal combustion engines and how they are lubricated. From understanding the combustion cycle to the complexity of modern lubrication systems, this course lays the groundwork for anyone involved in engine maintenance, oil formulation, or technical support.

You’ll explore how engines function, how lubrication systems work to protect moving parts, and what makes engine lubrication one of the most technically demanding applications in tribology. The course also dives into how engine oils are formulated and blended—unpacking the critical role of base oils, viscosity modifiers, detergents, dispersants, and more. Finally, you’ll learn the importance of base oil interchange and its role in maintaining performance consistency across formulations.

Whether you’re in technical sales, reliability, product development, or just starting in the industry, this course will give you the essential background needed to understand and support engine lubrication.

By completing this course, you’ll be able to:

Explain the basic operating principles of internal combustion engines
Describe how engine lubrication systems work and their key components
Understand how engine oils are formulated to manage wear, deposits, and oxidation
Recognize the role of base oils and additive packages in oil performance
Identify key considerations in blending and base oil interchange

Related

100% Positive Reviews

5000 Students

5 Modules

1.5h

Course Syllabus

Internal Combustion Basics
Engine Lubrication System
Engine Lubrication
Engine Oil Formulation
Blending & Base Oil Interchange

Who is this course for?

Condition Monitoring Technicians
Laboratory Analysts
Lubrication Engineers
Industrial Lubricants Salespeople
Reliability Engineers
Rotating Equipment Engineers

Meet the expert

Rafe Britton

Formulation, Marketing, Oil Analysis

Australia

Rafe Britton, the Lubrication Expert, is known within the industry for his YouTube channel and podcast, and works with mid-size industrials improve their equipment uptime while reducing the cost of their lubrication program. He is a mechanical engineer with 13 years of experience on both sides of the industry; both as an operator, and lubricant supplier. Rafe holds a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and a Bachelor of Physics from UNSW.

$50.00/ month

+50 Lubrication courses

Snapshot

Courses you might be also interested in

VIM & VPR

A course by Rafe Britton

This course aligns with the ICML VIM and VPR curriculum, focusing on varnish identification, measurement, prevention, and removal. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of varnish formation mechanisms, key detection methods, and strategies to prevent and mitigate varnish buildup. The course covers advanced techniques for monitoring varnish-prone systems and selecting effective removal technologies. Ideal for lubrication professionals, this training equips attendees with the tools to enhance equipment reliability and extend lubricant life.

START COURSE

Turbines 6A – Aeroderivative Oil Monitoring

Understand how to monitor and manage ester-based jet oils in aeroderivative turbines, using lab diagnostics and degradation insights to prevent failure and extend oil life. Ideal for reliability engineers and analysts in power generation and aviation-based systems.

Turbines 6 – Aeroderivative Turbine Oils

Explore the history, chemistry, and functional requirements of jet oils used in aeroderivative gas turbines. A must-have course for engineers, formulators, and maintenance professionals working with high-performance synthetic lubrica

Turbines 4B – Gas Turbine Oil Analysis

A course by Rafe Britton

Learn the critical oil analysis tests used to monitor gas turbine performance, detect early signs of oil degradation, and extend equipment life. Perfect for reliability engineers, analysts, and maintenance professionals in power generation and heavy industry.

Degradation 5 – Electro Static Discharge

Explore how electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs in lubricating systems, how it damages components, and what can be done to prevent it. A must-have course for reliability and maintenance professionals working with turbine and hydraulic systems.

Turbines 4 – Gas Turbine Lubrication

Master the fundamentals of gas turbine lubrication systems, oil properties, and formulation strategies. Designed for engineers, operators, and maintenance professionals working in power generation and industrial turbine applications.

Degradation 6 – Varnish

Understand the complete varnish formation cycle—from oxidation to agglomeration—and learn how varnish affects equipment reliability. A must-have course for reliability engineers, analysts, and lubrication specialists.

Contamination Control 3 – Water

Gain a complete understanding of water contamination in lubricants—where it comes from, how it behaves, and how to measure and manage it. Essential for maintenance, reliability, and oil analysis professionals.

Private training tailored for your needs

ICML and STLE certification. Or send us your site issues and data so we can build a custom program.