Course on Lubrication Systems in Heavy-Duty Engines
Online 300-hour course on lubrication systems in heavy-duty engines. 6 modules covering API CK-4 (heavy-duty diesel engine oils), ACEA E11 (heavy-duty diesel engine oils) and SAP PM. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course on Lubrication Systems in Heavy-Duty Engines — studying from South Africa
Mining, agriculture and construction make off-road and specialised machinery central to South Africa's economy. Mining equipment manufacturers and service providers support the country's extensive gold, platinum and coal operations, while agricultural machinery serves commercial farming. Engineers working on heavy vehicles and special machines focus on hydraulics, drivetrains and durability under harsh conditions. The South African Bureau of Standards and the Mine Health and Safety Council set relevant standards and safety requirements.
Fees for South Africa: R 12 000 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by any South African body. Engineering registration is handled by ECSA, and machinery safety standards are linked to SABS and the Department of Employment and Labour's regulations. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by employers or the relevant body, so confirm this with them before you enrol.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in off-road and special vehicles?
Mining, agriculture, construction and vehicle-conversion firms value practical machinery knowledge and proven problem-solving. A private qualification can support your application, especially with hands-on experience, but it carries no official status. Its weight depends on each employer, so ask potential employers in your field how they would view it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
The programme is 100% online and in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Master's programmes take 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. Each student has an assigned technical tutor, fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Check time-zone and workload expectations with SEIUM directly.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the functions of lubrication in a heavy-duty diesel engine.
Identify the components of the lubrication circuit and how they work.
Select oil according to API and ACEA specifications and viscosity grade.
Design an oil analysis programme and set alarm limits.
Diagnose dilution, contamination and wear from oil analysis results.
Optimise oil change intervals using technical and economic criteria.
Develop a lubrication plan for a fleet of heavy-duty engines.
Who it's for
- Lubrication technician wishing to specialise in Lubrication Systems in Heavy-Duty Engines.
- In-service oil analyst wishing to specialise in Lubrication Systems in Heavy-Duty Engines.
- Fleet maintenance manager wishing to specialise in Lubrication Systems in Heavy-Duty Engines.
- Heavy-duty engine mechanic wishing to specialise in Lubrication Systems in Heavy-Duty Engines.
- Reliability engineer wishing to specialise in Lubrication Systems in Heavy-Duty Engines.
- Technical lubricants adviser wishing to specialise in Lubrication Systems in Heavy-Duty Engines.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter the mining sector.
What you'll work with
- API CK-4 (heavy-duty diesel engine oils)
- ACEA E11 (heavy-duty diesel engine oils)
- SAE J300 (engine oil viscosity classification)
- ASTM D445 (kinematic viscosity)
- ASTM D2896 (base number, TBN)
- ASTM D5185 (wear metals by ICP-AES)
- ISO 4406 (fluid cleanliness code)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Functions of oil: lubricate, cool, clean and protect1.2Lubrication regimes in the bearings1.3Hydrodynamic film and its thickness1.4Critical areas: crankshaft, connecting rods, camshaft and turbo1.5Complete lubrication circuit1.6Flow rates and working pressures1.7Consequences of pressure loss1.8Relationship between lubrication and engine life1.9Terminology and specifications1.10Workshop: tracing the circuit of an engine
2.1Oil pump and its drive2.2Pressure regulating valve2.3Full-flow and bypass filters2.4Oil cooler and thermostat2.5Ducts, galleries and cooling jets2.6Sump, level and breathers2.7Pressure and temperature sensors2.8Pre-lubrication at start-up2.9Crankcase gas separator2.10Practice: identifying components and their functions
3.1Viscosity and multigrade oils3.2Quality classifications and how to read them3.3Additives: detergents, anti-wear agents and antioxidants3.4Synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral oils3.5Engine manufacturer specifications3.6Compatibility with exhaust aftertreatment3.7Low-ash oils3.8Oils for extreme climates3.9Risks of using an unsuitable oil3.10Practice: selecting oil for three engines
4.1Correct sampling4.2Physico-chemical parameters and their interpretation4.3Wear particles and their origin4.4Contamination by fuel, water and coolant4.5Soot and its effect on viscosity4.6Alkaline reserve and oxidation4.7Trends and alarm values4.8Extending intervals based on analysis4.9Decisions based on the report4.10Practice: interpreting three reports
5.1Low pressure: causes and checks5.2High pressure and its consequences5.3Excessive oil consumption and locating it5.4Fuel dilution and its causes5.5Coolant entering the oil5.6Oil overheating5.7Bearing noise and incipient damage5.8External leaks and their repair5.9Diagnosis after seizure5.10Practice: guided diagnosis of three cases
6.1Change intervals and their justification6.2Change procedure and precautions6.3Used oil management and regulations6.4Storage and handling of new oil6.5Workshop contamination and its prevention6.6Cost of oil versus cost of failure6.7Training of maintenance staff6.8Common lubrication errors6.9Maintenance records and traceability6.10Final project: lubrication plan for a fleet
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SAP PM, Power BI, Advanced Excel, Python (pandas), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for in-service oil sampling, interpretation of oil analysis laboratory reports, and inspection of the lubrication circuit. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the functions of lubrication in a heavy-duty diesel engine.
Identify the components of the lubrication circuit and how they work.
Select oil according to API and ACEA specifications and viscosity grade.
Design an oil analysis programme and set alarm limits.
Diagnose dilution, contamination and wear from oil analysis results.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 300 total hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That averages between 10 and 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with SAP PM, Power BI, Advanced Excel, Python (pandas). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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