Monday, March 18, 2024 Detailed Topic by Category
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Engines



Symptoms of a Blown Head Gasket

A blown head gasket may cause a number of different symptoms. Coolant in the engine oil, an engine misfire or oil leaking from the engine could all be a symptom. Each of these symptoms could also have other causes and an actual blown head gasket may show none of the above symptoms.



The Importance of The Harmonic Balancer

An often overlooked part of an engine is the harmonic balancer. Failure in the harmonic balancer can be as simple as a squeaking noise or as catastrophic as an engine failure. Proper service procedures and learning to spot symptoms helps prevent most problems the harmonic balancer may cause.



Valve Cover Gaskets

Modern automotive engines use an overhead valve design. Valves require lubrication which allows an opportunity for leakage. Valve cover gaskets help to keep the engine oil where it belongs and prevent leaks.



When Should I Replace MyTiming Belt?

Many people are confused by a timing belt. Not every engine has one, but those that do require replacement at a specific mileage or time interval. Timing belts offer a number of advantages, such as light weight and precise timing over their lives. The timing belt is also far less affected by lubrication problems than a chain or gear drive. Like any piece of rubber, a timing belt will deteriorate in time. To know if your engine has a timing belt, it is best to refer to the owner's manual or ask to a trusted professional.



Replacing An Engine II

When an engine is no longer serviceable, we have several options for a replacement. Some vehicle makers sell remanufactured engines, for their vehicles. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have remanufacturing programs.



Replacing An Engine I

Engines need replacement for several reasons and engine replacement is always costly. It also brings the question, is the vehicle worth repairing? The answer depends on the circumstances, but several things may help guide the buyer.



How to Adjust Engine Idle Speed

We lift our foot from the accelerator and the engine stops running. A likely cause is a failure of the engine to idle. How do we adjust the engine idle speed to correct the problem? The answer is a bit more complex than most folks realize.



Coolant in engine oil

Few things are more damaging to an engine than coolant mixing with the oil. Coolant can enter the oil by many avenues and is very hard to find, until it is too late.



Timing Chain Problems II

As a timing chain wears and gets longer, the camshaft starts to lag behind the crankshaft. We call this problem retarding the camshaft timing. An engine with retarded camshaft timing has lower performance and fuel economy.



Timing Chain Problems I

With all automobile engines, the camshaft and crankshaft must rotate in precise synchronization. Early engines used timing chains or gears. Later designs use a timing belt. Today the timing chain is back, and it is not without problems.



Fuel Pressure Tests for Hard Start

Extended cranking time, or a hard start is a common problem with modern vehicles. Most times the problem is with the fuel system and often it is NOT the fuel pump. Learning how to test this problem can save an expensive mistake.



GM Engine Oil Leaks

Recent model General Motors engines have more than their share of oil leaks. The Generation III and IV V-8 engines are notorious for oil spots. A little known technical service bulletin sheds some light on one issue.



Do I Need High Octane Gas

People often buy vehicles that specify premium fuel only, and later would like to save by using a lower-grade fuel. The term octane is a very misunderstood, and a great deal of misinformation is around. Is it really necessary to use the high-octane fuel in a vehicle that specifies it?



Direct Injection, Yes or No

The idea of direct injection, for gasoline engines, has been around for quite a while. Many newer vehicles offer it and marketing states it is the wave of the future. Direct injection offers greatly increased performance, but not without a cost.



How to Test Engine Compression

Doctors use many tests to check an individual’s health.  A thermometer can show a fever, but lack of a temperature does not necessarily mean good health.  The same is true with automobiles.  The lack of diagnostic trouble codes does not mean the engine is healthy.  A cylinder compression test can give much useful information.



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