Diagnosing Car Engine Problems

[Desmond Hutchins]

Maintaining your car engine is vital for ensuring that your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. However, over time, even the most well-maintained engines can develop issues. In this article, we will discuss common engine problems and provide tips on how to diagnose and fix them.

Our guide is designed to help you identify and solve engine troubles quickly and easily. By following our step-by-step approach, you can save money on costly repairs and keep your car running at its best.

After diagnosing common engine problems, you may be wondering if you should attempt to fix them yourself or if you should take your car to a professional. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between DIY and professional repairs:

The benefit of DIY repairs is that they can save you money, and they can be a source of pride and accomplishment. DIY repairs can be done with basic tools and can be straightforward, depending on the difficulty of the repair. DIY repairs are best suited when there are clear and simple solutions to common engine problems, such as changing a dirty air filter or replacing faulty spark plugs.

If you lack confidence in your mechanical skills or the repair is intricate, it is wise to seek assistance from a professional mechanic. They have the experience, tools, and knowledge to accurately diagnose the problem and fix it as quickly as possible. Some engine problems can be caused by complex interactions of several different engine systems, and in these cases, professional repairs are the safest choice. Plus, if the repair requires specialized tools or parts, a professional mechanic will likely have easier access to them.

Dirty or worn-out spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire or run roughly. To replace them, all you need is a spark plug socket and a spark plug gap tool. Simply remove the old spark plugs with the socket, check the gap on the new spark plugs with a gap tool, and install the new plugs in the engine.

Old engine oil can become contaminated and lose its effectiveness over time. By changing the oil and oil filter, you can protect the engine from excessive wear and tear. Drain the old oil into a pan, change the oil filter, and refill the engine with clean oil to the proper level.

In this article, we have explored some of the most common engine problems and how to diagnose and fix them. From checking the battery and spark plugs to changing oil and filters, we have provided you with a step-by-step guide to help you keep your car running smoothly.

Remember that by identifying and fixing small engine problems promptly, you can prevent significant engine damage and costly repairs down the road. With a little vigilance and a willingness to tackle some of the more straightforward repairs, you can become a more confident and self-reliant car owner.

HEART stands for Helping Everyone Achieve Reliable Transportation. This acronym encompasses our mission, values and culture. Our name reflects who we are: a transparent, experienced auto shop at the HEART of the community with a sincere passion for our customers and our employees.

Diagnosing car problems can be complicated

Your automobile is likely the most complex piece of machinery that you own. Having been an automotive technician for over 45 years now, I feel as if I know less than ever about cars, but I am much wiser.

Just about all vehicles have some poor engineering and/or assembly, which I called patterned failures. Most manufactures of vehicles have more than 500 different suppliers and costs are always a factor.

Monitor the temperature gauge while driving. Overheating an engine causes major engine damage. Never check the coolant on a hot engine, opening the cap could cause the coolant to boil causing a major geyser, burning the people around.

Keeping the windshield clean on both sides increases vision. As the hot sun hits the interior of your vehicle, some gases are released which settles on the inside of the windshield, bugs and other debris on the outside accumulate when driving. When driving into the sun, these can dramatically reduce vision.

The Leak Down Test was something new to me and I have to say that it is a fantastic diagnostic tool. It can tell you where the pressure is leaking from within an engine cylinder and therefore where your issue is.
Read my How To: Leak Down Test for a detailed description of what is involved.

I was pretty sure that I had identified the problem, but whilst I was at it, I might as well continue through the other tests that I had lined up.
Sealey Vse2020 Cylinder Leakage Tester 2- ...60.95PARKER 24 Litre Air Compressor - 9.6 CFM, ...126.49

Following the compression test on my engine, there was Zero compression on number 2 cylinder. The other 3 cylinders were fine with good compression and consistency between readings
Gunson G4101 Hi-Gauge Compression Tester45.67Sealey Ct955 Petrol Engine Compression Te ...37.45Draper 37442 Compression Tester (14X18mm)Currently Unavailable

On the intake stroke, the piston acts as a suction pump to draw in the fuel/air mixture. This suction causes the pressure in the inlet manifold to drop as compared to atmospheric pressure. It is the amount and consistency of this pressure drop that you measure with your vacuum gauge.

The various readings can indicate leaking manifold or manifold gasket; worn rings; worn, burnt or sticking valves; leaking head gasket or problems with valve timing and ignition timing.
Gunson G4103 Lo Gauge Vacuum Tester29.16Draper 59075 Vacuum and Fuel Pump TesterCurrently Unavailable

In my case, I felt the feintest of movement on number 1 piston. I am happy that it is not the cause of the problems for my engine but it will definitely need further investigation during a strip down and rebuild.

I am now confident that I know what the problem is; number 2 cylinder inlet valve jammed open. That could explain the tapping noise that accompanied it. Possibly the cam slapping the tappet or the piston hitting the valve (I hope not)

So, having identified the problem, I have decided to have a go at a full rebuild myself. I have rebuilt a number of A Series engines over the years but they are virtually bomb-proof in comparison to the Lotus Twin Cam.

You can use the above tests to identify, or at least, narrow down suspected issues with your engine. I particularly like the leak down test because of the clarity of information that it provides. A compression test every year will give you a good view of whether your engine is deteriorating over time.

WARNING: Always read the engine and equipment manual(s) before starting, operating, or servicing your engine or equipment to avoid personal injury or property damage. See an authorized dealer or contact Briggs & Stratton if you are unsure of any procedure or have additional questions. Find all Engine Safety Warnings

Carburetor Problems Cause Mower Engines Not To StartThe carburetor regulates how air and fuel move through the engine to power your equipment. If it is dirty, that can cause poor engine performance or starting problems.

Air-fuel compression is crucial to engines powering lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment. The compressions system is made up of valves, piston, cylinders and rings that control how the air and fuel vapors move through the engine. Valves let air in (the intake valve) and out (the exhaust valve), pistons move back and forth pushing the air-fuel mixture to the ignition system and the piston rings keep it all sealed up tight.

Is your fuel fresh?
Stale, untreated gas begins to break down after about a month. Drain the gas from your lawn mower our outdoor power equipment, then replace with fresh gas and fuel stabilizer to extend the life of your fuel.

Is your oil fresh?
Check your oil level and appearance every time you use your engine while it is cold. Your oil needs to be changed every 25 hours of use or season. (See Checking and Changing Mower Oil)

Does the combustion chamber contain excess carbon?
Carbon deposits can form on your combustion chamber. If you see any, simply clean carbon from the piston and head (see Removing Engine Carbon Deposits).

Engine failure, especially out of the blue, can be scary. It can put a wrench in your plans if driving somewhere important and depending on the problem, can be expensive to fix. Thankfully, there are lots of warning signs that can signal you when your engine is about to fail.

It is good to know how to recognize whether your engine is failing, and may be useful to you and the mechanic at your local Salt Lake City auto repair shop if you have an idea of where the problem is coming from. That way you can both get the problem fixed quickly. Here are some ways to find out if your engine is showing signs of failure.

This light is the most obvious clue. It is usually located behind the steering column. When the check engine light turns on, it communicates that you could have any of a range of problems, including engine problems. If the light blinks you may want to be more concerned. Regardless of how the problem presents itself, though, you will want to get it checked immediately as this will quickly diagnose the problem along with other possible trouble.

If the engine is overheating often then it is about time that you get it checked. Running on an overheated engine will cause lots of problems, including a warped cylinder causing coolant to leak. This can cause white exhaust smoke, another sign that you may want to look into.

Gas-powered vehicles convert gasoline into power using four separate strokes in a combustion cycle within the internal combustion engine. Moving through these strokes makes the vehicle move. If you can feel a significant loss in power when your vehicle runs there could be an interruption in one of these strokes during the combustion process.

If you notice excessive vibrations in the engine, then there may be a problem with a faulty spark plug. Faulty spark plugs will make the engine misfire and cause vibrations. This can be fixed by replacing the spark plug but could lead to additional engine damage if left unchecked.

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