What You Should Know About Engine Repair

Engine repair involves taking apart the internal components of a vehicle’s engine. It includes everything from replacing spark plugs to reboring cylinders.

Excessive exhaust smoke is one clear sign that your engine needs repairs. White or blue exhaust smoke indicates coolant leaks; black smoke implies that your engine is running too hard and using too much fuel. More by clicking here.

Crankshaft

Located in the engine, the crankshaft transforms the linear movement of the pistons into rotary motion. It does this in conjunction with the connecting rods that transfer the pistons’ up and down movements to it.

The main journal and the connecting rod journals are lubricated by oil. If the oil seal fails, dry friction will damage both of these critical components.

Cylinder Heads

The cylinder heads sit on top of the engine block and cover the cylinders. They have to withstand huge pressures and high temperatures while being sealed by a head gasket.

They open and close the intake and exhaust valves to create combustion. They also contain oil ports and fuel injectors. They are usually made of aluminum because it is lighter and dissipate heat quicker than cast iron.

Cylinder Block

The cylinder block houses the cylinders and the crankcase portion of the engine. It can be made from cast iron or aluminum alloy.

In cast iron blocks, the cylinders are machined directly into the block. Aluminum alloy blocks often use harder metal cylinder liners to reduce wear. The top surface of the cylinder block is called the deck. It is machined perfectly flat to mate with the head of the cylinder.

Pistons

Your car’s pistons convert linear motion from the cylinders into circular motion that powers the crankshaft and drives your vehicle’s wheels. They must be solid enough to withstand extreme heat and force, but lightweight for rapid movement.

If you hear knocking sounds or notice a loss in power, it may be due to faulty pistons. Replacing them will help restore your engine to full functionality.

Piston Rings

The piston rings seal the combustion chamber, keeping pressurized combustion gases in and oil out. They also regulate oil consumption.

If your vehicle is leaking oil or your engine performs poorly, you may have worn piston rings. Your mechanic can help you replace them. Be sure to use a piston ring expander when removing the old ones. You don’t want to scratch or damage the pistons or cylinder walls.

Valve Guides

The valve guide is a cylindrical piece of metal pressed or cast into the cylinder head to positively locate a poppet valve. It also dissipates the heat generated by valve rod friction and supports the side-friction efforts of the valve stem as it moves.

Valve guides are available in bronze and iron alloys. It is best to replace them on a bench instead of trying to do it with the head still on the engine, as you are likely to drop bits of metal into the cylinder.

Valve Seats

Valve seats are a critical element of compression gas sealing, heat transfer, and valvetrain durability. If a seat shows signs of cracking, receding, or being loose and requires replacement it can affect engine power and fuel economy. Seat counterbores must be sized properly with adequate interference and concentricity with the guides.

A cleaning oven can sometimes work to loosen a stuck seat, but extreme care must be taken not to damage the valve seat counterbore.

Water Pump

The water pump is the heart of your car’s cooling system. It pumps coolant through the radiator to the engine and back again.

The water pump’s housing houses a metal or plastic impeller that spins and distributes the coolant at a rate determined by engine RPMs. If your vehicle is leaking coolant, it’s likely because the water pump needs to be replaced.

Oil Pump

The oil pump circulates the engine oil to keep the moving metal parts lubricated. It does this by sucking up the oil from the pan through a pipe (called the pickup tube) and a screen that keeps out large debris.

The pump has a sprung ball-type bypass valve that regulates maximum pressure. Low oil pressure can cause tapping or rattling noise from hydraulic lifters and bearings starved of their protective oil.

Oil Filter

An oil filter is a little component the size of a tin of beans that helps keep your engine clean and lubricated. The filter catches contaminants like dirt and minuscule metal shavings, which would otherwise cause friction between moving parts.

A filter has a tapping plate with holes on the outskirts, a center hole for oil to enter, and a threaded end for attaching it to your engine. Check this helpful information.