CAR CARE - TIPS AND TRICKS

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Engine Fault Finding Tips

As with any fault finding procedure, knowing where to start is half the battle - Please don’t overlook the obvious. Major sudden failures are rare and are often the result of an underlying problem that has been left unchecked. Components that do fail suddenly are often easily rectified.

Engine will not turn when attempting to start
Battery terminals corroded, and or poor connections, faulty battery or discharged - Faulty connection/s in starter circuit - Faulty starter solenoid - Faulty starter motor - Earth strap to engine loose or corroded.

Engine turns, but will not start
Fuel tank empty - Battery condition (see above) - Air filter clogged - Poor cylinder compression - Timing belt broken - Ignition system damp or wiring fault - Faulty spark plugs - Choke incorrectly adjusted or worn - Fuel line fault, or fuel pump

Noisy starter motor
Starter motor mounting bolts loose - Internal damage to starter motor - Flywheel teeth damaged

Engine starts, but then cuts out
Ignition system wiring fault - Faulty fuel injectors - Tappet settings incorrect - Uneven cylinder compression - Fuel line or fuel pump faulty - Idle speed incorrect adjustment - Choke mechanism faulty or incorrectly adjusted - Blocked carburetor jets - Vacuum leak inlet manifold or carburetor hoses

Uneven engine idle speed
Incorrect setting for idle speed - Air filter blocked - Fuel system air-locked - Incorrect tappet adjustment - Faulty spark plugs - Vacuum leaks, as above - Carburetor jets blocked - Low or uneven cylinder compression - Timing belt incorrectly adjusted - Camshaft lobes worn - Faulty fuel injectors

Engine misfires
Distributor cap faulty - Faulty fuel lines, pump, injectors - Incorrect tappet adjustment - Cylinder compression low or uneven - Vacuum leaks as above - Fuel filter clogged - Fuel tank vent blocked - Faulty HT lead

Engine stalls
As above

Engine lacks power
As above and - Brakes binding - clutch slipping

Engine backfires
Timing belt incorrectly fitted - Faulty fuel injector

Engine runs on after switching off
High carbon build up in engine - High engine operating temperature

Oil pressure warnings
Low oil level - Incorrect oil grade - Oil pressure sender unit faulty - Worn engine bearings - Faulty oil pump - Excessively high engine temperature - Oil relief valve defective - Oil filter clogged. Low oil pressure in high-milers at tick-over is not normally a cause for worry. It is far more significant if low oil pressure is shown at high speeds, or if a sudden drop in pressure occurs.

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