Showing posts with label servicing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label servicing. Show all posts

Monday, September 07, 2009

Troubleshooting engine overheating

Basically there are a lot of troubleshooting process of engine overheating.Before we go further we have to know the car components that works directly to overheating.The components consist of:-
1)radiator
2)radiator fan
3)water pump
4)thermostat
5)water hose
6)water jacket
7)cylinder head gasket

These are the major components which always involved in an engine overheating.First is radiator,to ensure you will not facing such an overheating problem,radiator must contain enough coolant and absolutely clean from any leaks.Secondly radiator fan must actively working and makes no weird sound at all.Now thirdly water pump,you must make sure water pump still within the limit means it is still can be use without any pouring water from that component.(water pump located inside timing belt
casing)
Thermostat also one of contributors of overheating problems but it is very hard to know whether your thermostat is in good performing level if there is not temperature showing of engine overheating.

Water hose leaks also one of the reason for overheating problems as well as water jacket.You need to confirm of no leaking hose and container at all.

Lastly the cylinder head,this can cause overheating if no water leaking in those water components such as radiator,thermostat and so on.In other word you have to stop driving when your temperature shows engine overheating ,to protect your engine from requiring top overhaul for cylinder gasket burning.

For those all the overheating cause now we can exactly troubleshoot all the problems.
1)take out your radiator and clean it up by filling out the water and fill it back with radiator coolant.Do not forget to check all hose attach to radiator,to ensure no leaks as well as water jacket.
2)You also can check the thermostat by taking out the thermostat and replace it with a new one.(thermostat located at the end of upper hose radiator)
3)If those water components already check please stop driving if your car temperature shows overheating sign.

Monday, June 01, 2009

Maximize your car service knowledge

Considering car servicing also part of troubleshooting process in car problems ,we have to be more careful in tackling these service process.As everyone knows it has a specific part to be changed in completing this service process such as engine oil,oil filter and the air filter.However the car user left out a few things that need to be checked and well maintained before they leave any workshop.There are about 10 items need to be checked and also considered as part of servicing process.
Normally in a good workshop service this 10 items being implemented but they never let the car user know and it seems to be not important for everyone to know.

The cause of not taking care of this 10 essentials items car user seldom to have car breakdown even just a few minutes or hours sending for car service.The 10 items are:-
1)Battery water-Never checked or let the mechanic know about the battery water need to be fill up to the appropriate level.
2)Radiator water-This also need to be level up to prevent from more car problems.
3)Timing belt-This has to be checked and taken care off before leaving the workshop in order not to get breakdown.
4)Belting or bearing sound-The sounds of any belting such as alternator belting, compressor belting,power steering belting has to be removed and belting need to be changed if it is broken.
5)Air filter housing-Has to be cleaned and any dirt has to be removed in order to get smooth engine breathing.
6)Water coolant-To skip the engine from sudden heat up water coolant need to be level up.
7)Alternator-In order to get a good car condition after service this one has to be checked.
8)Any oil-Check the oil level such as gear oil,brake oil and clutch oil.
9)Plug cable-change the plug cable in order to get good firing system.
10)Any hose-Any leaking hose need to be replace especially the fuel hose before it cause any burning.
Those 10 items can be 11 or maybe more if this 10, nobody care and the cost of car service and troubleshooting cost also will be higher than what the car user expectation.It will get worst to the mechanic also if this 10 items never been checked by them.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Maintaininig your new car

There is no joy quite like the joy that comes with getting a brand new car. It's an exciting investment that appeals to all of the senses. It looks good, sounds like a kitten and smells brand new. So of course you may naturally assume that a brand new car doesn't need maintenance the same way an older car does and you would be correct, for the most part. But a new car needs to be taken care of if you want it to last long enough to become your old faithful road warrior.
All new vehicles come with a user manual that explains all of the ins and outs of the vehicle. It will also tell you how often certain services need to be performed like oil changes. Get acquainted with this manual. Even if you don't read every page, flip through it and pick out the most important points. The index will be able to direct you to any page so keep the manual in a place where you can always access it easily.
Oil changes should be performed every three thousand miles or every three months to prevent car problems while driving. Ask your dealer for any additional information or any basic troubleshooting car problems manual if they not automatically supply it. It's important not to go over this limit and ignore the need for an oil change. As oil gets dirty, it can slow down the engine and make it feel bogged down or run rough. Get your oil change on time so it continues to purr like a cat.

There are other things that you need to keep on a maintenance timeline as well. You must make sure the tires are rotated as necessary for optimum traction on the road. You also need to check all of the fluids in the car on a regular basis. Even if they don't need to be refilled or changed, you need to know they are all as they should be. From transmission fluid to brake fluid, there are a lot of things to stay on top of. Check all of the fluid reservoirs as well to make sure there is no damage or possible leaks.
Keep your engine clean by using cleaners that are designed to be used under the hood of your car. As the engine gets dirty it can become clogged up with oil spills and dirt. A clean engine will run much better and has a good chance of having fewer problems as well as reducing cost in troubleshooting. It also makes it much easier to identify a new car problems.

Get a car wash regularly to maintain the exterior appearance of your new ride. The road is filled with dirt, oil and salt. These things can eat away at your paint job which leaves hideous results over time. Keep your paint brand new with a car wash once a week. Give it a good wax every quarter of a year at least as well to protect your clear coat.
When it comes to maintaining your new car one of the best things you can do is to drive it with care. If you blast around like a maniac and lay on the gas a lot, you will put your engine under unnecessary stress. Love your car and it will take care of you.
By Levi Quinn

Friday, December 19, 2008

Changing an oil filter


Looking at an oil filter, one might think that is an easy device to change. However, changing one can be difficult exercise. Changing an oil filter is mandatory if a person's engine is to last for a long time, therefore it should be done correctly. Many factors affect the ease with which an engine oil filter can be changed.

The location of the oil filter really matters; some are usually kept in places one cannot reach easily. The degree of tilt used in the mounting of the oil filter in an engine can also determine if one will change the oil filter with ease if they will have trouble.


The manner in which the it was installed also determines if one will have an easy time while replacing the filter or not. Another factor that can affect the ease with which a person will change an oil filter is its size, which can be either too big or too small.

The first step in changing an oil filter is to look for a wrench. Ideally, one can unscrew an oil filter using their hands however, after sometime, oil filters become coated with grease and oil, which can make it difficult to unscrew them.

Apart from the grease and oil, People usually put on oil filters tightly and a wrench may come in handy to unscrew them. There are special wrenches available for the task of unscrewing oil filters. Such wrenches are like the chain wrench, socket wrench, strap wrench and sleeve type wrench. The clearance around a car owner's filter usually determines the kind of wrench they will use. Sleeve type wrenches are the best because of their long hands, which add leverage.

 The next step is to put on work or latex gloves because the exercise is likely to be messy. Wiping the filter using rags or paper towels is the next step. This helps to remove most of the grease or oil, which helps the wrench to grab.

The next step is to place a container such as a drain pan, basin, plastic bowl that oil from the filter will drain into as soon as it comes loose. One should then turn the oil filter with the wrench until one can take it by hand.

The oil will start running on the filter's side and once it is off the threaded post, one should invert it inside the container so that the oil can drain out. One should then wipe the plate or post used for mounting the filter and take out the new filter. Then they should spread drops of new oil over the rubber gasket's entire surface.

 Finally, one should screw the filter on the posts and then run it up towards the gasket plate. After it has snug up, they should turn the oil filter an additional ¾ turn to tighten it. It is advisable to read instructions on oil filters as some may need more tightening.

Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need.

Service your own car


The benefit of servicing your own car is to save money, and let's face it in today's current climate of rising fuel and garage costs we can all save money by carrying out some basic servicing essentials.

The following basic guide has step by step instructions that will give you the information on how to give your car a basic engine service including oil change, oil filter, fuel filter and spark plugs.

Please note that the following is meant as a guide for the standard petrol engine only and therefore should not be relied upon as fact as all vehicle manufactures differ.

Equipment Required
• Oil-drain plug spanner / suitable tool.
• Oil-filter pliers / suitable tool.
• Spark plug spanner / deep socket with extension bar and ratchet.
• Jack and axle stands.
• Oil drain pan.
• Clean rags.
• Safety gloves.

Oil & Oil Filter Change

The engine needs to be warm before starting these procedures as this will allow the oil to drain more freely.
1. Raise the front of the car with the use of a jack and then support with axle stands.
2. Using an oil drain plug spanner or a suitable tool, loosen the oil drain plug at the bottom of the sump and using an oil drain plug spanner or suitable tool slacken the plug approximately half a turn.
3. Position an oil pan directly under the drain plug and remove drain plug allowing the oil to run, be aware that it may take some time for the oil to drain completely.
4. Clean the drain plug and sump using a clean rag then refit the drain plug securely, ideally fit a new sealing washer before refitting plug.
5. Move the oil pan and position it under the oil filter.
6. Using oil filter pliers or a suitable tool loosen the oil filter then unscrew it by hand and empty the oil into your oil pan.
7. Wipe away all oil from engine-filter area with a clean rag.
8. Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the new filters seal and screw into place firmly by hand.
9. Once you have removed everything from under your vehicle lower the vehicle to the ground.
10. Unscrew the oil filler cap positioned on top of the engine and pour in the specified grade of oil for your vehicle. Continue to do this until oil reaches the top mark on your oil dip stick and refit filler cap.
11. Start engine and allow it to idle for a couple of minutes.
12. Turn off engine and check for any leaks, allow the engine oil to settle for a few minutes then check the oil level at the dipstick again and top up as required.

Changing the Fuel Filter

The position for the Fuel filter vary on most cars however the most usual places are in the engine bay or under the vehicle usually close to the fuel tank.

1. Remove the strap that holds the filter in its position.
2. Look for the direction of an arrow on the filter (when available) and disconnect the fuel lines / hoses from filter and remove (please note that fuel may be spilt on removal). Prior to removing the fuel lines you will need to block the fuel lines using a small pair of mole grips or something similar.
3. Put the new filter into place and refit fuel lines / hoses.
4. Refit fuel filter into its original position securely fastening it back.
5. Start engine and check for any leaks, don't be disheartened if it doesn't start first time as the fuel takes time to circulate initially.

Changing the Air Filter

1. Disconnect all vacuum and breather hose pipes from the air filters housing.
2. Remove all retaining clips and open filter housing.
3. Remove the filter.
4. Fit the new air filter into its housing ensuring that it sits in its correct positions.
5. Refit the filter housing and securely tighten using the original screws or clips.
6. Reconnect all vacuum and breather hose pipes back up to the air filters housing.
Changing the Spark Plugs
It may be necessary to remove other parts to enable you to gain access to the spark plugs. Refer to your owner's manual if unsure and always change spark plugs one at a time.
1. Clean the immediate area around the spark plugs clean using a clean rag.
2. Remove the spark plugs (HT) lead.
3. Carefully remove the spark plug using a spark plug spanner or deep socket with extension bar and ratchet.
4. Carefully fit the new spark plug ensuring that it is securely tightened.
5. Refit (HT) lead making sure you have made a good contact / connection.
6. Repeat the above steps for each individual spark plug until complete.