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How to perform good auto engine repairHow to perform good auto engine repair. Engine repair can appear to be tough at times, however with the proper steps and procedures, it’s not so bad. It starts with good troubleshooting skills. Remember, to properly repair a vehicle its good to know what’s wrong with it. This can be done in two hours or less. Perform the required testing, utilizing the proper equipment, then rule out what’s not the problem. Here is where good troubleshooting techniques come into play. You should eliminate the areas that are in good condition until only one component is left which is the one that’s actually causing the problem. What about your customer? What are her complaints? When does it occur? Where were they when it happened, etc? Learn how to pin point the problems in 2 hours or less and your customers will appreciate the efficiency. When starting out with auto engine repair service get familiar with the basics. Think of the various factors that affect engine performance. Engine performance can be enhanced in certain ways and can be minimized by many ways. Always verify the complaint, don’t assume or start playing the guessing game. Remember to check the easiest and most obvious places before taking apart the engine. Sometimes techs can get in the habit of throwing parts at a problem; remember that sometimes the problem could be caused by another problem. Here are a few checks and techniques for getting started in troubleshooting; • Engine performance testing • Testing of major engine systems • Have proper charts, diagrams, and schematics Here are some tips for engine repair and analysis
1). Electrical system testing a. Battery condition and power supply b. Fuses and relays c. ECU’s and controllers 2). Basic troubleshooting rules a. Verify the complaint yourself b. Don’t assume anything c. Find true source of the trouble d. No guessing: guessing cost money and time e. Welcome the challenge and be patient 3). Using proper charts and schematics a. Locate problem area b. How does affected area operate? Inspect function and assembly c. Secure proper troubleshooting chart 4). Basic engine performance tests: cylinder balance test, compression test, cylinder leakage test, and vacuum test a. Cylinder balance test b. Compression test c. Cylinder leak Test d. Vacuum test e. Computer systems Test 5). Fuel system testing; pressure, supply, and quality test. a. Fuel supply test b. Fuel pressure test c. Fuel quality test 6). Ignition testing: spark testing, timing test, engine speed test, computer system test a. Spark test b. Spark strength test c. Check timing 7). Diagnose engine performance: no start, engine misfires, and intermittent a. No start (Determine which of these is missing: fuel, air, or spark) b. Engine misfires (check spark plugs, fuel pressure and system, compression, tension wires) c. Intermittent (make these checks: computer system, schematics, electrical and grounds) 8). Isolate knocking and tapping engine noises a. Inspect for loose or vibrating parts b. Inspect for worn moving parts c. Check vehicle schematics 9). Diagnose problems such as smoke(white, black or blue), or excessive fuel consumption a. Burning oil (blue smoke) b. Coolant (white smoke) c. Fuel (black smoke; rich indicator)
10). Isolate the engine problems caused by overheating, low oil pressure, and oil leaks a. Check coolant level, inspect and test system for leaks b. Engine oil pressure test c. Clean engine and perform oil leak inspection As a technician or mechanic you should have the knowledge to know what’s happening in an engine. When performing auto engine repair you should understand how to test the particular systems. Check you readings against the required readings in the vehicle’s maintenance/service manual.
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