Avoiding this Engine Installation Error
Avoiding This Engine Installation Error
To determine what the actual underlying problem is, follow these steps:
Visual Inspection: Whether you’re sure you know what the issue is or you’re just digging into a situation where you’re baffled, it all begins with a visual inspection. Something as simple as a damaged vacuum tube can cause massive problems. Look everything over and look it over well.
Drive It: Get behind the wheel and actually drive the car (as long as it’s drivable, of course). Often, being able to drive through a problem will give you additional clues and insight into the issue at hand.
Check the Exhaust: A car’s exhaust provides many clues about what’s going on within the engine. Get a handle on how the exhaust is behaving. Is the problem creating rhythmic misfiring? If so, it might be something as simple as a valve spring.
Listen to the Engine Operating: Mechanics need a good ear. Listen to the engine – is it pinging? Detonation might be something serious, or it could be something like insufficient ignition advance (in some vehicles).
Use Computer Diagnostics to Your Advantage: Modern vehicles are equipped with computers that can give you a ton of vital information. Don’t be afraid to hook up your diagnostic scanner to the OBDII plug. Check out the stats and information displayed by the computer during engine operation.
Education Is Key: If you haven’t already, consider starting your ASE certification process. While OJT is great, there’s a lot to be said for a formal education and with ASE training, you’ll be able to pinpoint most problems accurately without spending a ton of diagnostic time (which your customer will appreciate).
Know the Common Problem Areas: In general, engine problems aren’t necessarily “engine” related. They’re usually associated with major components. For instance, rough idling can be related to a problem with the fuel injectors, while pinging might be associated with an HEI module. Minor pinging might be something as simple as a manifold vacuum leak and stalling while decelerating can be due to an issue with the IAC motor.
