Whether you are repairing engine issues from your garage or workshop, effective fault finding and using quality automotive parts are essential to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. The expert automotive parts providers at Alert Engine Parts would like to explore some of the most common engine problems, concentrating on engine timing and the importance of quality spark plugs, to ensure your vehicle runs perfectly.
Engine Timing: Automotive Parts that May Not Feed the Heartbeat of Your Engine
Timing is vitally important to the optimal performance of any internal combustion engine. It can even be compared to the ventricles of our heart. It refers to the precise synchronisation between the engine’s valves and pistons to ensure efficient fuel combustion. Incorrect engine timing or poor-quality automotive parts can lead to premature ignition, poor engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency and potentially serious engine damage.
Common Reasons for Poor Timing
Timing belt/chain wear
The timing belt or chain ensures the crankshaft and camshaft rotate in timed harmony. Even the slightest variation in this synchrony could set the timing out. Over time, these components can wear, stretch or even snap, leading to severe internal engine damage.
Misalignment
If the belt or chain is not precisely aligned to the prescribed marks on the engine block and pully wheels, the engine’s valves and pistons can collide mid-combustion stroke, leading to catastrophic engine failure.
Tensioner failure
The tensioner maintains the proper tension on the timing belt or chain to maintain perfect synchrony. A failing tensioner can cause slack, resulting in timing issues. This might result in engine misfires or exhaust backfires.
Fault-Finding Techniques Should Mistiming Be Suspected
- Visual inspection – check for signs of tooth wear, cracks, stretch marks, or oil contamination on the belt or slackness on the chain.
- Listen for noises – unusual noises from a light ticking to a loud knocking from the cylinder head or block can indicate timing issues.
- Diagnostic tools – in more modern cars, use an OBD-II scanner to detect timing-related error codes. Older models can still use the old-fashioned timing light to set the timing.
The Role of Quality Spark Plugs
Spark plugs play a crucial role in the timing of the engine. They ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber once the timing is aligned. Using high-quality spark plugs can significantly enhance engine performance and longevity. Below are three recommended brands of spark plugs:
- NGK Iridium IX – known for their durability and high-performance capabilities, NGK spark plugs offer excellent throttle response and superior anti-fouling characteristics.
- Bosch Platinum+4 – these plugs feature four ground electrodes for a more powerful spark, ensuring better fuel combustion and engine efficiency.
- Champion Iridium – longevity and durability are the name and surname of these reliable spark plugs. Used for both modern and older models, these sparking little devils never give up.
What are the Benefits of Using Quality Spark Plugs?
Enhanced performance
Quality spark plugs provide a stronger and more reliable spark, leading to better combustion and engine performance.
Improved fuel efficiency
Efficient combustion results in the more complete burning of the air-fuel mixture, reducing fuel consumption.
Longevity
Superior-quality spark plugs, such as those mentioned, have a longer lifespan than sub-standard ones, reducing the frequency of replacements.
Common Engine Areas and Issues
Understanding the different areas of an engine and their common issues is essential for effective troubleshooting, for example:
Fuel system
Dirty or clogged fuel injectors can lead to poor engine performance, misfires, and reduced fuel efficiency and a failing fuel pump can cause starting issues, engine sputtering, as well as stalling.
Ignition system
Ignition coils transform the battery’s voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark. A failing coil and worn-out spark plugs can lead to difficulty starting the engine, possibly cause misfires and result in overall poor performance. This could also affect the fuel economy of the vehicle.
Cooling system
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the engine to overheat or run too cold, affecting performance and fuel efficiency. Check for leaks in the radiator as these lead to coolant loss and overheating.
Lubrication system
Oil leaks can occur from various engine seals and gaskets, resulting in low oil levels and potential engine damage. Together with checking for oil leaks, make sure that the oil pump itself isn’t failing due to insufficient lubrication as this can cause increased friction, overheating and premature engine wear.
Reliable Automotive Engine Parts
Effective engine fault-finding requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and superior-quality automotive parts. If you possess the former two prerequisites, visit us at any of our 19 conveniently located branches nationwide for the third. At Alert Engine Parts, we have been providing perfect parts for almost 80 years. Allow our friendly, knowledgeable sales and support team to assist you.