If, from the time you purchase your vehicle, as instructed in this manual, you adhere strictly to the routine maintenance schedule and frequently check the fluid levels and the degree of wear of the elements most exposed to it, the engine will remain in relatively good working condition. Therefore, the need for additional work will be minimized.
It happens that poor engine performance is the result of insufficient routine maintenance. This is most likely in the case of a car that is no longer new and has not been regularly and frequently checked. In such situations, it may be necessary to perform additional operations beyond the scope of scheduled routine maintenance.
The first step in any engine maintenance or diagnostic aimed at fixing a badly running engine is to check the compression in the cylinders (see chapter 2B). This check provides valuable information about the general condition of many internal components, and this information can be used as a basis for determining the amount of maintenance and repair work required. For example, if a compression test indicates significant internal engine wear, a major overhaul needs to be done first. In this case, the normal maintenance described in this paragraph does not provide any significant improvement in the dynamic performance of the engine, but only wastes time and money. Besides, in chapter 2B information is given on checking the vacuum in the engine, which also indicates the setting and condition of the engine.
Pic. 4.2. The engine oil dipstick is mounted on the front of the engine (near the radiator)
The following sequence is the operations most often required to improve the dynamic performance of a poorly performing engine.
Minimum Maintenance
- Check the levels of all fluids related to the engine (paragraph 4)
- Clean, inspect and test the battery (paragraph 7).
- Check those ace hoses located under the hood (paragraph 10)
- Check the cooling system (paragraph 11).
- Check the air filter (paragraph 15).
- Check and adjust drive belts (paragraph 21).
Extended Service
In addition to the service items listed above:
- Replace air filter (paragraph 15).
- Check the fuel system (paragraph 16).
- Replace spark plugs (paragraph 27).
- Check the charging system (chapter 5).