How to Diagnose Auto Engine Problems
Your auto engine can sometimes have problems and when it is does it can be difficult to diagnose in some instances. Some problems are more common such as needing oil or not maintaining the engine. Obviously, before you can fix anything, the problem needs to be diagnosed properly, otherwise, you are trying to fix something that may not be broken.
- Start
your engine as you normally do. Do not race the engine, just allow it
to run idle and listen to the sound it makes. Pop the hood so you
can better listen to the engine. Try to listen for any ticking
sounds. Ticking can indicate the timing is off and the valves are
sticking. This is an easy fix that your mechanic can adjust the
timing. - Listen
closer to your engine as it is running idle to see if you hear a
pinging sound, which typically indicates the engine is misfiring.
This means that when the fuel enters the engine it is detonated at
the wrong time, too soon or too late. The sound you are hearing is
the piston hitting on the side of the cylinder wall. This can cause
engine failure if not addressed, so if you hear pinging, make an
appointment with a trustworthy mechanic as soon as possible. - Look
at the tail pipe while the vehicle's engine is running to see if you
see any white smoke coming out. White smoke is indicative of a
failed head gasket. If the smoke is more of a blue color, it means
that oil is getting inside the combustion chamber. This means you
have a bad oil gasket. Black or gray colored smoke means that your
engine is fuel rich and not getting enough air, a tune up of the
engine will solve this problem.