If the routine maintenance schedule is strictly adhered to from the date of purchase of the vehicle, frequent checks of fluid levels and the condition of wear components as suggested in this manual are carried out, the engine will remain in good working condition for a long time, and the need for any additional work will be reduced to a minimum.
More often, however, it happens that the engine runs inefficiently due to the neglect of regular maintenance. This happens even more often when buying a used car, the owners of which did not bother with frequent and regular checks and maintenance. In this case, in addition to performing normal routine maintenance procedures, it will be necessary to tune the engine.
The first step in any tuning or diagnostic procedure to improve engine performance is to check the compression ratio in the cylinders. Checking the compression ratio (see part Engine Component Overhaul Procedures) will help determine the condition of the engine's internal components and should serve as a guide when tuning and repairing. If, for example, checking the compression ratio indicates serious internal wear on the engine, a simple adjustment will not improve its performance and will be a waste of time and money. Since the procedure for checking the compression ratio is extremely important, it should be carried out by a specialist who owns equipment specially designed for this.
The following procedures are most often required to bring the engine into good operating condition.
Minimum setting
- Checking all fluids associated with engine operation (Chapter Checking fluid levels)
- Check of a condition of all hoses of an impellent compartment (Chapter Check of a condition and replacement of hoses of an impellent compartment)
- Checking and adjusting the tension of drive belts (Chapter Checking the condition, adjusting the tension and replacing the drive belts)
- Cleaning, Inspection and Battery Check (Chapter Battery check, care and charging)
- Replacing spark plugs (Chapter Checking and replacing spark plugs)
- Inspection of the explosive wires of the candles, the cover and the distributor slider (Chapter Checking and replacing spark plug wires, cover and distributor slider)
- Checking the air filter (Chapter Air filter replacement)
- Checking the cooling system (Chapter Checking the functioning of the cooling system)
General setup
All of the above minimum setup items, plus...
- Checking the ignition system (see chapter Ignition system)
- Checking the charge system (see chapter Onboard electrical system)
- Fuel system check (see chapter Supply system)
- Replacement of explosive wires of spark plugs, cover and distributor slider (Chapter Checking and replacing spark plug wires, cover and distributor slider)
Weekly checks
Leak Cause Identification
The appearance of puddles on the floor of the garage or on the driveway, obvious traces of moisture under the hood or under the car require an investigation into the causes of possible fluid leaks. Sometimes it is difficult to determine the source of the leak, especially when the engine compartment is heavily contaminated. In addition, leaking oil or liquid can be carried back by the ram air from the source of the leak, giving a false impression of its location.
Most of the oils and fluids used in the car are poisonous. Wash off immediately if it comes into contact with skin and change contaminated clothing without delay.
The key to identifying exactly what is leaking can be the smell of the leaking liquid. Some liquids have a characteristic color. This method of finding a leak can also help: thoroughly clean the car and park it overnight, setting it on a clean sheet of paper. Remember that some leaks only occur when the engine is running.
Oil from the oil pan
Engine oil can leak through the oil pan drain plug...
Oil from oil filter
...or from under the base of the oil filter.
Gearbox oil
Transmission oil can leak through the oil seals on the inner ends of the drive shafts
Antifreeze
Leaking antifreeze often leaves crystalline deposits.
Brake fluid
Leaks around the wheels almost certainly mean a brake fluid leak.
Power steering fluid
Hydraulic fluid may leak through the unions on the steering gear case.