Attention: Under the concept of minor engine repairs, it is meant repairs that can be carried out without removing the engine from the car. All information regarding the removal, installation and overhaul of the engine is given in the next section.
Clean the engine compartment and engine surface before starting work. This will prevent dirt from getting on the internal parts of the engine.
It may be necessary to remove the hood to make it easier to access the necessary elements. Cover the wings with a rag so as not to damage their color.
If it becomes necessary to replace the gasket or seal (due to leakage of vacuum, oil, coolant or exhaust gases), repairs can usually be done in the engine compartment. The intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, sump gasket, crankshaft oil seals and cylinder head gasket are generally accessible without removing the engine.
External components such as intake and exhaust manifolds, sump, oil pump, water pump, starter motor, alternator, distributor and fuel system components can also be removed for repair without removing the engine.
In addition, the removal of the cylinder head is described below. Repairs to the camshaft, rocker arms and valves are most easily performed after the engine has been removed.
However, on some engines the camshaft can be removed without removing the engine as it is held in position by bearing caps.
Last resort (in the absence of the necessary equipment) repair or replacement of piston rings, pistons, connecting rods and connecting rod bearings can be performed without removing the engine. However, this is not recommended due to the complexity of the preparatory cleaning of the components and, accordingly, the risk of dirt getting into the engine.