3 Common Failures leading to Engine Repair
The basic purpose of the engine is to convert air and fuel into rotary motion to turn the wheels of your car. It is the heart of the car, pumping air and fuel through its system. If the air and fuel are blocked, it can't be converted into motion, resulting in an urgent engine repair. Wise vehicle owners know that regular engine service by a professional auto mechanic will help prevent a major engine repair down the road.
There are three main engine components that are prone to failure:
- Valvetrain: The valvetrain consists of valves, rocker arms, pushrods, lifters, and camshaft. Its job is to let air and fuel in and out of the engine at the proper time. The timing is controlled by the camshaft, which is synchronized to the crankshaft by a chain or belt. What wears out? If your car emits grayish/white smoke only when you start it, leaking valve seals may be the culprit. Oil can seep into the combustion chamber, collect there until you start your car, and then burn away.
- Pistons: Most motors have 4, 6, or 8 pistons which move up and down in the cylinders. The Pistons have rings that keep the oil free of fuel and air and prevent it from entering the combustion chamber. What wears out? The rings wear out, allowing fuel and air to dilute the oil, reducing its ability to lubricate. Worn out rings also allow oil from the crankcase to enter the combustion chambers, where it burns and emits a grayish/white smoke from the tailpipe.
- Crankshaft: The crankshaft rides on bearings, supporting the crankshaft and rods, and connecting the pistons to the crankshaft. As the pistons move up and down, the crankshaft rotates and converts the straight line motion into rotary motion. What wears out? As these bearings wear down over time, you may start to hear a loud knocking noise. This may result in a costly engine repair as the crankshaft has to be removed to machine the surface where the bearings ride, or it may mean replacing the entire crankshaft.
Looking for quality engine service? We will be glad to help you, whether it's for a minor engine repair or a complete engine rebuild. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about engine service, other repairs and maintenance, and vehicle detailing. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
The basic purpose of the engine is to convert air and fuel into rotary motion to turn the wheels of your car. It is the heart of the car, pumping air and fuel through its system. If the air and fuel are blocked, it can't be converted into motion, resulting in an urgent engine repair. Wise vehicle owners know that regular engine service by a professional auto mechanic will help prevent a major engine repair down the road.
There are three main engine components that are prone to failure:
- Valvetrain: The valvetrain consists of valves, rocker arms, pushrods, lifters, and camshaft. Its job is to let air and fuel in and out of the engine at the proper time. The timing is controlled by the camshaft, which is synchronized to the crankshaft by a chain or belt. What wears out? If your car emits grayish/white smoke only when you start it, leaking valve seals may be the culprit. Oil can seep into the combustion chamber, collect there until you start your car, and then burn away.
- Pistons: Most motors have 4, 6, or 8 pistons which move up and down in the cylinders. The Pistons have rings that keep the oil free of fuel and air and prevent it from entering the combustion chamber. What wears out? The rings wear out, allowing fuel and air to dilute the oil, reducing its ability to lubricate. Worn out rings also allow oil from the crankcase to enter the combustion chambers, where it burns and emits a grayish/white smoke from the tailpipe.
- Crankshaft: The crankshaft rides on bearings, supporting the crankshaft and rods, and connecting the pistons to the crankshaft. As the pistons move up and down, the crankshaft rotates and converts the straight line motion into rotary motion. What wears out? As these bearings wear down over time, you may start to hear a loud knocking noise. This may result in a costly engine repair as the crankshaft has to be removed to machine the surface where the bearings ride, or it may mean replacing the entire crankshaft.
Looking for quality engine service? We will be glad to help you, whether it's for a minor engine repair or a complete engine rebuild. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about engine service, other repairs and maintenance, and vehicle detailing. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
