How to solve engine-related problems?

Just like “mitochondria is the power-house of the cell”, an engine is the power-house of a vehicle. It is the reactions occurring inside an engine that provides power to the vehicle. The design of an engine is complex and dynamic. It is made from multiple components that need to coordinate together if they have to adequately extract the energy out of the fuel and transfer it to the tire. Most people think that the most fascinating part of a vehicle is the engine, and we say they are right. It is because an engine is arguably the most important part of a car.

Today’s car engines work on a process known as internal combustion. That is why engines are also called internal combustion systems. Thousands of explosions need to occur inside the engine if it has to provide energy to the vehicle. However, how does this happen? An engine has two input valves – one for air and the other for supplying fuel. The valves supply the fuel to the cylinders. There’s a spark plug situated above the cylinder which sparks and explodes the mixture of air and fuel. When the explosions occur, the piston moves. The energy from the piston is eventually transferred to the wheels. For the piston to move smoothly, engine oil is required. The residue is taken care of by the exhaust valve.

Hence, it is safe to say that the engine is the most crucial component in a vehicle. Below are ways to solve engine-related problems.

Overheating

The possible reasons for engine overheating are thermostat valve failure, low coolant, vehicle cooling system failure, faulty?radiator, cooling fan malfunction, perished radiator hoses, coolant system leakage, or a faulty radiator cap. If and when the engine starts overheating, the temperature light on your dashboard will turn ON. What can you do when this happens? The first thing one needs to do is turn off the air conditioner. This is because the air conditioning unit works directly with the engine.

By turning the air conditioner off, the additional load on the engine is removed. We also recommend you turn the heart ON. It has a coil core inside and pulls heat out of the engine. Hence, turning the heater on will pull the heat out of the engine. Also, it is a must to pull aside and stop the car. It will help your engine cool down.

The engine is not starting due to battery issues

Like overheating, this problem can also be caused due to multiple causes. For example, a faulty battery, corroded battery terminals, faulty fuel pump, faulty fuel filters, blocked fuel injectors, broken ignition, motor malfunction, or even alternator problems can cause the engine to not start. What you can do depends on why the engine is not starting. Hence, it is imperative to detect the issue.

The easiest is to detect battery issues. How? For example, if the dashboard lights are dim- it is a battery issue. Also, if you turn the key knob and the engine does not even turn, that indicates a battery issue. Another thing you can check is battery terminals. It is imperative for vehicle owners to clean the salt and other particles every week.

Issues with the fuel pump

It is important to pump the right amount of fuel into the cylinders for the engine to function normally. If this happens as required, the efficiency of the internal combustion increases; so does power delivery. How do we know there is an issue with the fuel pump? The following are symptoms you need to look for engine crank revolving but not igniting, increase in fuel consumption, sudden decrease in power, increase in temperature, and a choked engine. These are detectable signs and can be identified easily.

If you notice any of them, you need to visit your mechanic soon, to know if your fuel pump needs repair or replacement. Remember, the more alert you are, the more the chances that you will be able to detect serious issues at the right time.

Blockage in the fuel filter

The fuel needs to be absolutely free of impurities before entering the engine cylinders. Impurities can cause problems with internal combustion. Fuel filters act as guardians to the engines and prevent any type of impurities from entering the fuel injection system. If they get clogged, it will cause serious problems. Fuel delivery will be affected, and the engine might fail to work effectively.

It can lead to issues like the engine failing to start, lethargic start, uncertain power under acceleration, unbalanced power delivery, engine misfires, and rough sound. The only solution is to replace the fuel filters (that the manufacturer recommends). Fuel filters from reputed manufacturers have less chance of leaving you stuck on the roadside.

Dirty or blocked fuel injectors

Good fuel injectors are an absolute necessity for the engine to function properly. They inject the fuel in the form of thin and fine spray. The fuel is sprinkled in combustion chambers at ultra-high pressure. It is imperative for fuel injectors to work with precision if the performance of the engine has to stay up to the mark. Also, it is necessary for fuel injectors to remain clean for the best mixture of performance and economy. What are the signs that tell you that the fuel injectors require cleaning?

??High fuel consumption

??Stammering engine

??Loss of performance or power

??Engine misfires

??Car fails the emission test

Remember, cleaning the fuel injectors regularly will drastically improve engine performance.

Broken ignition switch

The ignition switch might seem like a minor component, but it is primary in the functioning of your car. That’s because your car will not even start if the ignition switch breaks down. If you turn the keys and nothing happens, it’s time for an in-depth investigation. One needs to understand that the ignition switches work in three stages. In the first stage, the electrics turn on and start the dashboard. In the second stage, the power of the ignition system and fuel injection system is activated.

In the third and last stage, the car actually starts. Issues with the ignition switch can cause various problems like the car engine stalling suddenly, the vehicle starts but the engine dies, accessories might stop working, the dashboard lights flicker, or nothing might happen when you turn the ignition switch. If there is a problem with the ignition switch, the best option is to get it replaced.

Defective starter motor

The starter motor is responsible for starting the engine. It does this by revolving the crank through a flywheel. It takes power from the battery and revolves the engine to start the combustion process. Like every other part in a vehicle, this one too requires regular maintenance. If not maintained properly, they can become faulty. There are indicators that tell the driver that the starter motor is facing issues.

Indicators like just a hard tick without the engine turning over, the motor sounding like a grinder, the starter motor being unable to turn over, or a smoke smell coming from the engine compartment tell us that maintenance is necessary.