How To Tell If Your Whole Engine Needs To Be Replaced

Due to today’s economic landscape, buying a brand new car can put a major dent into a driver’s monthly budget. If your current vehicle is in relatively good condition, the best approach is to keep it running for as long as possible. In the event that your engine is on its last leg, you can have your motor rebuilt or replaced for a very reasonable price. Here are some of the signs that your whole engine needs to be replaced.

Constant Blue Smoke

The presence of exhaust smoke warrants an immediate red flag. Upon first cranking your vehicle in the morning, you may notice a puff of bluish-colored smoke coming out of the tailpipe. This usually indicates a set of worn valve seals, which can be repaired by an experienced mechanic. However, a vehicle that constantly spews blue smoke is an entirely different story. The cylinders inside the engine are probably worn beyond repair, so the engine will be burning a significant amount of motor oil.

Knocking Noises

If you consistently hear a knocking sound from the engine, you should stop driving your vehicle until you get engine inspected. If you are lucky, the knocking sound may stem from a loose spark plug that needs to be re-tightened. Low octane is also a common cause of knocking. If you consistently hear a knocking sound during acceleration, a bearing inside the engine may have failed. If your engine has a lot of miles on it, you will be better off just replacing the engine.

Low Engine Compression

Low engine compression can cause a number of problems including a loss of power and difficulty in starting the engine. If you notice that the performance of your vehicle has suddenly declined, ask a repair shop to check the compression in each engine cylinder.

Severely Overheated Engine

According to Gulftech Engines Inc., a company that specializes in rebuilt engines in Houston, overheating the engine is one of the most common causes of premature engine failure. If the engine is not cooled down in a timely manner, the cylinder head can suffer permanent damage. A warped cylinder head is a complex auto repair that requires a very experienced mechanic.

The engine is definitely the most important component on your vehicle. The good news is that replacing it can give your old ride a new lease on life. The extra money can be used to to pay your rent or mortgage.

Savannah Coulsen is a freelance  writer. She lives in Raleigh. Savannah loves to read and write and she hopes to write a novel someday. Savannah also loves learning and is a self-proclaimed health guru. Savannah got information for this article from Gulftech Engines Inc., a company that specializes in rebuilt engines in Houston.