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How to Troubleshoot Engine Problems of Your Classic Car

by Anica Oaks on 2014/06/23 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off on How to Troubleshoot Engine Problems of Your Classic Car

Troubleshooting problems in an engine of a classic car is more of an art than a skill. Most people, when they sense a problem, will simply replace parts in the engine until the problem has been resolved. This is not a particularly effective method and has the tendency to be very expensive. Luckily, there are easier methods to figure out what is wrong with a car’s engine.

Types of Classic Car Engine Problems

There are seven different categories into which an engine problem could fall. They have their own diagnostic leads, which will make figuring out what is wrong a much smoother process.

Rough Idle:

If a car is experiencing a rough idle, then there is the chance that a carburetor has come loose. There could also be a leak in the vacuum or breaker points that could have become worn down or wrongly adjusted so that they are no longer in the correct position. There is also a chance the polarity of the coil could be wrong.

Pinging:

You can usually detect pinging when your car is accelerating quickly or when towing a load. Pinging typically means that there is some combustion problem in the engine. This is usually a result of there being an excessive amount of lead in the ignition or the combustion chambers being inundated with carbon.

Hesitation:

If a classic car is experiencing hesitation, then it is usually a result of the pump stroke of the accelerator being weak, the vacuum advance not working at all, or the screws from the idle mix being set incorrectly.

Stalling:

This could be a simple result of the idle speed being lower than optimal. It could also be a result of there being a large leak in the vacuum, a problem which needs to be addressed immediately. If neither of these two issues are the problem, then you may want to check your ignition points, and see if your engine valves are leaking.

Oil Smoke on Startup:

If there is oil smoke being produced when the engine is being started, then that usually means that the valve guides or seals have been worn down to the point where they no longer function. You may even have a problem with a blown head gasket, which allows oil to leak into the compression cylinder.

High Amount of Oil Consumption:

If the car seems to be using more oil than it used to, your car may not have oil of the correct viscosity or that the oil has been diluted with gasoline. There is also a chance that the ring on the piston has been worn and needs to be replaced.

If you need extra assistance with identifying and repairing classic engine problems, consider the help of professional engine repair services like Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler or a shop near you. However, by using this rough diagnostic guide, it is possible to locate the source of the engine problem in a short period of time. This saves the vehicle’s functionality, as well as a large amount of money for the owner of the car.

 

About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. This article uses information from Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler.

5 Key Components to Restoring Your Old Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/11 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off on 5 Key Components to Restoring Your Old Truck

Restoration can be very time consuming, not to mention somewhat costly. You should always make sure you are willing to put in the time and effort before deciding to do something, such as restoring your old truck. Restoring a truck is not only about bringing it back to life, but shows your passion and the talent you possess in creating something unique. The make and model of your truck will play a huge role in determining how much time and money you will spend in restoration.

MONEY

Money plays a key part in the restoration process. The price to restore your old truck can vary greatly. It would be wise to focus on restoring certain aspects of the truck first. If there is something you really want to restore now and if it is within your budget, you might start with that particular part or area and only focus on that aspect of your truck restoration until that particular area is completed. This will allow you to stay focused and help you manage your finances for the project all at the same time. It would also be wise to set a budget for each step in this process to secure that you stay on track and to help you see if fixing the truck is really worth it or not.  

TIME

The process of restoring your truck will also take a lot of time. You will be rebuilding your truck and depending in what kind of shape it is in, it can even take years to complete. Not to mention that it might be difficult just to find parts needed for your truck. Also, if you ever heard the phrase, “time is money,” then you understand that the less money you have to invest in restoring your truck, the more time it will take.

REPLACE WORN OR DAMAGED PARTS

Many people will take their truck to a restoration company to secure that necessary components such as the body and engine are done properly. One major issue that can slow down the restoration process is rusted or frozen bolts. If this is your first time restoring a vehicle, it might pay off in the long run to have professional s handle the vital restorations.

NEW PAINT JOB

Sanding and a primer should be done to smooth the truck body before paint is applied. The key paint ingredients for your truck are pigments, binders, and solvents. You can even add some flames or stripes going up the hood. Choose your color carefully and make sure you read all the instructions and warnings included with the paint.

INSTALL UPGRADES

Upgrade your truck by installing a new sound system or a USB cable for IPods, IPhones, etc. Get some new rims for your tires, maybe ones that light up. Upgrades are great, but make sure the truck is safe and workable before spending money on accessories.

Remember that deciding to restore your truck is an important decision that shouldn’t be made on a whim. You need to consider things such as cost and if you have the time, dedication and passion to put into your truck. Is it worth it?

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Lizzie was inspired to write this article by 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd., who specialize in truck parts and repair.

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