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.

Tricked Out Truck: Four Serious Upgrades

by Anica Oaks on 2014/06/20 in Auto Parts with Comments Off on Tricked Out Truck: Four Serious Upgrades

If you’re considering tricking out your truck, you’ve probably considered a new paintjob and decals, but you may not know where to start your modifying and accessorizing. Tricking out your truck can enhance its performance and show your distinct style. Here are four upgrades that can take your truck to the next level.

1. Suspension

Improved suspension is one of the most essential truck upgrades, and it can be one of the most extreme. If, for example, you intend to upgrade to large, heavy-duty tires, you will need to lift your truck to allow for the bigger tires. Suspension also allows for great ground clearance, allowing you to drive your truck in harsher areas where unraised vehicles would be in danger of damaging their undercarriages.

There are three main lift options:

  • Leveling: According to Diesel Power Mag, leveling kits can be used to raise the front of the truck to match the stock level of the back. This is the simplest of the three options, as it involves less hardware. Leveling typically provides about 2” of lift.
  • Lift Kits: Lift systems and lift kits can lift your truck anywhere from 2”-10”. Custom lift kits can go even higher. Lift kits achieve this using blocks or springs.
  • Body Lift: According to Tonda 4-Wheel Drive Ltd., body lifts are inexpensive and can add height even after your suspension is maxed out. Body lifts were used before trucks came with the integrated ability to add suspension. You may need to modify your bumpers and wheel wells to hide the space between the body and the wheels if you have a body lift.

2. Lights

Adding new lights or upgrading the lights your truck already has can help you navigate back roads, or just make a statement. With alternative mounting systems to add floodlights to the roof of your truck or other enhancements for your headlights, the possibilities are nearly endless.

3. Hitches

Likely, your truck came with a hitch. However, a great way to customize and best utilize your truck is to add a fifth wheel hitch or enhance the original hitch. This will enable you to haul loads more efficiently. Just be sure to check your towing capacity—that information can be found in your owner’s manual.

4. Tires

One of the great things about trucks is the ability to install nearly any size and intensity of tires. If you decide to go with bigger wheels, whether for the tough, tricked out look, or for better performance while off-roading, you will need to raise the truck to accommodate them.

This upgrade can get you a lot of bang for your buck: look for tires that suit the way you use your truck, whether that is as a personal vehicle or for recreation. You can also choose custom rims to complete the statement.

Whether you’re tricking out your truck to increase its capacity and performance, or to make it the baddest on the block, you can’t go wrong starting with these four upgrades. From there you can get as crazy as you have money and ambition for.

 

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 Tonka 4-Wheel Drive Ltd.

Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? 3 Things to Do Before You Hit the Road

by Lizzie Weakley on 2014/06/19 in On the Road with Comments Off on Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? 3 Things to Do Before You Hit the Road

Are you planning a road trip this summer? You’ve picked your destination and the places you want to stop along the way. You’ve booked a hotel, packed your comfiest clothes, and bought a new pair of sunglasses—you are ready to hit the road. But is your car?

Make sure to do these three things before you head out.

1. Stock up on Supplies

If you encounter an emergency while you are far from home, you won’t be able to call a neighbor or family member to come to the rescue. Hopefully everything goes smoothly, but you should have the following things on hand in case bad weather leaves you stranded or your car breaks down in the middle of a desert.

  • Fully-stocked first aid kit: Remember to include bandages, antibiotic ointment, scissors and tweezers, cold/heat pack, and pain killers
  • Extra water and non-perishable food
  • Flashlight
  • Jumper Cables
  • Supplies to handle a flat or blown out tire: Bring a jack, tire iron, spare tire, and a puncture repair kit
  • Basic tools: Pack some screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, and duct tape.
  • Extra engine coolant
  • Blanket
  • Map of the area
  • Cell phone and charger

2. Make a Plan

You can’t always prevent your car from breaking down, so make sure you have a plan for emergencies. If your car leaves you stranded on the open road, do the following:

  • If possible, move your car to the side of the road. If possible, coast along the shoulder until you are away from curves in the road so that other drivers will have a clear view of your stopped vehicle.
  • For your safety, and the safety of others, alert other drivers to the fact that you are stopped by turning on your hazard lights, hanging something out of your window or popping your hood. You should also turn on your hazard lights if you are moving very slowly while looking for a safe place to pull over.
  • Call for help. If you have roadside assistance they should be able to come get you and your car. If you don’t have roadside assistance, write down the numbers tow truck companies in the area you will be visiting before you leave on your trip. If you are unable to call for help, wait patiently until a highway patrol officer drives through the area. Make sure family and friends know where you are headed, so they can alert authorities if you don’t check in with them at an expected time.

3. Check the Basics

The best way to prevent car trouble is to check your car before you leave. Be sure to check and change your oil as well as check your breaks, and suspension.

After you have a professional check for the major problems, do your own inspection. Does your air filter need to be replaced? Do you have enough windshield washer fluid? Are your tires inflated to the pressure recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual? Do the tires have enough tread left?

Once you’ve checked your car for problems, take a minute to familiarize yourself with the vehicle. If you usually use your car for commuting to and from work, it is possible you’ve never needed to turn on the high-beams, fog lights, or cruise control. Make sure you know where everything is now and can easily turn things on as needed.

Do these three things before you head out on your road trip so you can enjoy the scenery worry-free.

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 Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler.

Running on Liquid: Understanding the Different Functions of Car Fluids

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/18 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Running on Liquid: Understanding the Different Functions of Car Fluids

Car fluids, in addition to the components that use them, are the lifeblood of any car. Without them, motors burn up, transmissions stall and other unwanted things go haywire. Know the difference between automotive fluids, their characteristics and functions. And most importantly, know how and when to check and replace these fluids. Hence, here is a brief rundown of the most common and important automotive fluids. 

Transmission Fluid

Right up there with oil and gasoline in terms of importance, transmission fluid is the critical substance that provides hydraulic power for shifting gears while simultaneously lubricating them. Do you know when and how to check it? 

Like checking the oil level, it’s a good idea to have the engine running and warm when checking tranny fluid. Start by taking the transmission fluid dipstick out (don’t confuse it with the oil dipstick), wipe it clean, reinsert it and take it out again, taking note of the level on the stick. Unless the car’s gears are not switching smoothly (in which case you should check the fluid even more often), always check the transmission fluid at least once a month. 

Coolant

Engines get hot, there’s no way around it. That’s where coolant–often a mixture of water and antifreeze that resides in a reservoir alongside the engine–comes into action. Antifreeze, used more in climates with colder winters, protects against both extreme heat and severe cold. 

Oil

Even people who know absolutely nothing about cars or how they work know (or should know) that oil is the single most important thing in an engine. Not only does it provide lubrication for moving parts, it protects against rust by staving off metal oxidation and collects dirt via the oil filter. Let’s put it this way, with too little oil, the engine is going to wear down exponentially faster; with no oil, your engine’s dead in no time. 

Oil should be checked about every three weeks (more often on older and/or higher-mileage cars). Also, check it just like you would the aforementioned transmission fluid–just don’t get the wrong stick. 

Power Steering and Brake Fluid

These fluids, like transmission fluid, provide hydraulic pressure to help the driver brake and steer with little effort. However, they are different beasts than other coolants like oil and coolants in one major aspect: cars typically don’t deplete them. If there’s a problem, say with a leak in the power steering fluid container, yes, issues will generally start popping up everywhere. Generally, though, these liquids should be checked once every two to three months. 

Windshield Washer Fluid

Contrary to what most non-mechanics think of window washer fluid, it’s more than just pretty blue water. Washer fluid contains several chemicals like methanol and ethylene glycol that break down things like bug guts splattered across your window quicker and more efficiently than soapy water. Check it once a month or so.

Article Credit:
According to National Transmission, a Calgary bearing and transmission company, checking your transmission fluid frequently will save the operator extravagant repair bills due to wear and tear.

Keeping it Up: Six Habits to Maintaining Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/17 in Brakes with Comments Off on Keeping it Up: Six Habits to Maintaining Your Car

Besides car washes and quality gas, it’s important to practice a few other steps to increase the longevity of your vehicle. It will not only lead to less mechanical issues, but can also increase the overall value of the car. Use these habits of maintaining your car for better performance value.

Replace the Fluids

Check the transmission fluid with the engine running and replace it every 100,000 miles or when the oil becomes murky or dark. The brake fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid should also be checked at the same time and replaced when low. You can find all these liquids at your local auto parts store. Consult your owner’s manual or sales associate to make sure you get the best product for your particular vehicle.

Change the Oil

Change the car’s oil every 3,000 to 3,500 miles to maintain a clean and efficient transmission. The oil is often considered the blood of the vehicle, making it important to refill if the level drops below the line on the dipstick. You can change the oil yourself with proper instruction, or take it to the mechanic for oil change and tune up.

Detail the Vehicle

The interior of the vehicle should be maintained with frequent cleaning and vacuuming once a week. Both the interior and exterior should be detailed once a year to remove minor scratches, stains, and grime that has built up with use. The nicer your car looks, the easier it will sell.

Replace the Brakes

To maximize your brakes’ efficiency, have them replaced by a professional once they begin to wear or squeak. The brakes should be checked at least once a month to prevent them from failing. If you start to hear strange squeaking or grinding noises, or have to stop farther back, it is time for the breaks to be inspected.

Check the Tire Pressure

Check the tire pressure once a week with a tire gauge when it’s cold outside to prevent heat expansion with the air. Look in the owner’s manual for the recommended PSI that is specific to the vehicle. If you’re tires are low, you can typically fill them with air at your local gas station. If your tires are regularly low, there may be a leak that needs repair.

Replace the Air Filter

Replacing the engine’s air filter is crucial to protecting the engine from debris, while also providing enough oxygen. Inspect the air filter every few months and replace it when it begins to look clogged to ensure it still works to efficiently catch bugs and leaves that get close to the engine.

With some extra TLC, it’s possible to extend the life of your car and improve the overall condition. By staying up-to-date on the fluids and checking the tire pressure, it’s possible to ensure a smooth ride and get more out of your car for a clean and efficient vehicle.

Information credited to Honda Barn Hampshire Honda service.

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