Engine Repair

Signs of Engine Trouble

How do you know when it’s time to get your car’s engine inspected? Here are some classic signs of engine trouble:

It’s important that you don’t hesitate when experiencing engine issues. There’s often not a lot of room between needing a simple engine repair and total engine replacement.

• Excessive smoke from tailpipe
• Increased exhaust
• Excessive oil consumption
• Knocking or tapping sounds
• Low oil pressure
• Low compression
• Water mixing in oil
• Oil getting into the air cleaner and/or radiator
• Decreased engine performance
• A rough (shaking) idle or engine “choking”
• Your check engine light is on

Primary Car Engine Components

Here are the major components that make up your car’s engine:

• Engine Block. The main part of the engine. All other parts of the motor are essentially bolted to it. Inside the block is where the combustion happens
• Pistons. Pump up and down as the spark plugs fire to compress the air/fuel mix. The energy produced is converted to motion and transferred to the tires by the transmission, via the driveshaft
• Cylinder Head. Attached to the top of the block to seal the area and prevent the loss of gases. The spark plugs, valves and other parts are fitted to it
• Crankshaft. Located near the bottom of the engine block, this converts energy from reciprocating energy to rotary energy
• Camshaft. Opens and closes the valves in perfect timing with the rest of the engine’s parts
• Intake and Exhaust Valves. Regulate the flow of air, fuel and exhaust fumes inside the cylinder head
• Oil Pan. Also known as the oil sump, attached to the bottom of the engine and stores all the oil used in the lubrication of the engine
• Timing Belt/Chain. The camshaft and crankshafts are synchronized to ensure precise timing for the engine to run properly. Made of heavy-duty rubber with cogs to grasp the pulleys

Common Engine Problems and Engine Repairs

Here are some of the most common engine problems and their associated symptoms:

Our expert technicians and mechanics at FREED Performance are well-equipped to tackle all types of engine repairs both large and small. Schedule an appointment today.

• Poor compression. You’ll experience a loss of power, misfiring, or no-start
• Cracked engine block. You’ll experience overheating, smoke coming from exhaust, or coolant leaks, usually identified on the side of the engine
• Damaged Pistons, Rings, and/or Cylinders. You’ll experience rattling sounds, blue smoke coming from the exhaust, rough idle, or a failed emissions test
• Broken or worn Rods, Bearings, and Pins. You’ll experience tapping or ticking sounds, low oil pressure, metal shavings found in engine oil, or rattling upon acceleration