Car Repair World

Ignition Timing Adjust Engine Ignition Timing Setting Helpful Information Engine timing must be set to a specific degree in relationship to the crankshaft. If this timing becomes misaligned it can cause low power, poor gas mileage, engine detonation (pinging) and backfiring. On straight 4 and 6 cylinders the number one cylinder is pretty obvious, but on "V" style of engines like the V8 its a little more tricky. The cylinder heads on every "V" style of engine are offset (one is further forward.) The most forward cylinder head is the side of the engine where the number one cylinder is located. Step by step automotive guide on how to adjust or set ignition timing, this article pertains to distributor style of ignition systems only which are featured on older engines. Difficulty Scale: 2 of 10 Begin with the engine "OFF", vehicle on level ground, in park and the emergency brake applied. Step 1  - A timing light is used to detect the initial e...

Cylinder Head Working Of Cylinder Head Helpful Information A cylinder head is constructed of cast aluminum or iron which are designed to operate at a particular temperature range. If this range is exceeded ( overheated ) the head can become cracked or the head gasket could fail causing a malfunction such as  coolant in the engine oil . An  automotive engine  depends on the cylinder head operating correctly for example, if intake valve has become worn or damaged, it can cause the engine to  idle rough  due to leaking gases contaminating the combustion process. Step by step explanation of how an automotive engine cylinder head works. This information pertains to all internal combustion engines. Step 1  - An automotive engine cylinder head performs many tasks such as holding and controlling the combustion process while allowing intake and exhaust gases to enter and exit the cylinder head. Featured in the image below is a cross section of a cylind...

Camshaft Variable Valve Timing Working Of Camshaft Timing Camshaft A Camshaft is commonly used to operate poppet valves in an internal combustion engine. A camshaft is situated in the cylinder block or cylinder head which has oblong lobes or cams which causes a tappet or lifter to open and close the intake and exhaust valves. This force is applied on the valve directly or through an intermediate mechanism such as a rocker arm, lifter, follower or tappet. Push rods are used to connect the camshaft to the rocker arm via the lifter. Each valve utilizes a spring which returns the valve to their original position (closed.) Camshafts are designed according to the RPM and horsepower range desired. When the intake valve is opened, the piston travels downward pulling in an air-fuel charge into the cylinder. This intake charge is a mixture of air and fuel which is ready for combustion. The faster the engine is running the faster the air and fuel mixture moves into the cylinders. Th...

TIMING BELT Working Of Timing Belt Helpful Information Timing belts are more common in overhead cam engines and are more easily serviced than a timing chain. A timing belt is constructed of a fiber reinforced rubber with vertical ribs vulcanized to the inside of the belt. When a timing belt fails it will allow the ribs to shred stopping the driving motion. To check the condition of the timing belt (engine off) remove the timing belt cover (upper), using a flash light inspect the condition of the belt, check for cracks especially at the base of drive teeth. An engine has a unique set of crankshaft, camshaft and accessory timing marks. Maintenance The timing belt or chain needs to be replaced per manufacturer's specification and can fail without warning which stalls the engine. Because a timing chain configuration is more durable, a timing belt will need to be replaced more often, comparatively. Easy to understand guide on how a timing belt works, this information...