Why Should An Engine Be Overhauled
- Posted by:
- Admin
- Tags:
- Overhauling Car Engine, Car Engines, Engine Failure
- Posted date:
- 10-08-2022
Why should your Engine be overhauled? We look at why car engines fail and how to tell when your engine needs an overhaul.
What is an engine overhaul?
An engine overhaul is a major engine repair process that involves the dismantling, removal, inspection, and repair of a vehicle's engine. During the overhaul process, small parts and components of the engine, such as bolts, may need to be replaced with other new factory parts.
During the disassembly, the engine is cleaned thoroughly in order to remove the buildup of dirt and debris. Due to the entire engine being taken apart all at once, it is much easier for the mechanic to locate problems with the engine and replace the parts that are malfunctioning.
Once the whole engine has been cleaned and all of the required replacements have been made, the engine will be put entirely back together and placed back within the vehicle.
Read More About Engine Rebuild Services In Northallerton And North Yorkshire
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What Improves Engine Performance?
What Engine Modifications Make A Car Faster?
Why Do Car Engines Fail?
All mechanical products have a lifespan; this includes automobiles. Car engines are absolute marvels of engineering and manufacturing, but at the end of the day, they are still mechanical, and nothing mechanical will ever last forever.
Over time the engine will break down due to many years of intense pressure, heat, and wear and tear. An engine overhaul will replace the major parts of the system that will eventually fail due to their usage and old age. Some examples are below:
Overhaul for Overheating Problems
There are many things that can cause an engine to overheat regularly, but sometimes the damage is so severe that the whole engine, or sometimes just a portion, will need an overhaul.
After many years of coolant streaming round through the engine, the cooling system may completely fail and begin leaking.
This, of course, can lead to further issues. As the engine's temperature begins to rise, the excess heat can damage other important parts of the system, such as the head gasket, engine block, and exhaust manifold.
The heat can crack and break these essential engine parts and lead to your engine overheating even more, which will then lead to even more disastrous failures.
Overhaul for Engine Detonation Problems
Whether you drive a diesel or petrol-powered vehicle, your car has a combustion engine. Essentially, the fuel system forces gas into the cylinders, where it is then mixed with air and ignited by the spark plugs.
As the combustion mixture burns, the engine's exhaust system will remove the gases so that fresh air and fuel can make their way back into the cylinders and detonate. Issues with the combustion chamber include misfiring cylinders which can melt or fully crack the engine block, as well as damage the engine or the car's exhaust system.
Overhaul for Lubrication Damage
Finally, one of the most common causes of a vehicle's engine failure, which can only be repaired through an engine overhaul, is lubrication damage. There is a reason why mechanics always recommend that car owners change their motor oil every three thousand miles.
This is because it can prevent catastrophe from striking. Old, dirty, or low motor oil will be unable to lubricate all the needed moving parts of an engine. The consequence of this is that the engine will overheat, and the parts will dissolve away.
The excess friction shaves the metal away from the parts and into the motor oil, which will then damage the engine and lead to a breakdown within hours.
When Should You Overhaul Your Car Engine?
While there are some engine issues that do not require an overhaul to be fixed, there are times when it is totally necessary. Engine overhauls are more common on older cars, especially vehicles that are over ten years old or when the car has built up a lot of mileage.
If you begin to notice these issues with your car, or if your warning lights are turned on for long periods, then it is wise to have your car checked so that larger issues don't arise in the future.
White Exhaust Smoke
White exhaust smoke means that the engine oil has entered the cylinder and is burning together with the air-fuel mix during the combustion process. This can signify that the piston rings are worn out or completely broken.
It is important that you do not mistake white smoke for the white steam that comes out of a car in the initial start in the early morning or after a rainy day. This is caused by water condensation that has collected in the exhaust.
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Another sign that your car is in desperate need of an overhaul is if the engine is consuming an excessive amount of oil.
If you need to top up your engine oil constantly or if your low oil pressure warning light is on, then it means that you could have a leak somewhere within your engine system or that your piston rings are broken or worn out.
Faulty piston rings can cause an engine oil to leak directly into the combustion chamber.
Frequent Engine Overheating
Frequent overheating could mean that there is a leak within your radiator. However, overheating can also be caused by a malfunctioning cylinder head gasket that allows the coolant to enter the combustion chamber.
An overheating engine is a very serious issue that can lead to other kinds of mechanic issues and failures.
Black Exhaust Smoke
The consistent release of black smoke is a sign that your engine will need an overhaul. Black smoke is caused by a slow carbon buildup on the pistons and in the intake valves.
During the combustion process, when the driver is pressing the accelerator, the carbon will be blown out of the exhaust as a thick black smog. The carbon will also lead to the engine choking, as combustion will not be able to happen as planned. Fuel efficiency and lowered engine performance are a result of this.
Strange Noises from the Engine
Strange noises coming from the engine will usually mean that there are some parts within the engine that have become worn out, cracked, loose, faulty, or completely broken.
Knocking sounds can indicate that there is a lot of clearance between the piston rods and the crankshaft, or there is a problem with the valve train. Rattling sounds can also be caused by broken piston rings.
Whenever your engine is making a strange noise, so it is best to get the mechanism checked by a professional. Do not wait until the car breaks down and has a full engine failure, as it can cost you a lot more later down the road.
There are many benefits of having an engine rebuilt. If you live in Northallerton or North Yorkshire, you and are looking for ways to improve your car performance you can contact us today.