Archive for the ‘Engine System’ Category.
September 9, 2009, 19:51
A clean, white insulator firing tip and/or excessive electrode erosion indicates this spark plug condition. k This is often caused by overadvanced ignition, timing, poor engine cooling system efficiency (scale, stoppages, low level), a very lean air/fuel mixture, or a leaking intake manifold. When these conditions prevail, even a plug of the correct heat range will overheat.
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Information supplied by Champion Sparkplugs ©2009
September 8, 2009, 19:47
Too much oil is entering the combustion chamber. This is often caused by piston rings or cylinder walls that are badly worn. Oil may also be pulled into the chamber because of excessive clearance in the valve stem guides. If the PCV valve is plugged or inoperative it can cause a build-up of crankcase pressure which can force oil and oil vapours past the rings and valve guides into the combustion chamber.
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September 7, 2009, 19:44
May be caused by a foreign object that has accidentally entered the combustion chamber. When this condition is discovered, check the other cylinders to prevent a recurrence, since it is possible for a small object to “travel” from one cylinder to another where a large degree of valve overlap exists. This condition may also be due to improper reach spark plugs that permit the piston to touch or collide with the firing end.
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September 6, 2009, 19:40
Glazing appears as a yellowish, varnish-like colour. This condition indicates that spark plug temperatures have risen suddenly during a hard, fast acceleration period. As a result, normal combustion deposits do not have an opportunity to “fluff-off” as they normally do. Instead, they melt to form a conductive coating and misfire will occur.
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September 5, 2009, 20:02
This plug has served its useful life and should be replaced. The voltage required to fire the plug has approximately doubled and will continue to increase with additional miles of travel. Even higher voltage requirements, as much as 100% above normal, may occur when the engine is quickly accelerated. Poor engine performance and a loss in fuel economy are traits of a worn spark
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September 5, 2009, 19:26
Rarely occurs in automotive engines, however, this condition is caused by similar conditions that produce splash fouling. Combustion deposits thrown loose may lodge between the electrodes, causing a dead short and misfire. Fluffy materials that accumulate on the side electrode may melt to bridge the gap when the engine is suddenly put under a heavy load.
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September 2, 2009, 19:12
A build-up of combustion deposits stemming primarily from the burning of oil and/or fuel additives during normal combustion … normally non-conductive. When heavier deposits are allowed to accumulate over a longer mileage period, they can “mask” the spark, resulting in a plug misfire condition.
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September 1, 2009, 07:45
Cooling/Electrical System – FanBelts
Checking the fan belt is an easy task. By pushing on the fan belt you can ascertain if the tension is firm or loose. Also, first thing in the morning, by revving the engine, you may notice a high pitched screech. This indicates the fan belt is loose and needs attention ASAP. A high pitched screech may also self destruct a fan belt particularly if it’s a polyrib belt, that is a later generation type belt. It’s also called a serpentine belt.
September 1, 2009, 07:27
Power Steering – Fluid Level
Checking the power steering level is an easy task. You need to check 2 things with the power steering. 1: that the power steering fan belt is in good condition and that there’s no squeaking on a full lock or a high pitched screech and 2: that the power steering fluid is not descending. If you find that the fluid is descending over a period of time, say, a week or a month, you have a serious leak. Power steering fluid leaking can be serious. Please note that it is a highly flammable fluid just like transmission fluid. If you do notice that the fluid is descending you need to have that leak repaired ASAP to prevent any damage or a possible underbonnet fire.
September 1, 2009, 07:24
Checking the engine oil
Checking the oil level on a weekly basis is very important. You also need to check that the oil level is not descending. The best time to check the oil is when the engine is cold on a flat surface.
If you find that it’s quite damp around the engine this is an indicator of oil leaking. If the sump is quite damp it could indicate that the oil is leaking on the road. This can be quite dangerous to motorcyclists. If you see the oil descending or you notice the engine sump is damp you need to do something about it as soon as you can to prevent a potential accident on the road.