Tune-Up Warning Signs:
- Engine light on dash will not go out
- Backfiring
- Reduced power
- Engine knocks
- Reduced gas mileage
- Engine stalls
- The engine continues to run after being turned off
- Strong odor from the exhaust
- Engine is hard to start (battery should also be checked)
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These warning
signs are only possible symptoms of the problem. Please come in and ask
our service technicians for a professional diagnosis. |
Description
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1
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Check the
anti-freeze/coolant level weekly. Newer cars have see-through reservoirs
with level markings. Top off with 50/50 solution of permanent anti-freeze
and water. CAUTION: Do not remove the pressure cap when engine is hot.
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2
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Inspect belts
monthly. Replace worn, glazed or frayed belts; tighten them when they have
more than 1/2" of slack when depressed between the pulleys. Replace
bulging or rotten hoses and tighten clamps. |
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3 |
Check
transmission fluid with the engine warm and running, parking brake on.
Shift to Drive, then to Park. Remove dipstick, wipe dry, insert and pull
it out again. Add fluid if needed. DO NOT OVERFILL! |
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4 |
Check the oil
every other time you fuel up. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, insert
it and remove it again. If it's low, add oil. |
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5 |
Check the air
filter every month or two. Replace it when it's dirty or as part of tune
up. It's easy to reach, right under the big metal "lid".
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6 |
Check brake
fluid monthly. First wipe dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir
lid. Pry off the retainer cup and remove the lid. If you need fluid, add
the approved type and check for possible leaks. |
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7 |
Keep
windshield washer reservoir full. When topping off, use some solvent on a
rag to clean off the wiper blades. |
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8 |
Check the
battery monthly in cold weather, weekly in hot weather and daily on long
trips. Make sure the cables are attached securely and free of corrosion.
Check fluid level. If yours has filler holes, add water as needed. NOTE:
Do not smoke or light a match near a battery. |
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9 |
Check power
steering fluid level once a month. Simply remove the reservoir dipstick.
If the level is down, add fluid. |
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Filters, Filters,
Filters.
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1 |
Proper fluid
levels and clean filters are vital. In addition to the grit, dirt and
other foreign matter which enters the engine and transmission from outside
air and other sources, your car also creates its own contaminants through
condensation, chemical reactions and wear. Some components would
self-destruct if filters did not protect them. |
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2 |
Crankcase Vent
Filter - prevents dirt from entering crankcase.
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3 |
Air Filter -
Keeps abrasive dirt, dust, bugs and other foreign material out of the
carburetor air intake.
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4 |
Engine Oil
Filter - Traps dirt, metal filings, and sludge, allowing only oil to
circulate through the engine. |
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5 |
Transmission
Filter - collects dirt and metal filings, protecting finely machined
parts. |
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6 |
Fuel Filter -
Traps rust, sediment and dirt which may enter carburetor and clog tiny
jets. |
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7 |
Vapor Canister
- collects gasoline vapors from the fuel system and returns them to the
carburetor. |
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Filter Replacement
Schedule
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Filter Type
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Normal
(in km)
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Severe Service
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Oil
Transmission
Air
Fuel
Crankcase Vent
Vapor Canister |
12,000
40,000
40,000
15,000
40,000
40,000
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5,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
20,000
40,000
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What our service
includes:
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Engine diagnostic test with computer printout to explain the results |
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Pressure test fuel system |
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Access available computer codes to identify engine problem |
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Install new spark plugs |
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Set timing and adjust idle speed when applicable |
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Test the battery and charging system |
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Visually inspect the air filter PCV valve and ignition cables |
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Visually inspect the distributor cap and ignition rotor |
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Visually inspect carbon canister filter, where applicable |
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Visually inspect vacuum hose condition |
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Test exhaust emissions (not valid for state inspections) |
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Visually inspect condition of hoses and belts |
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Visually inspect fuel injector throttle assembly, or carb throat, for
cleanliness and free operation |
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Visually inspect oil level and condition |
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Visually inspect coolant and freeze protection |
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Visually inspect and correct tire pressure |
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Road test vehicle |
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How to keep your
car in tune.
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Whether you're
doing the work yourself or having your tune-up done professionally, it's
wise to know what is involved.
Periodic
checking, inspection and maintenance of ignition, carburetor and emissions
components help ensure efficient engine performance. The following is as
list of 13 components that should get attention as part of a tune-up.
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1 |
Inspect the
distributor cap for cracks and erosion of the terminals. Cap and rotor
should be replaced if necessary. |
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2 |
Pitted breaker
points and/or worn rubbing block hinder performance and may cause starting
trouble. Replace points and condenser as part of the tune up. (Not
applicable on cars with electronic ignition.) |
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3 |
Loose or
corroded connections at the coil can cause starting trouble. |
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4 |
Ignition wires
and boots deteriorate with age, causing spark to short circuit. Wiring
usually is replaced with every second or third tune up |
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5 |
The spark plug
firing gives clues on engine condition. Look for worn or burned
electrodes, sooty or oily deposits when inspecting spark plugs. Plugs
should be replaced as part of a tune up. |
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6 |
Incorrect
timing can cause "pinging" or poor engine performance. Timing adjustment
is an essential part of tune up. |
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7 |
Even
maintenance-free batteries can accumulate corrosion on terminals. Corroded
connections cut current flow, causing hard starting and/or prevent the
battery from fully charging. |
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8 |
Rough idling
or hard starting may be due to sticking choke mechanism or broken vacuum
lines. |
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9 |
Fuel filters
trap dirt before gas reaches the carburetor. A clogged filter starves the
engine of gas. The fuel filter should be replaced as part of a tune-up.
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10 |
The air filter
usually is replaced as part of the tune-up. If you cannot see through the
air filter, you should change it. |
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11 |
A tune-up
should include idle speed adjustment. |
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12 |
The
"stove-pipe" preheats air to the carburetor. It should be closed when
cold, and open when engine warms up. |
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13 |
The PCV valve
is another replacement item. When it sticks, engine performance is
impaired. |
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A first class
tune-up includes a thorough diagnostic check by a qualified technician.
Many
of today's vehicles are equipped with fuel injection systems in place of
carburetors. Servicing is best left to professional technicians. |