Engine repair is any service that pertains to the engine. As components wear out they need replaced or they may start leaking oil or coolant. As the operator of the vehicle you may notice a new noise or a spot of fluid on the garage floor. These are an indication that something is wrong and you will need to have it checked by Technician. It would take a book to describe all the possible problems that can occur with an automobile engine. Below are two common problems with many cars.

Engine Repair and Exchange

The engine timing belt is a very important belt. Why! When it fails it can do damage to the engine internally and the cost of the repair is much higher. In most cases the engine will need to be replaced. The manufacturer sets mileage recommendations for changing the belt. In most vehicles it's around 90,000 miles.

The intake manifold gasket can leak engine oil and coolant. It can leak internally and externally. A internal coolant leak will cause the oil to be over full on the dip stick. The oil will be a light brown almost like coffee with creamer in it. It this is the case park the vehicle until it is repaired. The chemicals in the coolant will damage the rod and main bearings. A external leak will cause the coolant or oil level to go low. The intake manifold gasket leak will also cause engine performance issues.

Engine Performance


Engine performance is a term used to describe problems that pertain to a lack of performance from the engine. Several things can cause an engine performance issue. In most cases the check engine or service engine light will illuminate when a problem exist.

Fuel pressure is critical for proper engine performance. Early warning sings of low fuel pressure may be a longer than normal cranking time to start the engine, hesitation when accelerating, and chugging at cruising speeds. Anyone of these symptoms warrants having a fuel pressure test performed. Every vehicle has a manufactures specification for proper operating pressure.

The fuel filter is a device used to collect particles from the gas passing through it. It is located in the fuel supply line between the fuel tank and the fuel injection system. It is constructed from metal or plastic with a porous paper filter in the center of it. The gas fills the chamber of the fuel filter and the impurities are filtered out as the gas moves to the inner chamber of the filter. The build up of particles on the paper filter over time will restrict the flow of fuel. The reduction in fuel flow can cause engine performance issues.

A computer controlled engine runs with such precision that the turn up has now become a 100,000 mile event in most cases. The quality of the parts have gone up for example the spark plugs are now made of platinum and other precious metals. A good tune up will increase fuel mileage and engine performance.

Engine Exchange

Engine exchange is a term used for replacement of the engine. At some point the engine in a vehicle may wear out or have a mechanical break down that out ways the cost of repairing the engine. Should this happen to you there are some options.

The term re-manufactured engine means that the engine has been completely rebuilt. Rebuilt means that all the major components have been either replaced or reconditioned. All gaskets and seals have been replaced. These engines carry a warranty of three years unlimited miles. When you replace an engine with a re-manufactured unit you can expect to get many more years of use out of the engine.

The other option is a used engine. Used engines are extracted from salvaged vehicles. Salvaged vehicles are vehicles that were damaged in an automobile accident. The used engines are tested and the odometer reading is recorded. It is very possible to get an engine with low mileage to replace the worn out or defective engine in your vehicle. An example would be your vehicle has 198,652 miles on it and the engine failed. A used engine has been located with 54,378 mile on it. The used engine is installed in your car and it is running great with much lower miles on it. With proper maintenance you will get several more years of use out of the vehicle.

Re-manufactured engines are more expensive than the used engines. The warranty on the re-manufactured engine is much longer than that of the used engine. The decision will be up to you.