Auto Repair
Engine Tune Ups
Engine Tune Ups
Engine tune ups have become a whole lot simpler since about 1992 and further back on some vehicles. Since then, distributor points, distributors and setting of the engine timing have slowly been fazed away. Today’s engines are now fuel injected which made those tricky fuel and engine idle adjustments obsolete. Now all those precise engine settings and adjustments are controlled by the vehicles computers and its many sensors. When a problem arises concerning any of these many computer controlled settings, your check engine or service engine light will light up on your instrument panel. When this happens, unless you left your gas cap loose, take your beloved chariot to the repair facility. Without costly test equipment and specific information, you will not be able to diagnose or repair the problem. Guesses here are costly.
A tune up today consists of replacing the engine spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter and PCV valve if it is the replaceable type. Check the owners manual for the intervals these parts should be replaced. Rule of thumb is all these parts get replaced every 30,000 miles except if the spark plugs are platinum... Platinum spark plugs get replaced every 100,000 miles.
When it comes to cleaning of the fuel injectors, many dealers and repair facilities choose to ignore the warning given by many of the manufactures. The manufactures state that damage to the injectors could occur from the traditional cleaning and an inexperienced person could cause major damage to the engine if done improperly. The preferred method is to simply purchase a recommended additive that gets added to the gas tank when the tank is filled. The injectors are then cleaned as you drive. Note of caution here is, beware of some of the additives on the market... If in doubt, check with your local dealer. The dealer can advise you on the additive in question and provide you with the recommend intervals the additive should be added. I myself like to see this done at least every 15,000 miles.
A tune up today consists of replacing the engine spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter and PCV valve if it is the replaceable type. Check the owners manual for the intervals these parts should be replaced. Rule of thumb is all these parts get replaced every 30,000 miles except if the spark plugs are platinum... Platinum spark plugs get replaced every 100,000 miles.
When it comes to cleaning of the fuel injectors, many dealers and repair facilities choose to ignore the warning given by many of the manufactures. The manufactures state that damage to the injectors could occur from the traditional cleaning and an inexperienced person could cause major damage to the engine if done improperly. The preferred method is to simply purchase a recommended additive that gets added to the gas tank when the tank is filled. The injectors are then cleaned as you drive. Note of caution here is, beware of some of the additives on the market... If in doubt, check with your local dealer. The dealer can advise you on the additive in question and provide you with the recommend intervals the additive should be added. I myself like to see this done at least every 15,000 miles.
Auto Repair
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