Small Engine Vehicles - Should You Overhaul?

Spring and summer are the seasons of the small engine vehicle. It is during these months that the lawn mowers, landscaping equipment, and golf carts get their heaviest use. It is also during this time of year that they get the most attention. These vehicles can last for many seasons over many years when properly cared for. These engines need proper attention on a regular basis so that their performance can be maintained or fixed quickly before they evolve into bigger and more serious issues. There will be times when issues with the engine cannot be fixed by simple maintenance or small fixes. When this happens, a complete overhaul or replacement of the engine may be necessary.

It is important that the owner of one of these small engine vehicles check all other possibilities before overhauling or replacing the motor all together. Odd sounds in the engine or less than ideal performance can be fixed with oil or other fluid changes, carburetor fixes, or a thorough cleaning.

The following are signs that your engine needs serious help, and may require overhauling or reporting.

Noise

Excessive noise when the mower or cart is running is the first sign that something is wrong. Knocking or banging can be caused by a worn out engine or a piece that has worn out or is about to. Don't jump the gun, however. Noises happen. Investigate the engine through regular maintenance to see if these noises are new, understandable or fixable before going down the replacement or overhaul route. Unusual sounds may be fixed quickly. Persistent noises are signs of repair or replacement.

Mechanical

According to Samuel M. Goldwasser of Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ, broken, damaged, or bent engine parts are a strong indicator that an overhaul is needed. These types of problems may cause your mower or cart to fail to start. If the engine is able to turn over and start, damaged parts may cause vehicle shaking or vibration. Some damaged engine parts may be possible to replace separately. Major pieces, however, may require a complete engine overhaul.

Compression Changes

Low compression is caused by low oil levels or strain on rings, valves or gaskets and will result in the inability to start or keep a vehicle started. Like an automobile, failure to remain started is a clear indicate that there are problems related to the starter system and/or engine cylinders. Low compression, according to Goldwasser, may not require a complete overhaul, however, but may require replacement of the rings or cylinder head.

Overhauling a mower or cart is something that some people are comfortable doing on their own. For those that feel boring holes into cylinders and carburetors is a daunting task, repowering your small engine with a small engine replacement kit may be a better alternative to overhauling your small engine vehicle yourself. These kits are rebuilt, higher powered small engines that come with all the necessary replacement parts and clear instructions for installing it. Either will save you money in comparison with replacing the entire piece of equipment, but one may be easier and more efficient than the other.

~ Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Repower Specialists, LTD.
Learn about overhauling small engines vehicles using rebuild kits by visiting the Repower Specialists site specializing in golf cart and mower engines.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Anton

10 Biggest Automotive Myths

Myth #1: When my brakes squeak it is probably caused by brake dust.

Fact: Brake Dust never causes squeaks.

Brake dust is a natural result of braking caused by the brake pad (or brake shoe) wearing against the rotor (or drum) as you brake. A fraction of the brake pad and rotor wear away with each stop, which is what forms brake dust.

Myth #2: Emission testing is not required where I live, why do I need a catalytic converter?

Fact: Catalytic Converters are required by Federal Law.

If your vehicle came with a catalytic converter on it when it was manufactured, it´s a good rule of thumb it still is required to have one. A catalytic converter is located in the exhaust pipe and its primary function is to remove any unburned air fuel mixture leftover from the combustion process. Besides the benefit of keeping the air cleaner, the catalytic converter is an important part of the information feedback your engine needs to run efficiently. A modern engine samples the exhaust stream to see how efficiently the engine is running and adjusts fuel and timing to compensate.

Myth #3: Cars are so reliable, "If it ain't broke don't fix it"

Fact: This strategy might work in the short term, but over the life of your vehicle it costs less to follow the recommended maintenance schedules.

The reason following the recommended service intervals is less expensive is when a part completely fails it often damages other related or connected parts. It is far better to replace a worn, but still working part, than to wait for the expense of complete failure. Oh, and did I mention parts almost always fail at the worst and most inconvenient times, and often result in a towing charge as well as repairs.

Myth #4: The higher the Octane rating the better the gasoline.

Fact: Use the lowest octane rated gasoline your vehicle manufacturer recommends. (lower octane fuels are less expensive)

Octane rating is defined as the resistance of fuels to detonation (engine knock, or engine ping.) Higher performance engines typically have higher compression ratios and are therefore more prone to detonation, so they require higher octane fuel. A lower performance engine will not generally perform better with high octane fuel, since the compression ratio is fixed by the engine design. If you notice "engine knock" during heavy accelerating such as a long hill or an on-ramp or when pulling a heavy load, change to the next higher octane rated gasoline.

Myth #5: You must have the dealer service your vehicle so you don´t void your warranty.

Fact: By law the dealer cannot require you to maintain or repair your vehicle at their facility.

Where-ever you choose to maintain or repair your vehicle, you must follow the recommended intervals for service the manufacturer requires as outlined in your owner´s manual during the warranty period.

Myth #6: Performance Mufflers are just for kids.

Fact: A free flowing performance Muffler can improve power and gas mileage.

One of the easiest ways to improve the efficiency of an engine is to reduce the restrictions in the exhaust exiting the engine. Larger exhaust pipe diameter and a performance muffler that reduces the restrictions on the exhaust system and lets the engine work easier, especially during heavy acceleration or towing. The benefits are better mileage, more power and reduced engine temperatures. One of the trade-offs is a gain in sound volume of the exhaust, most find this a benefit as well.

Myth #7: Gasoline additives like Techron will keep my engine clean.

Fact: These additives certainly help but the combustion process leaves deposits in your engine especially carbon on valves and injectors.

Each gallon of gasoline contains only a small quantity of these additives. Periodically your engine needs a thorough fuel system cleaning, especially the injectors and valves to remove these deposits and restore efficiency to your engine.

Myth #8: Restarting the engine uses more gas than idling.

Fact: It takes almost no additional fuel to restart a warm engine.

All the new hybrid vehicles are taking advantage of this and shutting down the engine at stop lights. Back when cars had carburetors and were hard to start or flooded regularly there may have been a grain of truth, but no longer.

Myth #9: Oil never wears out, just top it off once in a while.

Fact: Oil, like all other automotive fluids degrade with use and time.

Oil and its additives are designed not only to lubricate but to capture impurities and suspend them in the oil. Most of the bigger particulates are filtered out by the oil filter. It´s actually the additives that make modern oils so effective but also it´s the additives that break down. The dark color of used oil is the captured contaminates that dilute and degrade the oil. Draining the oil and changing the oil filter regularly is the single most effective maintenance you can do for your vehicle to ensure a long life.

Myth #10: Let the engine idle to warm up on cold days.

Fact: Engines run best at their design temperatures.

To get to the ideal temperature sooner, start the engine and drive at moderate speeds. Your engine will be okay, modern oils flow fine in cold weather.

Master Muffler is Utah's leading muffler, brake and auto repair shop, and has 13 locations from Brigham City to Provo. Visit or call one of their locations for a free quote on how to improve your miles per gallon up to 30% for your car, truck or van. Visit their website at http://www.mastermuffler.net.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephan_Marking

The 2.0 Liter 2010 GLi Engine Brings Sporty to Volkswagen

The engine in the 2010 Volkswagen GLi is out to make a name for itself among some of the world's best sporty vehicles.

The four-cylinder, 2.0 liter turbocharged direct injection engine is capable of providing 200 horsepower at 6,000 RPMs and propelling the vehicle at a top speed of 127 miles per hour. It can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds or 6.9 seconds, depending on whether using manual or automatic transmission. It offers a six-speed manual transmission, as well as a six-speed automatic transmission with a Triptronic system. This provides the performance feel of a manual transmission with the ease of an automatic system, and can be engaged or disengaged by the driver. The Triptronic system was first offered in the 2009 GLi.

In these areas, little has changed from the 2009 GLi model. The difference in the newer model is in fuel mileage. The 2010 Volkswagen GLi maintains 25 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, compared to the 2009 version which got 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Reviewers report shifting up or down is virtually seamless, while the power train is among the best available in the model year. While the 200 horsepower may seem modest, it produces 207 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 RPMs.

The front-mounted, transverse engine has a cast iron block and crank shaft of forged steel with five main bearings. The valve train is a dual overhead camshaft, chain driven with automatic tensioner and four valves per cylinder.

The engine in the 2010 Volkswagen GLi offers a reasonably priced sporty vehicle with excellent performance and good fuel mileage by using some of the most technologically advanced systems available today.

Ronnie is currently the lead researcher for SWEngines.com. He logs various news regarding Volkswagen GLI Engine and related items.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronnie_W_Tanner

Buying a Used Honda Engine

Car repairs, like everything else in our society, have become incredibly costly. Replacing an engine on an older car doesn't offer you the luxury of having it paid for by an insurance company or a warranty system. Your only option is to replace it yourself. That can be costly, so it only makes sense to get the very best value that you can for your dollar.

Used engines make good sense. Recycling of any kind makes good sense but particularly those things which don't break down well, and last for ages should be used and reused until they outlive that usefulness. The cost is much lower, the company who sells it will usually offer some type of a warranty, and you're acting in an environmentally responsible way. What's not to love about all those things?

When you're exploring the purchase of a used engine, try to contact a company that specializes in them. You may pay a few dollars more for the engine but they will have an expansive inventory of used engines and most likely have what you need.

Not all used Honda engines are created equal. The year and make of your Honda will determine which used Honda engine that you're going to need. Make sure that you have that information available to you when you call or visit the dealer. Copy down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to take with you or offer to your online dealer. This too will tell them exactly what you've got and exactly what you need.

There are a few tips and tricks to buying a good used Honda engine. Ask questions of the used engine dealer about what kind of warranty they offer, if any and what kind of testing has been done on the used engine prior to its sale.

Most reputable dealers for used Honda engines, or any other type, will have leak tested your used engine and inspected it both inside as well as outside. Make sure that the one that you select has that kind of background. Check to see if they offer an extended warranty on the used engine. Many companies will offer that and it may be worth your while to buy one.

Take note of the mileage on the current engine in your car.If you're going to replace it, it only makes good sense to get a used Honda engine that has less miles on it than the current engine.

Deal with a reputable business or company. Sadly enough, dealing with an individual when you purchase a used engine doesn't always work out. If you are working with a company or business, they have a reputation to uphold and will be a better deal for you. Quite often individuals won't refund your money, and don't care if you're happy with what you purchased. With a business you have some means of recourse.

Take the time to surf the internet for your used Honda engine. Online companies purchase wrecks and take them apart. They service the parts and sell them. They will have a database that is national from which to find what you're looking for far more quickly than you probably can.

Saving money and saving the environment by buying used auto parts just makes good sense.

Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at SW Engines. He writes about used Honda Engines and other industry specific topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronnie_W_Tanner

Diesel Engine Problems? - Five Easy Ways to Make Your Car Start and Run Better and Go Further

Follow these easy budget steps for better starting and more power

"My car is difficult to start and it seems to have lost power!"

This is one of the most common problems people get with diesel powered cars.

Here are some easy budget moves you can make to solve problems with your diesel powered car.

GLOW PLUGS DO JUST THAT - THEY GLOW 'RED HOT' AND CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME

As the name implies glow plugs do just that - they glow red hot! Difficult cold starting is a symptom that one or more glow plugs may need replacement.

They don't require maintenance but eventually they need replacement.

The glow plugs are crucial because they allow the diesel engine to start when cold. Diesel fuel is ignited when injected into compressed/hot air (in the cylinder) So the glow plugs help get the engine started when cold by warming the fuel; once running they are not needed until the next 'cold' start. Shop around to avoid spending more than you need.

HIGH MILEAGE CAN MEAN WORN INJECTORS or INJECTOR NOZZLES

If you get excessive black smoke from the exhaust and your car has covered more than a hundred thousand miles your injectors have done a lot of work and may need replacing. New injectors or nozzles can make your car drive like new and save money on fuel too. Visit the Diesel Injectors UK website to get more info on changing nozzles and injectors.

YOUR ENGINE NEEDS OXYGEN - HELP IT BREATH EASIER - CLEAN OR REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT

A clean air filter is very important. Engines need oxygen.

If your engine can't 'breath' its like a fire without air. If the air filter is clogged the engine gets less air making it less efficient ( less power, it goes slower and uses more fuel) The filter is important to stop the dirt in the air clogging up the engine so you can either replace it or give it a thorough clean. If you choose to give it a clean get the vacuum cleaner out; it should do the job and save you money too!

CHANGE THE FUEL FILTER - DIESEL FUEL IS NOT AS CLEAN AS WE MIGHT LIKE TO THINK

Remember diesel fuel is a lubricant as well as being the fuel to run the engine. The injectors and the fuel injection pump have many moving parts; diesel lubricates them on it's way through...to reduce wear it's better for it to be as clean as possible.

Diesel Fossil Fuel (unlike bio-diesel) is refined from crude oil so it's not surprising there is a small amount of dirt (and possibly water) in the fuel. Diesels don't like dirt or water so as with the air filter so with the fuel filter. keep the fuel filter as clean as possible. This means a replacement filter at the proper service interval. Remember shop around to avoid spending more than you need.

I have known rotary diesels which have failed to start because the fuel filter is so clogged no fuel could get through to the pump! Don't let this happen to you!

CHANGE OIL AND FILTER - YOUR TURBO DEPENDS UPON IT!

Most diesel engines are now fitted with Turbochargers. The turbo improves the efficiency of the engine b/c even when you allow for the power used to drive the turbo there is a net gain in power output by the engine.

Modern turbos are often the variable nozzle type and spin at very high rpm...'clean' lubricating oil is their lifeblood. Another reason for keeping oil and oil filter regularly serviced.

(c) Andy Hewing B.Sc. February 2010

Diesel Injectors UK sell parts for diesels and provide problem-solving website information. Learn more about solving all kinds of diesel and car problems at http://dieselinjectorsuk.co.uk.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Hewing

Convert Gasoline Engine to Biodiesel If You Want to Stop Paying 4$ on Every Gallon of Gas

Biodiesel is making quite a buzz these days. More and more people are getting interested in converting their gasoline engines to biodiesel in order to save on gas expenses. Indeed, the constantly rising cost of fuel has kept everyone on their toes and on the lookout for better, cheaper fuel alternatives, of which biodiesel is considerably the best. You too should find out how to convert gasoline engine to biodiesel, and this article contains some of the basic things you should know on the subject.

Biodiesel is favored by environmentalists all over the world. Today, the effects of global warming are becoming more apparent by the second. Biodiesel helps keep the planet green because it is a clean-burning fuel that does not produce emissions of greenhouse gases; thus, it does not add to pollution and smog. That's why many people want to learn how to convert gasoline engine to biodiesel.

If you convert gasoline engine to biodiesel, you have three options to choose from. You can choose whether to let your diesel engine run on biofuel using vegetable oils, animal fats, or a combination of both. First, you can use the oil as it is. This oil is typically referred to as straight vegetable oil (SVO) or pure plant oil (PPO). Second, you can also mix it with paraffin or petro-diesel fuel, biodiesel, a solvent, or gasoline. Third, you can convert the oil to biodiesel using a reliable conversion kit. Whatever option you choose to go with, it's best if you research for more information before taking any further step.

Why lose more time on researching how to make and use biodiesel on your car? Get a good guide and you will have all the info that you need in less than 2 minutes. Best Guides Reviewed.

Act now and get the best biodiesel guide. Because I want to help you I've reviewed the best ones available on the internet. My #1 pick is proven to work and it will help save thousands of dollars on gas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Peterson

Find the Free Auto Repair Manual You Need Online

You can easily get a free auto repair manual for whichever repair need you might have. You need an internet access and have to follow a certain procedure searching for auto repair manuals, but when you have done this procedure a few times it will be very easy to find the right instructions for do it yourself auto repair and it won't cost you a dime.

There are four types of automotive description documents that you will need to choose from when you want to do a repair;

• General manuals
• Diagnosis descriptions
• Repair manuals
• Maintenance manuals

General Manuals

In addition to some general manuals, most of these are related to the make. Here you can get step by step guidance on how to repair most of the makes in the vehicle market. Let's say you have a Honda Acura 2002 model and you want to find a manual for that make and model. What you do is perform the following search in a search engine: "free car manuals+Honda Acura+2002". Then you will have a long list of sites that provide you with all kinds of descriptions for your Honda Acure 2002 model, and you can choose what you want.

Diagnosis descriptions

Automotive diagnosis manuals can also be sub-divided by make and model. But it can also be divided by the area of the vehicle that is affected, for example engine intake problems, brake problems, cooling problems, exhaust problems, start or stall problems, transmission problems etc. Let's say you have a start problem. Your search would be "car diagnosis manual+ start problem", then you should get more than enough repair information to choose from. You can even get diagnostic trees where all options are covered for nothing.

You have probably more than one time heard some annoying noise from somewhere in your vehicle, without finding the source of it. This is one of the most kinky situations to run into because you don't know if it is a serious signal or just a small thing. Some websites gives you the opportunity to diagnose vehicle problems by the noise, sound and vibrating signals - and that is great. The sooner you find it the sooner you can fix it and then you can relax. When you search, you can describe the sound, for example "whine noise" or "shifter knocks" or "driveline vibration" plus car diagnosis manual plus eventually the make.

Repair Manuals

In addition to regular manuals you can also get very instructive and detailed descriptions in other internet document or websites like articles, etc. The natural way to sub-divide such repairs before searching, is by the area of the vehicle that is going to be repaired, for instance body repair, exhaust repair, suspension fix, interior repair and even general car repair.

You do the search the same way as above; "car repair manual (or description) + the area of repair and go through the list of resources you get.

Maintenance manuals

Though vehicle maintenance is closely related to your vehicle make and model, there are some maintenance issues that are pretty much common whether you have a Cadillac, VW or a Mercedes, for example changing oil, changing air filters, engine wash, fluid maintenance, tier maintenance etc. You can get access to maintenance descriptions by searching for the kind of maintenance plus "car maintenance manual (or description)" plus eventually your make and model.

I think you'll be amazed of the amount of automotive repair free stuff online.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. Terje gives advice and helps people with automotive issues like auto repair and online car auctions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terje_Ellingsen