Common Engine Problems with Older Vehicles: Here’s What You Need to Watch Out For
Not everyone is rushing to get the latest model off the car lot. Many drivers prefer driving around an older model— either by preference or by necessity. Sometimes our cars become part of the family and it becomes difficult to part with them, other times purchasing a new vehicle is simply not an option. Whatever the reason, if you have an older modern vehicle, here are some of the most common engine problems you may run into and how to better prepare and solve these issues.
If your car is having issues, you might need professional engine repair. Here’s what you need to know.
Dissecting Your Engine and Understanding the Basics
You don’t need to be a world-class mechanic to know when your engine is not running right, but gathering a basic understanding of how the engine works can put you in a better position when you experience problems or bring it into the mechanic shop. New models and old models run on the same principles of internal combustion, though newer modules have more sophisticated electrical systems and computer chips.
Let’s get back to the basics.
Important components of your car engine:
- Engine Block: This is the core of the engine. It is the component where other necessary materials pass through including the oil and coolant. It is often called the cylinder block because it is easily identifiable by the cylinders that are integrated into the main structure. The cylinder is needed as the place where the engine’s pistons move up and down. A car that has four cylinders will have less power than one that has six.
- Combustion Chamber: This component sits on top of the cylinder block and is a major part of your engine, although it mostly goes unnoticed and uncredited. It contains several passageways that allow for exhaust gasses to travel out of the engine block or to connect to the inlet valves.
- Piston: These smaller components are what move up and down within the cylinder. When fuel ignites the engine, the power pushes the piston down, which moves the crankshaft. The piston’s main function is to transfer force and energy to the crankshaft.
- Crankshaft: This component converts the motion of the pistons into a rotational motion that propels the car. It’s usually located near the engine block. The crankshaft also connects to rubber belts which connect to the camshaft and distribute power throughout other parts of the vehicle.
- Camshaft: Some people consider this the thinking part of the engine. That is, it contains complex inner workings that keep the whole thing running. It works together with the crankshaft —connected by the timing belt— to make sure the timing of the valves is working properly.
Other important working parts include: the timing system, the valvetrain, the valves, fuel injectors, alternator, radiators, and other system components.
A Quick Overview of the Four Stroke System
All of the above-mentioned components must be functioning properly in order for the car to work as it should. The four-stroke system encapsulates the initial motion that makes the car move. First, there is an intake stroke. The piston moves down on the cylinder through the intake valve and the fuel injector spits fuel into the cylinder. Then, there is the compression stroke. In this stage, the valves close and the crankshaft pushes the piston upward. Then, there is the combustion stroke, the piston reaches the top and creates a spark with the spark plugs. The force pushes the piston back down. Then there is the exhaust stroke. When the piston is pushed to the bottom, the valve that controls exhaust opens and the piston is pushed back up. This cycle happens in repetition again and again to make your car move.
The vehicle also needs to have a working fuel pump and air intake system to ensure that air and fuel are getting into the engine as they need. The cooling system is also very important, as it keeps temperatures within a safe range, which keeps your engine from overheating.
Common Car Engine Problems
The engine is a complex mechanical system that depends on various parts working properly. Older cars, given the wear and tear and extra mileage, may experience more problems with the engine because the components have a lot of mileage. Proper maintenance can help you avoid some of the issues.
Here are problems you may run into:
A misfiring engine: You likely know what this sounds like. You turn the ignition key and the car turns on but the ride seems bumpy or that it’s about to give out in any second. The car is shaky. This may very well be a problem with the spark plugs, which should be changed every so often, depending on your car’s recommendation.
Overheating and other oil issues: Many old cars are known to develop oil leaks and oil burning. For many people, their older cars may overheat because there is some problem with the motor oil. It’s often due to the engine burning through the oil. And yet, an older car may need to be more closely monitored for oil changes and oil buildup or starvation. The oil maintenance change and filter change should be done every 3,000 miles so that no sludge builds up in the engine. At the same time, if there is not enough oil, parts will wear against each other and cause problems in your engine.
Leaking Cooling System: Older cars also have older cooling systems. If there is a leak in the radiator, radiator hoses, gaskets, or seals, the level of coolant will fall dramatically and the coolant or antifreeze cannot do its job.
Need Engine Repair or Maintenance? Call Sergio Lewis
The engine is a wonderful piece of engineering. It has many working parts and components. Older cars have a lot of mileage, which means a lot of these components have been rattling around for a longer time. Engine noises can be the first signs that something is not quite right. Then, you might start to feel your car is driving differently.
Don’t sit on it. Get your engine checked out right away. Call Sergio Lewis Bodyshop, and we’ll take care of you.
