AUTOMOBILE ENGINE: DIAGNOSTICS, MANAGEMENT AND REPAIR TECHNOLOGY
The Automobile Engine is the power house of the vehicle; it is responsible for supplying power to
every system and component in the vehicle. Proper understanding of its operations is necessary
for every mechanic and users. The diagnosis of automobile engines related fault is one of the most
difficult and complex job to the automobile mechanic or technician, many make wrong guesses or
mistakes. This study is to help eliminate such difficulty faced by auto techs and mechanics. Get our free automotive courses.
In order to undertake proper diagnostics, maintenance and repairs in automobiles engines and
automobiles in general, one needs to understand the various types of engines available because
there are countless numbers of engines designs in the automotive industry today.
The Vehicle engine is the power house of the vehicle. It generates all the energy needed by every
components and systems in the vehicle to function properly. The engine is a complex mechanical
system controlled by various engineering principles. The engine is the primary source of power to
the vehicle except for vehicles such as electric vehicles etc. It even power up other source of
power such as the battery by charging it through an alternator.
ENGINE SERVICING
Engine Servicing is a routine service job that is done periodically in automobiles/vehicles which involves draining of the engine oil from the engine and changing the oil filter (which usually comes with a seal). In the Asoro’s Model, engine servicing is done on vehicles periodically, the interval at which this is done is usually recommended by the Head Technician of the Mechanical Repairs Department, and this decision depends on the usage of the car, the state of the engine.
The time interval given for engine servicing for a commercial vehicle and that of a private vehicle are different due to the time difference that each of these vehicles spent on the road, also the same thing applies with time interval given to service an old engines and that of a new one or faulty engines and sound ones, these guidelines are summarized in Table A
Tools used in Engine servicing includes Oil filter wrench, 14mm, 17mm or 19mm spanner (either flat, ring or socket, depending on the position of the bolt), drain tray, and wiping napkin.
Engine Servicing
During the Servicing of the vehicle’s engine the following procedures are undertaken;
Checking of the oil level.
Loosening of the drain bolt (usually 14mm or 17mm depending on Engine type).
Draining the old engine oil into a drain tray.
Loosening the old oil filter.
After complete drainage, tighten of the drain bolt.
Fixing of the new oil filter.
Pouring in the new engine oil.
Checking the oil gauge to verify oil level.
Warming up of the engine.
Get Automotive parts replacement.
During the servicing of vehicles engine the role played by artisans includes;
Bringing out of tools required for the Job.
Loosening of oil filter (occasionally).
Loosening of drain bolt (occasionally).
Tightening of new oil filter (occasionally).
Loosening of drain bolt (occasionally).
Pouring of engine oil.
For some modern cars, they display warning lights on their dashboard when they are due for servicing. Such cars needs an diagnostic tool to clear off the warning lights after service, although others may clear off after the engine have worked for some time.
