General internal combustion engine questions.
6
votes
1answer
1k views
How much power (HP) do the components on the engine belt generally use?
In general, how much power (HP) to the components on the the engine belt actually use? I'm trying to come up with an estimate of how much horsepower an engine wastes on things like the AC compressor, ...
1
vote
4answers
3k views
Uneven idle when my '93 Honda Accord's engine is cold
When I start the engine cold in my '93 Honda Accord, it will rev up to 2000rpm and slowly go down to 800 rpm as the engine warms up (normal behavior), unless I do one of the following during this ...
6
votes
1answer
272 views
Car Suddenly Decides To Not Crank
Today I turned the key to start up my car and all the lights (headlights and instrument panel) came on bright and normal, but the engine made absolutely no sound. It wouldn't start, it didn't even try ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Engine Size and Fuel Consumption
I have this weird misconception that the engine size is related to the amount of fuel being burned in one cycle(4-stroke engine). I know this is stupid but how does engine size relate to the amount of ...
4
votes
2answers
850 views
How to begin learning engine tuning?
Quite simply, I want to begin tuning and modifying automotive engines for hobby. I have always been fascinated with cars, and I want to become knowledgeable in as many aspects of car tuning as ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views
Burning Smell and Faint White Smoke
I have a 1999 Audi A4. Recently there is a burning smell when driving that is noticeable when stopped after driving. At night I noticed a faint white smoke blowing out of the front in the headlights. ...
2
votes
1answer
235 views
Removing Mitsubishi Galant 2000 V6 Engine
How do I remove a Mitsubishi Galant 2000 V6 engine? I have the wires and everything disconnected, but I am not sure if I am supposed to take the transmission off, or just pull it out transmission and ...
2
votes
1answer
264 views
Comparing v-twin with straight-four engines
This isn't really on-topic for "motor vehicle repair", but I figure it's kinda close.
A few months ago, I bought a 1983 Honda Nighthawk 550, which has a straight-four engine. A friend of mine was ...
3
votes
1answer
816 views
Engine stalls in hot weather
I have this strange problem with my Nissan Sentra 2002(80K miles). When it is about 90 deg F outside and driven more than about 10 miles the engine seems to miss badly(like for e.g. when you run out ...
1
vote
3answers
2k views
Best Ways to Pass Emissions?
I recently bought a 1989 Mercedes 300E that didn't run. Has a straight-six gas engine. Thanks to the miracle of Seafoam and a lot of luck, I was able to get fuel delivery happening again. I then ...
2
votes
3answers
112 views
What is this tank for ?
I just bough an old (1980s) Nissan Pathfinder.
In the engine I have managed to identify the engine-oil hole, the radiator-water hole and the windshield-washer hole (you can tell I'm a car expert!) ...
3
votes
2answers
456 views
What is the potential damage of a temporarily partially submerged front end?
I have a 2005 Nissan Sentra (base model, FWD, 1.8L 4-cyl engine) and I took some bad advice from the Maps app on my iPhone and I ended up driving on a very, very bad road. At one point, I drove into a ...
4
votes
2answers
308 views
engine underpowered in idle - what can be done to improve a diesel engine power at low RPM just a bit?
There is an engine which is a bit underpowered when idling, it can not even keep the car moving on a flat road when in gear and idling at 700..800 RPM - see link.
What can be done to improve its ...
4
votes
3answers
681 views
What kind of engine oil to run a Diesel?
I got an 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser with a 2H diesel engine. I never changed oil on a diesel engine prior to this truck, so I'm a little confused.
Toyota Factory Shop Manual recommend API CC oil type, ...
5
votes
1answer
477 views
Heater smells like sulfur
I drive a 2006 Toyota Sienna. When driving with the heater on I often smell sulfur. This is more common when I am driving up a hill, but if I turn the heater off, the smell goes away. What causes this ...
4
votes
3answers
445 views
What happens if unsuitable oil is used in a vehicle engine?
I recently heard an urban legend-like story about a guy in a developing country who decided engine oil was too expensive and so used some vegetable oil instead. The story says the car ran for some ...
4
votes
2answers
515 views
does a car normally continue moving at a constant speed when in gear and the foot is taken off the accelerator pedal?
I remember when driving a passenger car, when I took my foot off the accelerator pedal completely, but remained in gear, the car would normally continue to move at some low speed, different for each ...
2
votes
1answer
427 views
Passat - Oil warning light on engine rev. Expensive fix?
looking to buy my first car, which is a daunting task for someone with little money and even less knowledge of motors.
Seen this one on ebay, which ticks all my boxes but is cheap because:
When ...
3
votes
1answer
128 views
What is a gasket head kit?
I am looking at buying a used car, many listed have had "gasket head kit" installed?
What is a gasket head kit?
Should i be wary about buying a car with one installed?
Will the "gasket head kit" ...
3
votes
1answer
652 views
Spark Plugs 1998 Buick Lesabre
Where are the spark plugs in a 1998 Buick Lesabre? Pictures would be helpful as I'm a novice at this type of thing. I'm assuming I need all six because I'm getting a check engine light saying number 6 ...
3
votes
1answer
316 views
97 altima 5spd sputters, has loss of power under 3500rpm, dies when clutch is disengaged
My 97 altima has been to the same shop four times for the same problem. It will sputter and smoke( black smoke) and has large loss of power under 3500rpms and dies just about every time you depress ...
1
vote
1answer
1k views
Timing Belt Replacement Schedule on 2004 KIA
Can anyone tell me at what recommended mileage should the timing belt be replaced on a 2004 KIA 4 clylinder engine. And if you know, is this a job for a pro or can a do it yourself person do it? ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views
2000 Nissan Maxima Service engine light
The dealer diagnosed it and says it got tripped by catalytic converter and rear oxygen sensor. The total estimate was around $2000. The blue book value on his car is around that amount. Is there a way ...
1
vote
1answer
456 views
Coil Pack Location
Where are the coilpacks located in a 1998 Buick LeSabre? Images would be most appreciated.
Robert
2
votes
1answer
71 views
How to identify parts needed for a repair?
Here's a general question: How do you identify, in advance, what parts will be necessary for a repair (including all the various fasteners, o-rings, etc), and order them? Certainly for simple ...
3
votes
1answer
939 views
How to attach PCV breather hose on MkIII Golf?
The old "breather hose" on my Mk3 VW Golf became cracked and fell off. I bought a replacement tube, which connects to part of the PCV apparatus on top of the engine via a hose clamp, but it is not ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
What could cause an engine to make a chirping sound when it's first started up?
I've owned a Diesel Peugeot 307 for a year now but during the recent winter months I have noticed a strange sound in the engine when I started it up. As sounds aren't well described with words, I have ...
