General internal combustion engine questions.
4
votes
2answers
868 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 ...
11
votes
3answers
1k views
Static vs. Effective compression: Why does higher effective compression not require higher octane gas?
Background
I've been trying to do a lot of research on boost lately because I'm planning on running a moderate turbo setup on my daily/light-duty-autox car in the future. I'm trying to get into the ...
4
votes
4answers
4k views
Is idling bad for your engine?
If I sit in my car for 30-40 minutes with the AC and the car idling, does that "hurt" the engine, or does it simply waste gas and pollute the air? Would it be better if I turned off the car? A ...
2
votes
4answers
3k views
Is engine braking harmful? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Does Downshifting (Engine Braking) Cause Extra Wear and Tear?
My wife and I have a disagreement about a practice of mine--engine braking. When I'm driving her manual ...
10
votes
2answers
1k views
Why doesn't the engine stall out when you come to a stop with an automatic transmission?
When you come to a stop with a manual transmission you have to push the clutch in or take it out of gear to keep the engine from stalling out. What keeps the engine from stalling in an automatic ...
6
votes
1answer
274 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 ...
1
vote
3answers
199 views
My 2001 Mitsubishi Airtrek revs at 2250rpm for 30 seconds before slowing. Will this speed harm the engine?
My 2001 Mitsubishi Airtrek 2wd with 86000k revs at 2250rpm for 30 seconds before slowing. Will this speed harm the engine?
5
votes
1answer
481 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 ...
2
votes
3answers
234 views
Is my mechanic ripping me off?
My 2002 ford focus (built after may 23) died and the AAA and tow guy both said that it needs a new fuel pump.
Anyway I went to the mechanic and he said it'll be 350 for the pump and 200 for labor. I ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
Why does a Turbocharger only produce boost when the engine is under load
As per the Title.
Why does a turbocharged car only produce significant boost whilst the engine is under load. Is is something to do with how much exhaust is being produced or is there some kind of ...
6
votes
4answers
16k views
Cold start squeaking noise in engine
I just purchased a used 2010 Corolla 3 days ago. I've only now noticed that when I start the car, there is a squeaking sound coming from the engine. It lasts no more than a second. Sounds like it ...
5
votes
4answers
3k views
Doing my own fuel induction service - how to, and how difficult?
Was recommended to get a fuel induction service for a 2002 V4 Camry, and am considering doing it MYSELF. The reasons for considering this are:
My car idles a bit rough, especially when the AC is on.
...
4
votes
2answers
341 views
Engine never warms up (actually: it cools down) at highway speeds
I have a 1997 Caravan (base model) and normally on my drive to work and my highway drives in rush-hour, the engine warms up just fine.
I took a road trip for work, about an hour and fifteen minutes ...
4
votes
3answers
446 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
517 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
582 views
BMW 330D 2001 E46 Turbo Charger not working as expected after changing
I have a problem with my car.
My car:
BMW 330D, 135kw, 2001 year, E46.
A week ago my turbo charger got broken when I was driving. There was a lot of white smoke going out of exhaust and there was ...
3
votes
3answers
177 views
Dying car, at random intervals
So my 1996 Jaguar XJR is just stopping at random. It happens when the car is doing low RPM, like when I am coming/stading at a stop light.
Any ideas on where to start to troubleshoot this problem?
...
2
votes
3answers
954 views
Squeaking Noise when Cold Start. Suspect something wrong with belts, Also engine missing when sudden acceleration desired from Total Stop
From the past few weeks whenever I crank my car there is a squeaking noise which may continue for about 30-60 sec or even longer (This is intermittent sometimes it doesn't really happen). The engine ...
1
vote
1answer
457 views
Coil Pack Location
Where are the coilpacks located in a 1998 Buick LeSabre? Images would be most appreciated.
Robert
1
vote
2answers
2k views
High-pitched squealing coming from engine
I've been told that a wet serpentine belt causes this. Is that true? If not, what else could it be? How can I fix this?
This is a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer (4.2L 6-cyl. engine). I hear the noise ...
