What does engine repair actually mean on a car now?
It used to mean taking the engine apart and replacing different parts, including valves, pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, camshafts. All of that is still correct.
But when most people think of engine repair, it has to do with not only internal but what is on the engine, what makes it run.
Internal engine components:
- Valves
- Pistons
- Connecting rods
- Crankshafts
- Camshafts
- Bearings
- Oil pump
- Cylinder heads
- Intake manifold
External and internal engine repair
When you’re talking about these different parts, you start with the ignition system. On the engine, that can be anything from the coils, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor, distributor – if the vehicle is old enough to have one. It could also be an ignition module that might be bolted on top of the engine or on the valve cover.
It could also have to do with the cooling system that’s on the engine. Maybe it’s the serpentine belt or the idler pulleys, and all of these go with the water pump.
Water pump parts:
- Serpentine belt
- Idler pulleys
- Water pump
- Belt tensioner
- Radiator hoses
- Engine coolant thermostat
When you’re talking about internal components as far as engine repair, the most common now are timing belts and timing chains. Along with that job may go some idler pulleys, timing chain guides, and crankshaft and camshaft oil seals.
Parts associated with timing belts include:
- Timing belt tensioner
- Camshaft seals
- Crankshaft seals
- Timing belt idler pulleys
These are items related to timing chains:
- Timing chains
- Timing chain guides
- Timing chain tensioner
- Timing chain sprockets
- Camshaft seals
- Crankshaft seals
Engine-related problems
Some people may think of engine repair as the control system, like your check engine light comes on and what’s related to the engine.
Oil leaks is another problem that people associate with it. That can be anything from the oil pan, the valve cover gaskets, the rear main seal or crankshaft seal. With the way these cars are designed now, even the oil pan can be in three different pieces.
Components that are connected with oil leaks:
- Oil pan
- Valve cover gaskets
- Rear main seal
- Crankshaft seal
- Oil pan gasket
- Intake manifold gaskets
- Oil filter housing
- Timing chain cover gaskets
- Cylinder head gaskets
- Oil pumps
You also have engine maintenance, which people will call engine repair. Now we’re talking oil changes and fluid exchanges. Then, there’s maintenance due to time and mileage, such as belts and hoses.
Engine maintenance services:
- Oil changes
- Fluid exchanges
- Fuel system service
- Tune up
- Belt replacement
- Air filter
- Fuel filter
- Radiator hoses
- Engine coolant
Whether you think engine repair means work on the engine, in the engine, or associated with the engine, Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is your local auto repair shop that can take care of all your needs.
Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.