The need for engine diagnostics, which the owner performs independently, can occur for various reasons. In some cases, the procedure is performed regularly for prophylactic purposes, in others, engine calibrations with their own hands allow you to save money and do without visiting a car service, etc.. d.
In any case, it has become easier to determine the breakdown and check the general condition of the internal combustion engine and its systems on a modern car. The point is, that the introduction of electronic control systems for self-diagnostic modes allows the ECU engine to record possible errors, which after decoding indicate the cause of failure or breakage.
Also do not forget about proven diagnostic methods, which are based on noise analysis, exhaust color and other signs, indirectly or directly indicate a problem.
In this article we will talk about that, how to diagnose the engine, what equipment and tools will be needed, and also what breakdowns the self-diagnostics of the car engine helps to reveal.
Diagnosis of the engine with your own hands: what it is needed for and how it is done
First of all, timely diagnosis allows you to quickly identify possible faults at the initial stage. In other words, it is possible to quickly identify breakdowns even before, as they grow into serious malfunctions.
Experienced owners know well, that ignoring small problems as a result can lead to big trouble, to the overhaul of the engine or even to the need to replace the unit with a contract engine.
Given the above, it is necessary to conduct regular preventive examinations, and also to carry out diagnostics at the smallest deviations from normal work of power plant. As for prevention, preferably at least once in 7 days to check the level of engine oil, working fluid in the cooling system, inspect pipes and hoses for cracks and damage.
It is also necessary to monitor the condition of seals and gaskets. The appearance of oil leaks indicates the need to replace the seals or eliminate the causes, on which the oil "presses".
If it was noticed, that the engine started to malfunction, lost power, increased fuel consumption, then you need to make a comprehensive diagnosis of the motor. On modern cars, this procedure is performed using special diagnostic equipment in conjunction with visual assessment, noise analysis, etc.. d. Let's look at the process in more detail.
Let's start with that, that the presence of controllers and a developed electronic control system ECM allows you to quickly assess the status of various engine systems. It is important to understand, that in many cases one such check will not be enough. A number of diagnostic procedures are required to obtain objective results.
In the list of basic actions it is necessary to allocate:
- visual inspection of the unit and underhood space;
- check of air and fuel filters;
- inspection of spark plugs and armored lines;
- checking the timing chain / belt and correct installation;
- measurement of compression in engine cylinders;
- scanning errors using diagnostic equipment;
As for the necessary tools and equipment, within the minimum set you will need to have a set of wrenches and screwdrivers, compressometer, and a scanner to the OBD diagnostic connector 2 (On-board diagnostics) or laptop / PC with special software and adapters for connection.
Superficial inspection of the internal combustion engine, measurement of compression and fuel pressure
so, before starting work, carefully inspect the engine and bonnet space. Wiring elements deserve special attention, fuel hoses, branch pipes, etc.. d.
Then you need to check the condition of the air filter, as well as fuel filtration. If the filters are clogged, then this may cause the unit to malfunction. The level of technical liquids is checked in parallel (engine oil, antifreeze, antifreeze, brake fluid, etc.).
Next, you need to warm up the engine to operating temperatures. Then you should gas. If gray is visible from the exhaust pipe, siziy, blue or white smoke, then this may indicate various problems (impaired mixing, problems with fuel charge combustion, ingress of PR or engine oil into the combustion chamber, etc.. d.).
Even experienced professionals always check the crankcase ventilation system. To quickly check on the spot, simply disconnect the crankcase ventilation pipe, then you need to insert a little clean cloth into the pipe. Then the engine is started and gassed.
In that case, when oil flies from a branch pipe or smoke obviously leaves, then this may indicate a problem with the piston rings or a malfunction of the ventilation system itself. Compression and fuel pressure should also be measured as part of diagnostic procedures.
To measure compression, you need to unscrew spark plugs on gasoline engines or spark plugs on diesel. A visual inspection of the candles themselves is also performed. If the compression is below the allowable limit, then there is a high probability of LNG wear, valve burnout, occurrence of rings, etc.. P.
As for the power system, then on many petrol units it is possible to measure fuel pressure in a fuel rail. This measurement allows you to determine the malfunction of the fuel pump, contamination of fuel filters, pressure regulator failure.
Noise diagnostics, whistle and engine knock
It is optimal to have a mechanical stethoscope to detect various extraneous sounds, which makes it easier to establish the source. You can also make the simplest device yourself. All you have to do is take a wooden stick, at the end of which a tin or plastic jar is fixed. This simple device also allows you to listen to the "motor".
Also in the process of analysis should carefully study the key of the knock (loud or deaf), and there is a change in frequency and intensity with a set of revolutions. In parallel, you need to consider, that extraneous sounds may not come from the engine itself, and from attachments or checkpoints, drives, etc.. d.
Carrying out computer diagnostics of the power unit
To perform the task, you need to find a universal diagnostic connector. Then through the adapter, which is inserted into the specified connector, laptop connects, PC, tablet or smartphone. Note, that for self-diagnosis it is optimal to use the OBDII scanner-adapter, which allows you to connect a mobile device without the use of wires.
We also recommend reading the article about it, which is shown by computer diagnostics of the engine. In this article you will learn about it, what parameters of the internal combustion engine can be checked in real time, as well as what errors in the operation of the motor is recorded by the electronic control system.
Example, A computer adapter to the diagnostic connector is required to perform computer diagnostics of the engine using a smartphone, and the required software is downloaded and installed on the device. After that, the smartphone and the adapter are synchronized, and the received data is shown on the display. The only thing, need to be considered, that programs and hardware can be as universal, and intended only for a particular brand of car.
After connection it is necessary to start the engine, then you need to run the diagnostic program. Depending on that, what software and type of scanner is used, the display will show graphs and other information. The most important thing, this is to consider the engine fault code, after which the error code may need to be further decrypted.
Usually, in this way malfunctions of electronic sensors are revealed, system failures, etc.. P. After, as a problem element was identified, it can also be checked with a multimeter tester. If the error disappears after replacement or repair, then the procedure can be considered successful.
However, in those cases, when the problem cannot be solved on their own, Expensive specialized equipment is required for in-depth diagnostics, and it is necessary to have professional skills and profile knowledge. Quite obviously, that in such a situation it is better to deliver the car to the service station.
As a result
Given the above information, it becomes clear, how to diagnose the engine and its systems with your own hands. The main advantages of this approach can be considered the ability to monitor the state of the unit, and identify obvious or hidden faults up to that point, until they cause more complex and expensive repairs.
We also recommend reading the article about it, how to diagnose the engine by spark plugs. In this article you will learn about it, on what failures, deviation or breakage indicates soot on the spark plugs and its color.
Finally, note, that even if the owner is unable to fix the problem himself, self-diagnostic procedures in many cases can find the cause of the problem, which speeds up and reduces the cost of the overall process of repairing the engine, its components and systems.