If the vehicle is operated in dusty areas, when towing a trailer or caravan, at slow speeds or for short distances, more frequent service intervals are recommended.
When purchasing a used car, it is necessary to carry out a full range of maintenance work, regardless of mileage and period.
If you suspect engine wear, you should check the compression in the cylinders.
The compression value shows, in most cases, how worn the cylinder-piston group of the engine is.
To measure compression, you need a compression gauge.
Compression check
1. Fully charge the battery. Adjust the valve clearances. Warm up the engine to operating temperature.
2. Remove one of the spark plugs and screw the compression gauge adapter into the spark plug socket. Turn the crankshaft with the starter several times. Record the maximum compression pressure value.
3. Repeat measurements on the remaining three cylinders.
4. A decrease in compression in all cylinders most often indicates wear of the cylinders, rings and pistons.
5. Low compression in one of the cylinders means damage to the valve plates and seats, burnout or cracks in the piston, damage to the cylinder head gasket or cracks in the cylinder head.
6. Low compression in two adjacent cylinders most often means damage to the cylinder head gasket between the cylinders.
Before performing diagnostic or repair work on the engine, the following preliminary steps must be performed.
Primary actions:
- clean, inspect and test the battery;
- check oil and coolant levels;
- check the condition and tension of the auxiliary V-belt;
- replace spark plugs;
- inspect the cover of the breaker-distributor and high-voltage wires;
- check the condition of the air filter;
- check the oil filter and replace if necessary;
- replace fuel filter;
- check the condition of all hoses and fluid leaks;
- check idle speed and CO content.
If the above steps are not effective, follow these steps.
Secondary actions:
- check the charging system;
- check the ignition system;
- replace the distributor cover and distributor rotor;
- replace high voltage wires.