Running Problems? Check the Big Three!

If you find yourself unable to start your engine it could be missing one of the three major components needed for an engine to run compression, fuel and spark, without ANY one of these items NOT working the engine will NOT run leaving you calling the tow truck on the side of the road.

#1. Compression - This area of the motor results by crankshaft rotation and pistons moving up and down inside the engine block. Once the pistons reaches the top of the cylinder with fuel and spark inside the compression allows the explosion to occur returning the piston to the bottom of the cylinder wall pushing your vehicle forward. If the timing belt or timing chain fails it will cause the camshaft to become out of correlation with the crankshaft or allow the camshaft to stop rotating correctly. Either of these conditions will cause the engine to lose compression and sometimes cause internal engine damage.

#2. Fuel - Fuel delivery is what feeds your motor and if it doesn't eat it will die! The fuel system is made up of these major component parts: fuel pump, fuel injectors, pressure regulator, fuel filter and fuel pressure lines. This system is used to supply fuel under pressure to the fuel injection system and/or carburetor, the lack of fuel pressure or volume will cause the fuel delivery system to fail and the engine to stall or not start.

#3. Spark - Without spark to ignite the fuel you will not create the explosion inside the cylinder needed to drive you forward. The ignition components include: spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor (if applicable), crankshaft angle sensor, camshaft angle sensor, ignition coil, ignition module, knock sensor and PCM (powertrain control module). The engine relies on the ignition spark to be delivered to the combustion camber at the correct time. If the ignition spark stops or is delivered at the wrong time the engine will not run or run poorly.

If your vehicle is running poor or not starting make an appointment today.

Rick's Complete Automotive

6560 Railroad Ave.

Forestville C.A. 95436

(707)887-1641