How to extend the life of the internal combustion engine
Content
What is called an internal combustion engine resource
Formally, the ICE resource means the mileage before its overhaul. However, the state of the unit can be considered practically limiting when its power is significantly reduced, the consumption of fuel and internal combustion engine oil increases sharply, uncharacteristic sounds and other obvious signs of degradation appear.
Simply put, a resource is the operating time (mileage) of an internal combustion engine until the need arises for its dismantling and serious repairs.
For a long time, the internal combustion engine can function normally without showing any signs of wear. But when the resource of parts approaches its limit, problems will begin to appear one after another, resembling a chain reaction.
Symptoms of the beginning of the end
The following signs indicate that the day is inevitably approaching when the overhaul of the internal combustion engine can no longer be postponed:
- A sharp increase in fuel consumption. In urban conditions, the increase can be twofold compared to the norm.
- Significant increase in oil consumption.
- Low oil pressure is the first sign of starting oil starvation.
- Power reduction. Manifested by an increase in acceleration time, a decrease in maximum speed, difficulty climbing.
The reduction in power is often due to the deterioration of compression, in which the air-fuel mixture is not heated enough and combustion slows down.
The main culprits for poor compression are worn cylinders, pistons, and rings. - Violation of the rhythm of the cylinders.
- Irregular idling. In this case, the gear shift knob may twitch.
- Knocks inside the engine. They can have different reasons, and the nature of the sound also differs accordingly. Pistons, connecting rod bearings, piston pins, crankshaft can knock.
- Unit overheating.
- The appearance of blue or white smoke from the exhaust pipe.
- Constantly there is soot on candles.
- Premature or uncontrolled (hot) ignition, detonation. These symptoms can also occur with a poorly adjusted ignition system.
The presence of several of these signs indicates that it is time to start overhauling the unit.
ICE life extension
The internal combustion engine is too expensive a car component to leave it without due attention. Engine problems are easier and cheaper to prevent than to deal with, especially in advanced cases. Therefore, the unit must be monitored and follow certain rules that will help extend its life.
Running
If your car is brand new, the first two to three thousand kilometers you need to drive carefully and avoid overloads, high speeds and overheating of the internal combustion engine. It was at this time that the main grinding of all parts and components of the machine, including the internal combustion engine and transmissions, takes place. Low loads are also undesirable, as lapping may not be sufficient. It should be borne in mind that the break-in period is characterized by increased fuel consumption.
engine oil
Check the oil level at least once a week and change it regularly. Usually an oil change is recommended after 10-15 thousand kilometers. The frequency may be different if required by specific operating conditions or the condition of the unit.
Over time, the oil can lose its properties and thicken, clogging the channels.
Lack or thickening of oil will cause oil starvation of the internal combustion engine. If the problem is not eliminated in time, wear will go at an accelerated pace, affecting rings, pistons, camshaft, crankshaft, gas distribution mechanism. Things can get to the point that repairing the internal combustion engine will no longer be practical and it will be cheaper to buy a new one. Therefore, it is better to change the oil more often than recommended.
Choose your oil according to the climate and season. Do not forget that the quality and performance parameters of ICE oil must match your engine.
If you do not want unpleasant surprises, do not experiment with different types of oil that are not included in the list recommended by the engine manufacturer. Various additives can also cause unpredictable effects if they are incompatible with those already in the oil. In addition, the benefits of many additives are often very doubtful.
Maintenance
The frequency of maintenance should comply with the manufacturer's recommendations, and in our conditions it is better to carry it out about one and a half times more often.
Remember to change filters regularly. A clogged oil filter will not allow oil to pass through and it will go through the relief valve uncleaned.
The air filter helps keep the inside of the cylinders clean. If it is clogged with dirt, then the amount of air entering the fuel mixture will decrease. Because of this, the power of the internal combustion engine will decrease and fuel consumption will increase.
Regular inspection, cleaning and replacement of the fuel filter will avoid clogging the system and stopping the supply of fuel to the internal combustion engine.
Periodic diagnostics and replacement of spark plugs, flushing the injection system, adjusting and replacing faulty drive belts will also help save the engine resource and avoid premature problems.
The cooling system should not be left without attention, because it is it that allows the engine not to overheat. For some reason, many people forget that a radiator clogged with dirt, fluff or sand does not remove heat well. Maintain the correct coolant level and change it regularly. Make sure the fan, pump and thermostat are in working order.
Look not only under the hood, but also under the car after parking. In this way, you will be able to detect a leak of ICE oil, brake fluid or antifreeze in time and localize it.
Use good quality spare parts for replacement. Cheap low-quality parts do not last long, often lead to the failure of other components and, ultimately, are expensive.
Optimal operation
Do not start with a cold engine. A small warm-up (about one and a half minutes) is desirable even in summer. In winter, the internal combustion engine should be warmed up for a set of minutes. But do not abuse idling, for internal combustion engines this mode is far from optimal.
When the temperature of the internal combustion engine reaches 20 ° C, you can start off, but the first couple of kilometers is better to drive at low speed until the temperature indicators reach operating values.
Avoid puddles to prevent water from entering the combustion chamber. This can cause the ICE to stall. In addition, cold water falling on a hot metal can cause microcracks to appear, which will gradually increase.
Try to avoid high RPMs. Don't try to copy a sporty driving style. Ordinary cars are not designed for this mode. Perhaps you will impress someone, but you risk bringing the internal combustion engine to a major overhaul in a couple of years.
Underloaded mode, frequent traffic jams and overly careful driving also do not have the best effect on the internal combustion engine. In this case, due to insufficient combustion temperature, carbon deposits appear on the pistons and walls of the combustion chambers.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the fuel. Contaminants in low-quality fuels can clog the fuel system and cause detonation combustion in cylinders, resulting in carbon deposits and defective pistons and valves. Stara
