Engine malfunctions, part 2

Proper component maintenance can extend the life of your motorcycle. This week we'll look at three more elements.

The engine is undoubtedly the most important element of a car. In modern units, breakdowns are rare, but when something happens, repairs are usually expensive.

Proper component maintenance can extend the life of your motorcycle. This week we'll look at three more elements.

Valves - close and open the inlet openings to the cylinders, as well as the openings through which the exhaust gases exit. The quality of the units operation depends on their correct setting in old engines. On new motors, the valves are adjusted automatically. They are damaged most often when the timing belt or chain breaks. The pistons then hit the valves and bend them.

Rings - located on the pistons. They provide a perfect fit between the piston and the cylinder. Like most elements, they are subject to wear. If the clearance between the ring and the cylinder is too large, oil will seep into the cylinder.

camshaft - controls the operation of the valves. Most often, the shaft breaks (consequences similar to a broken timing belt) or the cams mechanically wear out (then the valves do not work properly).

By replacing the camshaft, we can improve the performance of the vehicle. Sometimes after replacing this element, the power increases up to 20 percent. This type of improvement is carried out by specialized tuning companies.

See also: Engine malfunctions, part 1

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