Troubleshooting Engine Mechanical Problems

Part 3 of 3

The Problem Is Caused By What To Do

Connecting rod bearing noise Insufficient oil supply Inspect for low oil level and low oil pressure
Carbon build-up on piston Remove carbon from piston crown
Bearing clearance excessive or bearing missing Measure clearance, repair as necessary
Crankshaft connecting rod journal out-of-round Measure journal dimensions, repair or replace as necessary
Misaligned connecting rod or cap Repair as necessary
Connecting rod bolts tightened improperly Tighten bolts with specified torque

Piston noise Piston-to-cylinder wall clearance excessive (scuffed piston) Measure clearance and examine piston
Cylinder walls excessively tapered or out-of-round Measure cylinder wall dimensions rebore cylinder
Piston ring broken Replace all rings on piston
Loose or seized piston pin Measure piston-to-pin clearance, repair as necessary
Connecting rods misaligned Measure rod alignment, straighten or replace
Piston ring side clearance excessively loose or tight Measure ring side clearance, repair as necessary
Carbon build-up on piston is excessive Remove carbon from piston

Valve actuating component noise Insufficient oil supply Check for:
(a) Low oil level
(b) Low oil pressure
(c) Wrong hydraulic tappets
(d) Restricted oil gallery
(e) Excessive tappet to bore clearance
Rocker arms or pivots worn Replace worn rocker arms or pivots
Foreign objects or chips in hydraulic tappets Clean tappets
Excessive tappet leak-down Replace valve tappet
Tappet face worn Replace tappet; inspect corresponding cam lobe for wear
Broken or cocked valve springs Properly seat cocked springs; replace broken springs
Stem-to-guide clearance excessive Measure stem-to-guide clearance, repair as required
Valve bent Replace valve
Loose rocker arms Check and repair as necessary
Valve seat runout excessive Regrind valve seat/valves
Missing valve lock Install valve lock
Excessive engine oil Correct oil level