It’s time to get out your wrench and start fixing things up around the house. Whether you’re trying to fix a loose tile or replacing a broken light fixture, knowing how to do basic repairs can save you time and hassle in the long run. In this article, we’ll take a look at some simple car engine repairs that any homeowner can do.
Remove the Air Filter
Removing the air filter is a necessary step when you want to lift a car engine. When you remove the air filter, you also remove any potential obstructions that could be causing your engine to not start.
To remove the air filter, first unscrew the two screws located near the bottom of the air Filter Cover. Once unscrewed, pull the air filter cover off of the car engine.
Once the air filter cover is off, you will see a number of pleats in the filter itself. In order to get to the clamps that hold the filter in place, you will need to unfold one of these pleats and then use your fingers to pop the clamp off of its wire frame. Be sure to replace this clamp when you reinstall the air filter cover onto your car engine.
Once all of the clamps have been removed from the air filter, simply pull it out from under your car engine. Make sure to vacuum out any dirt or debris that may have gathered inside of the air filter over time.
Congratulations! You have successfully removed your car engine’s air filter.
Loosen All Bolts and Hinges
automotive mechanics often have to remove a car engine in order to fix or replace something on it. Here are some tips on how to do it safely and without damaging the engine.
1. Remove the air intake and the fuel filler cap. This will help prevent gas from spraying all over the engine while it’s being worked on.
2. Unbolt the four bolts that secure the engine cover to the frame. If you can’t get these bolts loose, you may have to remove the cover entirely. Be careful not to damage the wiring or other components underneath it.
3. Loosen all of the bolts that hold the engine assembly to the chassis. Be careful not to pinch any wires or cables as you do this.
4. Carefully remove the engine assembly from the chassis by wiggling it free one bolt at a time. Make sure not to drop any parts; they can be difficult to find later on when reassembling everything correctly.
5. Once the engine is free, clean off any debris that may have been caught in between the gears or bearings, and reattach all of the bolts and screws that were removed in Step 3
Remove the Engine Cover
When you want to remove the engine cover on a car, there are a few different ways to go about it. The most common way is to use a screwdriver or wrench to unscrew the bolts that hold it in place. If the cover is glued to the car, you may have to use a pry bar or drill to break the bond and then remove it.
If the cover isn’t glued down, you can simply lift it off. Start by placing your feet on either side of the engine and using your hands to pull upward. Don’t worry about breaking anything; the engine cover is usually made from cheap plastic that can be replaced cheaply. Once it’s free, you can unscrew the bolts and remove the cover.
Remove the spark plugs
If your car’s engine won’t start, the first thing to do is check the spark plugs. Remove the five plugs (two on each side) and check the gap between each plug and the cylinder head. If the gap is too small, you’ll need to replace the plugs.
Change the Oil and Filter
If your car has an automatic transmission, the engine oil needs to be changed at 7,500 miles and the filter at 30,000 miles. If your car has a manual transmission, the oil needs to be changed every 5,000 miles and the filter every 3,000 miles.
Reinstall the Engine Cover and Spark Plugs
If your car has been in an accident, it’s important to take care of the engine as soon as possible. Here’s a guide on how to do it:
1. Remove the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter.
2. Remove the strange cover that rests over the engine. It has a few bolts holding it on.
3. Once the cover is off, you will see two spark plugs, two belts, and a few wires.
4. Replace the spark plugs and belts (if they are worn). Wires should be replaced only if necessary, typically when there is an issue with them (i.e., they are sparking).
5. Put everything back together in reverse order and reattach the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter.
6. Test the car by starting it and running it for a few minutes before putting it back on the street.
Reconnect the Hoses and Wires
If your car has an engine block lift, it’s important to reconnect all of the hoses and wires before you go any further. Otherwise, you could end up with a flooded engine or worse. Here’s a guide on how to reconnect the hoses and wires:
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect the ground wire from the engine block.
3. Remove the bolts that hold the oil pan on.
4. Lift the engine off of the chassis.
5. Remove the three bolts that hold the timing cover in place.
6. Loosen the three bolts that hold the camshaft cover in place.
7. Carefully remove the camshaft cover and timing cover assembly.
8. Loosen the four bolts that hold the exhaust manifold in place (two on each side).
9. Disconnect both of the upper intake manifold hoses (one at each end).
10. Carefully remove the exhaust manifold from the engine bay.
11. Loosen one of the two connectors on each upper intake manifold hose (the ones closest to the firewall).