If the owner of a new vehicle has strictly adhered to the schedule of routine maintenance procedures (see Schedule of current maintenance), performed critical parameter checks quite often, maintained the required level of lubricating fluids, the engine will extremely rarely require additional maintenance and repairs (in addition to the replacement of components and consumables subject to increased wear).
On the other hand, if regular maintenance procedures are performed carelessly and the established inspection schedules are frequently violated, the engine's efficiency will sooner or later inevitably decrease. The likelihood of such a situation occurring is especially high when purchasing a used car. In such cases, it becomes necessary to perform a set of powertrain adjustments beyond the scope of work on the car's current maintenance.
The first step in tuning or diagnosing a poorly performing engine is always to check the cylinder compression pressure (see Chapter Engine), the analysis of the results of which allows you to assess the general condition of the internal components of the engine and outline a plan for upcoming adjustment and / or restoration work. For example, if during the compression pressure test signs of serious internal wear of the engine are detected, the usual set of adjustments will not be enough to correct the situation and its implementation will be a waste of time and money. In view of the value of the information obtained as a result of the compression pressure test, its implementation should be entrusted to a sufficiently experienced and qualified mechanic who has the necessary diagnostic tools.
Below are lists of basic tuning procedures to obtain maximum performance from an engine that is in good mechanical condition.
List of minimum checks and adjustments
1. Check all fluids related to engine operation (see Checking fluid levels);
2. Check the condition of all hoses in the engine compartment (see Checking the condition and replacing the hoses located in the engine compartment);
3. Checking and adjusting the tension of the drive belts (see Checking the condition and replacing the auxiliary drive belt and the Head Engine);
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4. Cleaning, inspection and checking the battery charge (see Checking, servicing and charging the battery);
5. Replacing spark plugs/glow plugs (see Replacing spark plugs, checking the condition of high-voltage wiring and the Head Engine electrical equipment);
6. Inspection of spark plug high voltage wires (see Replacing spark plugs, checking the condition of high-voltage wiring);
7. Checking the air filter (see Replacing the air cleaner filter element - diesel models produced before 09.2000 and Replacing the air cleaner filter element - all petrol and diesel models produced since 10.2000);
8. Checking the cooling system (see Checking the condition of the cooling system components Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
List of general purpose checks and adjustments
All the above minimum setup points, plus:
1. Checking the ignition/pre-glow system (see Chapter Engine electrical equipment);
2. Checking the charging system (see Chapter Engine electrical equipment);
3. Checking the fuel system (see Chapter Power and exhaust systems);
4. Replacing the spark plug wires (see Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
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