If the owner of a new vehicle has strictly adhered to the schedule of routine maintenance procedures since the day of its purchase (see section 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 Engines), 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 suitably experienced and qualified mechanic with the necessary diagnostic tools. Below are lists of basic adjustment procedures that allow you to achieve maximum efficiency from an engine in good mechanical condition.
List of minimum checks and adjustments
- Checking all fluids related to engine operation (see section Checking fluid levels);
- Check the condition of all engine compartment hoses (see section Checking the condition and replacing the hoses located in the engine compartment);
- Checking and adjusting the tension of the drive belts (see section Checking the condition and replacing the auxiliary drive belt and the Head Engines);
- Cleaning, inspection and checking the battery voltage (see section Checking, servicing and charging);
- Replacing spark plugs (see section Replacing spark plugs and the Head Engine electrical systems);
- Checking the air filter (see section Replacing the filter element);
- Checking the cooling system (see section Checking the status of components and the Head Engine cooling, interior heating and air conditioning systems).
List of general purpose checks and adjustments
All the above minimum setup points, plus:
- Checking the ignition/pre-glow system (see Chapter Engine electrical systems);
- Checking the charging system (see Chapter Engine electrical systems);
- Checking the fuel system (see Chapter Fuel, exhaust and emission control systems);
- Replacing the spark plug wires (see Chapter Engine electrical systems).
(Source is on the website: opelbook)
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