ENGINE TUNE-UP
An engine tune-up is a series of procedures that restore optimum en-
gine performance, reduce exhaust emissions, increase fuel mileage,
and prolong the useful life of the engine. It can save you a long walk
home or an expensive tow job.
Since an engine tune-up is one of the most important elements of
proper car care, it should be performed at regular intervals rather
than after a failure occurs. If you are an average driver, every 10,000
miles is a good rule-of-thumb schedule for periodic engine tune-ups.
If your car is used less frequently, 4,000;5,000 miles a year, then you
must use a different schedule for tune-ups;one based on time rath-
er than miles. In this case, a tune-up once a year will keep your car
running at peak efficiency. If you put extremely high mileage on your
car;40,000 or 50,000 miles a year;your tune-up schedule should be
every 15,000 miles or so.
Different driving conditions will also call for different servicing
schedules. For instance, excessive driving in dusty conditions will call
for more frequent periodic service, as will excessive stop-and-go
driving. Long trips and highway miles are easier on a car and will re-
quire less frequent tune-ups.
If one of the following warning signs is present, your engine prob-
ably needs a tune-up:
1. Engine performance is noticeably sluggish.
2.The engine consistently stalls.
3. The engine is hard to start.
4. The engine misfires.
5. Engine hesitation or surge is noticeable, especially
in high gear at highway speeds.
Before beginning any tune-up, it is recommended that you care-
fully read through the instructions and study the diagrams in this
chapter at least once and preferably twice to get an overview of what
you will be doing and what you can expect next as you proceed from
step to step. And since on most modern cars the emission control
system is directly related to the engine tune-up, you should read the
chapter on emission control before attempting to tune up your
engine.
Also, be sure to read the paragraphs on parts and equipment be-
fore beginning. Have the right tools, ~equipment, and parts on hand
before you begin. There is nothing more frustrating than beginning a
job and then finding out that you do not have everything you need.
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