BASIC ENGINE TESTING
Four Stroke Cycle
Intake stroke Piston going down - intake valve open. Low pressure created in cylinder. Volumetric Efficiency maximum at w.o.t. Compression stroke Piston going up - both valves closed. Mixture squeezed to increase combustibility, molecules, raises temp. Needs good seal to compress and combust. Power stroke Piston going down - both valves closed. Work is performed by expanding gasses. Exhaust stroke Piston going up - exhaust valve open. Exhaust gasses exit. Any exhaust left over dilutes incoming a/f mixture with inert gas (exhaust) Causes poor quality and quantity of charge.
Valves
Valves serve two purposes: Sealing - during compression and power strokes Opening up of ports during intake and exhaust strokes
Cylinder Sealing
Performed by tight seal of valve face against seat to seal in compression pressures Most common loss of compression is valve not sealing properly
Broken Valve Spring
Valve not fully closed
Bent Valve
Bent due to piston contact
Burned Valve
Face burnt due to poor contact with seat (leaking)
Proper Valve & Seat Position
Guide
Seat
Face
Opening of Valves
Controlled directly or indirectly by camshaft
Volumetric Efficiency
Three factors affect VE:
How far the valve opens (lift) The amount of time that it is open (duration Size of opening
A problem with valve opening will affect volumetric efficiency or the quantity of incoming fuel mixture
Multiple valves
Multiple valve heads will act same as big valve heads Secondary throttle plates can be used to eliminate loss of ram effect
Lobe Lift & Duration
Lift - How far valve will open Duration How long it stays open
Head Design
Wedge style most common, cost effective design Hemi style very efficient air flow, expensive Porting & polishing increases air flow, less restriction & reduced turbulence in ports
Carbon Buildup
Carbon build up on intake valve
Worn valve guide/seal (oil) Fuel deposits Affects V.E.
Flat cams
Valve doesnt open fully
Testing
Vacuum gauge testing
Provides quick test for compression problems Should read 15-20 of manifold vacuum @ idle Cranking vacuum will be 3-5
Vacuum Testing
Measures vacuum level in intake manifold Indicator of basic engine condition
Normal
Ave., steady readings between 15 22 in Hg
Leaking Rings
Low but steady, 12 15 in Hg, late ignition timing, late valve timing
Single Cylinder Misfire
Fluctuations between 1 & 2 in Hg Possible burned valve
Sticking Valve
Irregular needle drop between 1 & 3 in Hg. Multiple cylinder misfire rich or lean mixture
Weak Valve Springs
Normal at idle Excessive vibrations at higher rpm Sticking valve guides
Worn Valve Guides
Excessive vibrations at idle Steadies at higher rpm
Leaking Head Gasket
Excessive vibrations at any rpm Loss of compression
Leaking Intake
Needle oscillates slowly, drifts between 3 & 9 in Hg.
Restricted Exhaust
Normal at idle Drops near 0, may rise to lower than normal
Cranking Compression Test
Used for checking engine seal
Must set up conditions
W.O.T., bat. charger, disable ignition, all plugs out
Compare readings - 10% max difference Typical range: 110 - 150 psi
Wet test is performed when cranking compression is low
Add SMALL amount of oil to cylinder, helps seal worn rings
Leak Down Test
Used to identify location of sealing problem Cylinder must be at TDC, comp. stroke Problem is detected if loss is greater than 20%
Identifying Location of Leak
Air escaping through exhaust, open valve Air escaping through intake, open valve Air escaping through valve cover, worn piston rings Air escaping through radiator, blown head gasket
Running Compression Test
Test cylinder seal at idle Readings will be low, less time to fill cylinder Compare readings - no specs Identifies compression loss apparent while running
Broken valve springs Worn valve guided Burned valve
Snap Compression Test
Tests for problems with v.e. Allows rush of air at relatively low rpm, nearly filling cylinder which will cause increased compression pressures
If a cylinder has a restricted intake snap pressures will be lower
Compare readings - no specs
Improper Valve Lash
Too little will cause sealing problems Too much will cause excessive noise, wear and loss of lift
Valve Lash Adjustment
