The terminology "tuneup" is used to represent a combination of individual operation's rather than one specific procedure. If the routine maintenance schedule is followed as well as frequent checks of fluid levels and high wear items, as suggested will keep the engine in relatively good condition. Inevitable, however there will be times when the engine will perform poorly due to lack of regular maintenance. This will be especially the case when purchasing a used vehicle, which has not received regular scheduled and frequent maintenance checks. In some cases an engine tune-up will be necessary in addition to regular routine maintenance intervals.
The primary step in any tune-up or diagnostic procedure to help correct a poor performing engine will be the cylinder compression check. The compression check will assist in the determination of condition of the interval engine components. The compression check serves as a guide for tune-up and the repair procedures. For example, in the event a compression check reports serious interval engine wear and damage, the conventional tune-up will not improve the performance of the engine, but would be a waste of time, energy, and money. Due to it's extreme caution of importance, seek a automotive specialist with the correct equipment, tools, parts, knowledge and experience to assist in the compression check.
However, the following procedures are those most often necessary to service a generally poor performance engine back to proper state of tune.
Minor-Tune-Up
1). Check all engine related fluids
2). Clean and inspect the battery
3). Check all underhood hoses
4). Check and adjust the drivebelts
5). Check the air filter
6). Service the cooling system
7). Replace the spark plugs
8). Check the pcv value
Major-Tune-Up
1). Check all engine related fluids
2). Clean and inspect the battery
3). Check all underhood hoses
4). Check and adjust the drivebelts
5). Check the air filter
6). Service the cooling system
7). Replace the spark plugs
8). Check the pcv value
9). Check the fuel system
10). Replace air filter
11). Replace the spark plugs
12). Check the charging system
Fluids are vital part of the lubrication, cooling, brake and window washer systems. Because fluids slowly become run-down and/or contaminated during the normal operation of the vehicle, they must be replace from time to time. The vehicle needs to be on level ground when fluid levels are checked.
Engine oil level is checked with a dipstick that is located on the side of the engine toward the front of the vehicle. The dipstick pulls out through a tube and into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. The oil level should be checked before the vehicle has been driven or about 5 minutes after the engine has been shut off. When oil is checked directly after driving the vehicle, some of the oil will stay on the upper engine components, resulting an inaccurate reading on the dipstick. Attach the dipstick back into the tube and pull out again.
Oil is added to the engine after removing a cap located on the valve cover. Don't let the level drop below the min mark on the dipstick or engine damage may occur. If you overfill the engine by adding to much oil, it may effect oil aeration and loss of oil pressure and could result in oil fouled spark plugs, oil leaks or seal fractures. A constant low oil level will indicate oil leakage through damage seals, defective gaskets or past worn rings or valve guides. The head may be cracked and leaking coolant and entering the crankcase.
Don't allow antifreeze to come in contact with skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle. Do not leave coolant around, where it's easily reached by children or pet's, they will be tempted by it's sweet smell. Ingestion of even a small amount of coolant can be fatal.
Replacement parts are available from many sources which generally fall into one of two categories-authorized dealer parts departments and independent retail auto parts stores. Our advice concerning theses parts is as follows.
Retail auto parts stores:
Good auto parts stores will frequently need components which wear out relatively fast such as clutch components, exhaust systems, brake parts, tune-up parts etc. These stores often supply new or reconditioned parts on an exchange basis, which can save a considerable amount of money.
An Authorized dealer parts department:
This is the best source for parts which are unique to the vehicle and not generally available elsewhere( such as major engine parts, transmission parts, trim, etc).
Warranty Information
If a vehicle is still covered under warranty, be sure that any replacement parts have engine and chassis numbers available and if possible take the old parts along for positive identification.
