Danny's Engineportal : Helping Solve Engine Problems

Engine Vacuum Gauge Test: A Simple Guide

03/11/2026

An old-school engine vacuum gauge test is a powerful ally. Because, it provides a direct window into your engine’s soul. This tool is often forgotten in the digital age. Yet, it can diagnose an engine […]

Interference Or Non-Interference Engines, Timing Is Everything

Interference vs. Non-Interference Engines: What You Need to Know

03/07/2026

The Hidden Danger: Interference vs. Non-Interference Engines So, every driver should understand their car’s engine design. It can mean the difference between a small bill and a total loss. This guide explains why engine timing […]

Spark Plug – How Do I Read, the Condition of My Spark Plugs

03/03/2026

Learning how to read the condition of a spark plug, can be a valuable tuning aid. Because, you can determine a great deal about your engine’s, overall operating condition. Usually, just by examining the plugs […]

Fuel Leak – If You Smell Fuel, This Could Be a Sign of a Fuel Leak

02/28/2026

Above all, you should never have a fuel smell in your vehicle. So, if you smell fuel, this could be a sign of a fuel leak. A gas leak can be dangerous, because it is […]

Engine Misfiring – What Can Cause It – Tracking Down the Problem

02/23/2026

What is engine misfiring and what are the main causes. Engine misfiring is bad, so it’s best to find the problem and fix it as soon as possible. Because, engine misfiring reduces gas mileage and […]

Signs of Worn Piston Rings and How to Replace Them

02/19/2026

So, the first sign of worn out piston rings, is engine blow-by. Consequently, if you are seeing puffs of blue smoke out of the exhaust, it means the engine is burning oil. Also, with worn […]

Engine Noises – Where Are They Coming From – Are They Bad

02/11/2026

So, with a little practice, you can gain the experience and knowledge to know what engine noises mean. You should always take the extra time to make a proper noise analysis, before doing any engine […]

Engine Damage – Look for Deterioration, Before It’s Too Late

02/06/2026

It’s not always easy to recognize, when your vehicle is suffering from possible engine damage. Many symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” engine damage While not all symptoms may threaten the life of […]

Top Dead Center – Is When the Piston Is at the Top of Its Stroke

02/02/2026

Top Dead Center (TDC) refers to, the point when the piston is at the absolute top of its stroke. So, a piston can be at Top Dead Center (TDC), on the compression stroke or on […]

Engine Coolant Antifreeze – Engine Cooling and Testing Made Easy

01/26/2026

The job of engine coolant antifreeze is to protect the engine from severe temperature and corrosion. That’s why you should always flush and replace your engine coolant antifreeze at recommended intervals. Otherwise, it will break […]

Fuel System Related Problems – Not Always Easy to Solve

01/22/2026

Fuel system related problems can be time consuming and difficult to solve. Consequently, anything that might affect the flow and pressure, is going to result in poorer performance. So, the biggest cause of any fuel […]

Intake Manifold Leaks – Causes, Symptoms, Testing and Prevention

01/18/2026

Intake manifold leaks are the most common leaks found in an engine. Consequently, intake manifold leaks are usually the fault of the gasket. That gasket, can be made of paper, rubber, metal, and sometimes a […]

Mechanical Fuel Pumps – Everything You Need To Know

01/13/2026

The standard mechanical fuel pumps found on classic cars are very reliable. With that said, nothing automotive lasts forever. So at some point mechanical fuel pumps will fail. Most mechanical fuel pumps are used on […]

Valve Lash Setting – Top End Ticking Noise, Usually The First Sign

Valve Lash Setting For Quiet Engine Performance

01/08/2026

Valve lash setting, is something most drivers don’t even think about. First, you need to know if you even have an adjustable valve train for valve lash setting. In most cases, you will not have […]

Fuel Pressure Regulator – Do You Have The Correct Fuel Pressure

01/05/2026

A fuel pressure regulator is an integral part of a vehicle’s fuel system. Now most engines use a fuel pressure regulator. However, there are things that can go wrong with them. Your fuel pressure regulator […]

Engine Will Not Start, But Fuel, Spark And Compression Are Good

01/01/2026

All engines require three things to start and run, spark, fuel and compression. So, if any one of these is missing, your engine will not start. With a engine will not start issue, the possible […]

Engine Compression – What Can Cause, Low Or No Compression

12/28/2025

So, engine compression is the pressure created, inside each of the engine’s cylinders. And, low or no compression leads to, incomplete combustion and misfires. Symptoms of low engine compression can be, an illuminated (CEL) and […]

Distributorless Ignition System – Get to Know the Components

12/17/2025

The distributorless ignition system is a completely solid state electronic system, with no moving parts. So, with no distributor, there is no distributor cap, rotor or points to replace. And, no troublesome vacuum or mechanical […]

Sticking Valves Because Of Carbon Deposits And Rich Fuel Mixture

12/12/2025

The first sign of sticking valves is usually, engine misfires or running rough when cold. However, sticking valves can also be, the byproduct of cold weather operation. In this case, the sticking valves will often […]

Reduced Engine Power Warning Light – What To Do And Why?

12/07/2025

Reduced Engine Power, can have many different names. All depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle. So, whether its, reduced engine power, limp mode, fail safe mode or limp home mode, they […]