Danny's Engineportal : Page 2 of 13 : Helping Solve Engine Problems

How To Do A Cylinder Leak Down Test – With Or Without A Tester

12/02/2025

Doing a cylinder leak down test, can tell you more about your engine than you think. Also, it can spot issues in specific areas, that other tests will not. So, a cylinder leak down test, […]

Check Engine Light (CEL) – What Can Cause It To Come On

11/28/2025

Seeing a Check Engine Light (CEL), is one of the most frustrating and confusing factors of owning a vehicle. So, the (CEL) is just a light, with no information. It tells you that there is […]

Cylinder Head Cracking – Overheating Is The Most Common Cause

11/24/2025

Cylinder head cracking can cause catastrophic damage to your engine. In some cases the crack may be so severe, that replacing the whole engine is the only cure. But most of the causes are all […]

Fuel Pump Issues – Excessive Heat – Contamination, Dirt, Rust

11/19/2025

The fuel pump should deliver fuel from the fuel tank to the engine; at the appropriate pressure. Fuel pumps on most modern vehicles are electric and are mounted in the fuel tank. However, older ones […]

Vacuum Leaks – How To Quickly Find Them In 5 Easy Steps

11/14/2025

Vacuum leaks in today’s computer controlled engines, can cause very serious engine damage. When an engine that has computer controlled spark and fuel systems, have vacuum leaks, the following events occur. Because, these leaks pull […]

Repeat Engine Failures From Not Diagnosing The Original Problem

11/09/2025

The installer’s worst nightmare, repeat engine failures from not diagnosing the original problem. So, you have replaced an engine, cylinder head, or crankshaft in your car. But a short time later you have a repeat […]

Cylinder Head Resurfacing – Getting The Correct Surface Finish

11/05/2025

Cylinder head resurfacing is a very common process today, especially with all the leaking head gaskets. Above all, cylinder head resurfacing is the most common machining operation, done in machine shops to date. However, many […]

Starter Motors Going Bad – May Display A Few Symptoms First

10/31/2025

The starter motor, is what gets your engine running, when you turn the ignition key or push the start button. So, a starter motor, gets a lot of wear during its life. As a result, […]

Valve Guide Wear – How to Identify and Reduce Oil Consumption

10/25/2025

Valve guide wear, refers to excessive clearance, between valve stem and guide. As the guide wears, the side to side movement, can cause valves to seat improperly. As a result, requiring you to need a […]

Cylinder Power Balance Testing – Uncover Hidden Engine Issues

10/19/2025

So, performing a cylinder power balance test can help uncover hidden engine problems; which are commonly missed with other tests. This test can find problems related to engine misfires, lack of power, or just a […]

Timing Belt Basics – Avoid the Unexpected Cost of Engine Damage

10/14/2025

A timing belt is one of those things that’s critical to replace; according to the auto manufacturer’s schedule. Timing belt replacement is most often between every 75,000 and 100,000 miles. So, check your owner’s manual […]

Fuel Pressure Regulators – Commonly Fail In One Of Two Ways

10/07/2025

All fuel-injected engines, have fuel pressure regulators to maintain a regulated high-pressure level. Fuel pressure regulators, must keep the pressure constant, in order for all the components of the system to work properly. Consequently, if […]

Catalytic Converter – Failure Signs And Testing – Learn The Basics

10/03/2025

So, a catalytic converter, is a device used to reduce the emissions, from an internal combustion engine. Consequently, the catalytic converter works, by breaking down unburned gases, left over by the combustion process. And, requires […]

Pushrods On G.M. 3.1-3.4 Engines – This Is Where Length Matters

09/26/2025

Exhaust and Intake Pushrods, on G.M. 3.1 and 3.4 engines are different lengths. So, quite often we still see bent push rods and valves, when they are mixed up. Consequently, Exhaust pushrods on G.M. 3.1 […]

Engine Oil Pressure Warning – Possible Causes And Testing

09/22/2025

Suddenly, an engine oil pressure warning light or a low oil pressure reading, appears on your dash. At that point, the engine oil pressure warning, is the only thing you should be thinking about. Above […]

Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure – Causes And Remedies

09/16/2025

For years, both transmission and engine rebuilders, have struggled at times, to determine the cause, of crankshaft thrust bearing failure. Diagnosing a crankshaft thrust bearing failure, can sometimes be simple, but often is tricky. And, […]

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) – Function And Its Advantages

09/12/2025

So, variable valve timing (VVT) adjusts the opening times and lift of the valves, to suit all operating conditions. This ensures ideal charge cycles, within a wide range of engine speeds and loads. Fuel consumption […]

Air Injection System (AIS) – Air Pump – Function, Types, Failure

09/08/2025

The air injection system (AIS), is actually part of the car’s exhaust system. Since no internal combustion engine is 100% efficient, there will always be some unburned fuel in the exhaust. As a result, the […]

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) – Function – Failure – Testing

09/03/2025

So, the throttle position sensors function (TPS), is to supply vital information to the vehicles engine control unit (ECU). And, this information is based on, the actual position of the engines throttle valve. So, your […]

Engine Rebuild Reasons – Low Compression And Oil Consumption

08/29/2025

So, the most common reasons to do a engine rebuild are, loss of compression and or excessive engine oil consumption. Consequently, what’s important now, is to recognize the signs of trouble, before you end up […]