If you are a driver that hates to get a new car, there may come a time when the engine will need to be replaced in your older automobile. Ideal Automotive can rebuild or replace your engine if it needs it. There are several signs that indicate that the car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine has reached the end of its life. Here is what the signs are so you know what to look for.
Excess Engine Exhaust
As you know, your vehicle does not release a ton of exhaust that you can see. It releases exhaust, but this exhaust is invisible except on cold nights and mornings. If you can see excess exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe, this is an indication that your engine has a serious problem. The color of the exhaust will help determine the problem. For example, if the exhaust is blue, your engine is burning oil.
Loud Knocking Sounds
Loud knocking sounds can also indicate it’s time for an engine rebuild or replacement. Specifically, if the knocking sounds are being caused by worn rod bearings, your pistons are damaging your cylinders. Depending on the extent of the damage, we may need to rebuild your cylinder block or replace the engine. Either project is extensive.
Metal Shavings in the Oil
If there are metal shavings in your motor oil, your engine needs to be replaced. There is no way to rebuild it because the parts are disintegrating into the oil. As if this isn’t bad enough, as the shavings circulate through the engine in the oil, they will damage the engine further. In fact, it’s common for an engine to break down within hours when there are metal shavings in the oil.
Overheating All the Time
Another indication that your engine is experiencing serious problems is if it overheats all the time. We may need to rebuild your cooling system to prevent the overheating, or the overheating could be caused by a cracked head gasket or engine block. If the engine block is cracked, the engine will need to be replaced. Your engine should always operate under 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
Power Loss All the Time
Finally, a sure sign that your engine has reached the end of its life is if it can no longer produce power. The power loss cannot be repaired. There isn’t any definitive problem that will make a difference. Rather, the engine is too old and needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
Call Ideal Automotive in Blaine, MN, today if your engine is experiencing any of the problems listed above. We’d be happy to inspect the engine thoroughly to determine if it can be rebuilt or needs to be replaced.
