By this heading, we mean taking a close look at the various items in the engine compartment that we haven’t already discussed, such as the engine accessories and whatever chassis components are easily inspected from under the hood. The brake master cylinder, which is usually quite accessible on the firewall, should be inspected for stains [...]

Continue reading...

Not every shop has this particular test device (although almost all radiator shops do), but if the balance test and compression test indicated a problem, this test might be called for. A device samples coolant from the radiator with the engine running at high idle, and a test liquid changes color if there are combustion [...]

Continue reading...

If the cylinder balance test indicated there might be an internal mechanical problem, the spark plugs are removed and a pressure gauge is inserted into each spark plug hole, one cylinder at at time. When the engine is cranked for a few seconds, the gauge registers the compression developed, and can precisely indicate weak cylinders [...]

Continue reading...