Engine Problems

To assist us in correctly diagnosing the type of engine failure you are experiencing, please choose your specific problem from the menu.

Engine problem symptoms, diagnostics & repairs for big end, block, camshafts, crankshaft, engine bearings, pistons, head gasket, piston rings and more.

We go into depth how to fix & what checks need to be carried out to avoid further engine problems.

Common Engine Problems

Below is a list of the top 10 Common Engine Problems

1. Worn out or broken piston Rings
2. Cracks or holes in Pistons
3. Bent or broken Conrods
4. Noisy, worn Big End conrod bearings
5. Low oil pressure, worn Main Bearings
6. Worn Camshaft lobes
7. Cracked or broken Crankshafts
8. Blown cylinder Head gasket
9. Burnt out exhaust Valves
10. Worn, cracked Cylinder Block

Engine Problem Symptoms

1. Engine using Oil
2. Blowing smoke
3. Bearing noise
4. Knocking noise
5. Oil in water
6. Water in oil
7. Loosing water / coolant
8. Decreased performance
9. Lacking power
10. Rough idle
11. Overheating high engine temperatures
12. Oil light on

What Causes Engine Failure

Major causes of engine failure is due to Overheating, Improper Lubrication & Detonation.

Overheating an engine can cause catastrophic failure usually requiring major repairs or a complete recondition. Overheating usually happens due to coolant loss that can be a result of a bad radiator, thermostat, hose, water pump or a faulty cooling fan. It is important to have these items regularly inspected, serviced or replaced.

Improper Lubrication of all moving parts (pistons, rings, bearings, bushes, shaft & gears) can cause severe damage to your engine. Lubrication keeps moving parts (especially pistons & shaft bearings) cool. To keep the engine clean, the detergent additive in oil cleans the inside of the engine & the oil carries the abrasive components & carbon to the filter. Oil pickups can be blocked due to inadequate servicing which starves your engine of the oil it requires. Engine Problem recommends servicing your engine & vehicle regularly.

Detonation is caused by abnormal combustion inside the engine, which produces excessive heat & pressure inside the combustion chambers. Over advanced Ignition timing or fuel with a low octane rating can create a knocking noise, also known as “pinging”. Pinging is the noise created by two flame fronts colliding in the combustion chamber due to advanced ignition timing or higher compression ratio than suitable for the octane rating of the fuel used. Detonation results in increased combustion temperature and unwanted piston and ring land damage.

For guaranteed recommended Engine Repairs & vehicle servicing please visit UMR Engines for more information.

Engine reconditioning can be a daunting task due to the complexity of engines, especially in most last model engines. Let Engine Problem help you diagnose, repair and advise you on the engine assembly process.