Basic auto tune up

By: Jerry Lemke

A tune up is a simple task that almost anyone can do. This will
make your vehicle more fuel efficient. This applies for any
motorized vehicle. The filters are a good place to start.
Depending how often you do a tune up will affect how much of an
improvement that you will see. Most mechanics suggest a tune up
by 60,000 miles. The engine air filter can be your first tune up
item. The air filter is located over a carburetor on older cars.
The air filter is in the airbox on fuel injected motors. The
fuel filter can be located anywhere between your engine and the
fuel tank and should also be replaced. If the fuel filter is
clogged it can make your engine run lean. Many times if your
check engine light has been on it is due to the o2 sensor not
working correctly. This is normally only replaced when it fails
but usually will not last long anyways. Now is also a good time
to have your transmission filter replaced. If the transmission
filter has alot of miles on it the transmission could be
slipping.Replacing this may need to be done by a mechanic,
unless you feel comfortable enough to it. The filter is usually
found under the transmission pan. The transmission filter will
usually pull straight down and out. Unless you have the scarce,
screw on filter like saturns. The ignition system is also very
important and requires attention. The spark plug wires will
usually wear out even faster than the 60,000 mile tune up. Try
half that mileage and it will save you money and troubles. Spark
plug wires wear out and lose resistance, making the car run
rough and use more fuel. While replacing the spark plug wires it
is also a good idea to replace the distributor cap and rotor.
The engine's distributor cap will come off easy, usually with
two screws. It may be easiest to remove the distributor cap
first to keep the wires running to the correct spark plug. When
the cap is removed, the rotor will be located under it and
usually has a push in tab to release it. Reinstall the new
distributer cap and proceed to remove one spark plug wire only.
Now it is time to replace the spark plugs. The spark plugs will
usually come out with a 5/8" or 13/16" socket. Replace the spark
plug with a new compatible plug. Check the gap with a feeler
gauge and tap on or pry the electrode back in until you have the
gap the size it needs to be. Most engines run the spark plug gap
between .030" and .045" depending on the vehicle. Now refer to
the wire set up on the old distributor cap. Trace the one wire
back to where it needs to be on the new cap. Do this to all the
wire and plugs so that they can't be mixed up. The ignition
timing should also be checked by connecting a timing light to #1
spark plug wire. The timing setting should be around 8 to 12
degrees advanced or zero on newer cars. The actual timing spec,
along with the spark plug gap, will be displayed under the hood
on a tag. Also if excessive oil was found in the air filter, you
should replace the PCV (positive crankcase valve) which will be
usually be found in the head, valve cover or air cleaner/box. If
there is no oil in the air filter then the PCV valve is o.k.
This will return your car to the factory oem specs and will
probably improve the power, smoothness and fuel economy.

About the author:
Glad to have you on my site. I have worked in the engine
industry for the last ten years. Everywhere from outboard motor
companies (Mercury Marine), to working with direct injection
lightweight motors that will burn any fuel, to nascar (Joe Gibbs
Racing). www.freeengineinfo.com