Nascar Racing

Nascar Racing  » Basic auto tune up

Basic auto tune up

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

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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).