MAINTENANCE NOTES: VEHICLE PETROL ENGINE
1. INTRODUCTION
A petrol engine (spark-ignition engine) uses petrol fuel and an ignition spark to create combustion. Regular maintenance improves:
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Engine performance
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Fuel economy
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Emission control
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Engine lifespan
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Safety and reliability
2. MAIN PETROL ENGINE COMPONENTS
1. Air Intake System
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Air filter
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Throttle body
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Intake manifold
2. Fuel System
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Fuel tank
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Fuel pump
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Fuel filter
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Fuel injectors/carburetor
3. Ignition System
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Spark plugs
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Ignition coil
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Distributor (older models)
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ECU (modern engines)
4. Lubrication System
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Engine oil
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Oil pump
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Oil filter
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Sump
5. Cooling System
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Radiator
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Coolant
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Water pump
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Thermostat
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Cooling fan
6. Exhaust System
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Exhaust manifold
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Catalytic converter
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Muffler
3. ROUTINE PETROL ENGINE MAINTENANCE
3.1 Air Intake System Maintenance
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Inspect and replace air filter every 10,000–15,000 km
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Clean throttle body
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Inspect intake hoses for cracks or leaks
Effects of poor maintenance:
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Reduced power
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High fuel consumption
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Poor acceleration
3.2 Fuel System Maintenance
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Replace fuel filter as recommended
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Use clean petrol to prevent injector blockage
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Clean injectors if engine misfires or idles roughly
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Check fuel lines for leaks
Effects of poor maintenance:
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Hard starting
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Engine hesitation
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Poor fuel economy
3.3 Ignition System Maintenance
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Inspect and replace spark plugs (usually 20,000–60,000 km)
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Check ignition wires/coils for damage
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Set spark plug gap correctly
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Scan ECU for ignition-related error codes
Effects of poor maintenance:
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Misfiring
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Loss of power
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Increased emissions
3.4 Lubrication System Maintenance
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Change engine oil regularly (5,000–10,000 km or per manufacturer)
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Replace oil filter with every oil change
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Check oil level and quality using dipstick
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Inspect for oil leaks
Effects of poor maintenance:
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Engine wear and overheating
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Low oil pressure
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Engine seizure
3.5 Cooling System Maintenance
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Maintain correct coolant level
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Inspect radiator and hoses for leaks
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Flush and replace coolant periodically
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Ensure fans and thermostat function properly
Effects of poor cooling maintenance:
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Engine overheating
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Head gasket failure
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Reduced engine life
3.6 Exhaust System Maintenance
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Check for exhaust leaks
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Inspect catalytic converter condition
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Ensure emission sensors are functioning
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Tighten or replace loose clamps
Effects of poor maintenance:
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Increased emissions
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Reduced fuel economy
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Excessive engine noise
4. GENERAL ENGINE MAINTENANCE TASKS
1. Check Drive Belts
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Inspect serpentine belt for cracks
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Replace if loose or noisy
2. Check Hoses
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Replace swollen or cracked hoses
3. Inspect Battery
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Clean terminals
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Test voltage and charging system
4. Check Engine Mounts
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Look for cracks and excessive movement
5. Check for Abnormal Noises
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Knocking, ticking, or squealing sounds indicate problems
6. Scan ECU for Error Codes
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Use OBD-II scanner to detect and diagnose faults
5. PETROL ENGINE TUNE-UP PROCEDURES
A tune-up includes:
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Replace spark plugs
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Adjust/clean throttle body
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Clean or replace air filter
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Replace fuel filter
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Check ignition timing (older engines)
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Adjust idle speed (carbureted engines)
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Test battery and charging system
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Inspect vacuum hoses
6. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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Work on a cool engine to avoid burns
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Disconnect battery before electrical work
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Use correct tools for spark plugs and filters
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Keep flammable liquids away from sparks
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Wear gloves and eye protection
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Always support vehicle with jack stands
7. BENEFITS OF REGULAR PETROL ENGINE MAINTENANCE
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Improved power and acceleration
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Better fuel efficiency
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Lower emissions
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Longer engine life
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Reduced risk of breakdowns
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Smoother and quieter operation
- Teacher: Admin Admin