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Shade Tree Automotive Diagnostics And Care, Part Ii, Hear No Evil

 


Learning a little more about how to better care for your vehicles is a beneficial idea for any number of reasons. It enables you to identify if an unscrupulous mechanic is trying to overcharge for your repairs, which can result in significant cost savings. It can prevent you from making unnecessary repairs, and that will save you money. It can help you locate a problem and fix it early, thus saving more money—sometimes a whole lot of money. It allows you to be more independent in an era where people are entirely too dependent on others to survive.

We must start right away to ensure we have enough time to cover everything.

Some people are incredibly sensitive to the sounds their vehicles make. This is especially true of motorcyclists, those who refurbish vintage automobiles, and experienced mechanics. It's a very worthwhile skill to develop. There are mechanics who can listen to a running car engine and tell if the timing is slightly off or the injectors are not operating properly. While this is an impressive skill, you don't need to master it to reap the benefits of listening to your vehicle.

Listen to the Engine
You should practice this in relatively quiet environments until you master it. Open up the hood of your vehicle's engine compartment. If your model requires it, make sure to use the metal rod to lock the hood in the upright/open position. Now, start your engine. Allow the engine to run for 30—60 seconds before you start listening too hard. Also, there are many moving parts inside of engine compartments; don't wear loose clothing, and mind all your fingers and hair! Safety first.

A brief word about engine sounds...
All engines make sounds. Some sound like jets, and others have constant clicking noises, humming, or clattering. The specific engine of your vehicle determines which sounds are consistent and acceptable. The point being, don't be alarmed the first time you really take a good listen to your engine. You'll quickly learn the sounds that are okay and the ones that are not.

You're going to listen to your engine from three different positions: 1) Directly in front of the car. 2) On the left side (driver's side) of the engine compartment. 3) On the right side (passenger's side) of the engine compartment. I like to start on the left—right in front of the driver's door.

Lean over the engine compartment (again, be careful with clothing, hair, and appendages) and listen carefully. Try closing your eyes to heighten your hearing. Listen for things that don't sound 'right.' These sounds could be clattering, metal rubbing metal, clanging, or squeaks. If you hear such a sound, open your eyes and try to focus on it, moving your head and ears as you track the sound to its source. Repeat this process at all three positions previously described.

This method of checking your engine can reveal loose caps, loose fan belts, loose fans, missing bolts, nuts, and many other issues. Correct what you are able to, and have anything else dealt with by a service technician. Don't put your hands in your engine compartment to tighten or check something while it is running. If you notice that the stays on the overflow tube are loose and rattling, turn off the engine before tightening.

Driving your car a short distance over a good road with the radio and air conditioning off and the windows down is a good way to hear some other sounds. Clattering could indicate a loose lug nut lodged inside the hubcap. A metal-rubbing sound could indicate a stuck brake.

The last listening project/technique is considered the best, at least according to the feedback I've received. This one requires a willing and able assistant. The two of you climb into the vehicle together—you drive, the assistant rides shotgun. The assistant will require four things: some WD-40, a notepad, a small can of 3-in-1 oil, and a suitable rag. Head for a road that isn't so smooth, and simply drive along. The assistant listens for those irritating squeaks, squeals, and rattles.

The assistant should move around inside the vehicle, focusing on the sounds to locate their sources. One of the two lubricants will fix almost any squeaking, and the rag ensures a nice, tidy application of the chosen lubricant. Record any loose or missing screws or bolts on the notepad for future maintenance or repair when you return home with the tools. You won't believe how quiet your cockpit becomes after you perform this process once or twice.

Okay, you've completed another step in becoming a full-fledged automotive diagnostician—or something like that, anyway. You've undoubtedly improved the condition of your vehicle, and you should have gained some valuable knowledge. Check out Part I, See No Evil, and Part III, Smell No Evil.

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