Miguel Sánchez
Those of us who love classic cars know that they are not throwaway objects, destined for a short life. Quite the opposite. A classic is a car that lasts over timeTherefore long-term maintenance is essential so that our classic performs like the first day even after decades. Within the maintenance of the engine, one of the points that most concern us is the one related to the loss of power.
And navigating browsing in search of answers to the loss of power in the engines we have found this didactic video of Engineering Explained. It presents a list of ten elements to take into account so that it continues turning like the first day. Ten potency-related mechanisms to watch out for. We go with them through four sections: air, combustion, compression, and spark.
AIR
- Air filters. A simple gesture can help keep the power from being reduced: change air filters in time. Clogging them due to the accumulation of dirt causes a loss of ventilation: the engine runs more choked and the loss of power is immediate. Imagine yourself running with a clogged mouth and nose ...
- Aceleration Cable. The wear or low tension of the same can cause the throttle not to open fully, not being able to administer all the necessary air at the moment when we are asking the car the most. Checking it is a very simple act that will also help us not to suddenly lose the power we need in various driving situations.
- Catalyst. The service life of this element of the exhaust system is limited. In the event that our youngtimer It has a catalyst and it is clogged by a mixture of different residues from the engine, this will make the gases not flow properly, resulting in a loss of power.
- Muffler. Like like the catalyst, this part of the exhaust system can become clogged. They can become moldy and literally decompose tube by tube. In addition, by obstructing the exhaust of the gases, the pressure increases, the system overheats and this causes loss of power in an engine that, by not being able to expel the gases properly, can act in a heavier way and even burst.
COMBUSTION
- Carburettors and Injectors. Over time they can become clogged, since they act in a context full of heat and fuel, very prone to the appearance of residues. A dirty carburetor or injector is not delivering fuel properly. In addition, various particles can enter the combustion chamber and cause a crack, which again results in a loss of power. It is very convenient to have these engine parts clean and in line with their useful life.
- Fuel pump If this part has suffered severe wear, we are facing the fact that it will not pump the fuel with the necessary force to the rest of the fuel system. This will not go with enough pressure to the carburettor or the injectors, causing a domino effect of loss of power in the valve, cylinder ... You will notice that the engine does not respond well to you uphill or running at high revs. It's like you're going for a run after a blood test, you're out of gas.
COMPRESSION
- Piston rings or rings. These simple parts are extremely important: they keep the cylinder sealed and control the circulation of the lubricant. In case of wear or tear, they could not ensure the correct compression for the burning of the air-fuel mixture; and they would not allow effective lubrication of the cylinders, resulting in wear of the pistons, the walls and even the combustion chambers. For all this it is very important keep them in good condition and pamper them with the proper levels and oil, because they can generate a major breakdown.
- Valves. Of special importance in relation to the loss of power if your engine is a direct injection, where it is easier for residues to be produced that result in a lack of compression. The valve, being worn or with debris, fails to seat completely, which can cause, an alteration of the mixture or the exhaust of gases, depending on whether it is an intake or exhaust valve.
SPARK
- Plugs. If they are dirty from combustion residues, oil, fuel, dust ... they can cause an inconsistent spark. Additionally, wear creates wear on the bolts that impairs their performance. A weak or erratic spark would certainly result in a loss of power.
- Knocks, general. Yes, the blows, beyond those caused by the wear of the segments. No body or mechanism does well to be constantly hit. But in the case of the engine, we are not talking about the blows against the bollards, those are only going to damage the aesthetics of the car and any sheet metal can fix them. We are talking about more subtle blows, those that occur inside the engine. Especially if there is dirt or lack of lubrication between the cylinder walls and the pistons, which can cause wear between the mechanisms. These blows cause deterioration in the engine, as well as gaps in the coordination between the different elements that will inevitably alter power and ignition.
As you have seen, maintaining the power of your car often depends on small details. Such as checking certain parts or maintaining proper lubrication and air intake in the vehicle. Even more so if our car is a classic, where long-term maintenance and attention to detail is more than necessary to extend its life for many more decades.
However, although in a classic you have to be more aware of these details ... we know that the hours we put into our passion are a pure pleasure.
