How can I fix an engine car?

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[Steve Davis](https://www.quora.com/profile/Steve-Davis-774) Former Quality Assurance Manager - Retired (2007–2017) · Author has 4.4K answers and 11.7M answer views  ·  [4y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-repair-your-car-engine/answer/Steve-Davis-774) Originally Answered: [How do you repair your car engine?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-repair-your-car-engine?no_redirect=1) · Determine what the fault may be. Cost the replacement parts. Decide if it is economically viable or if a replacement engine is a better option. If you have the tools, fair enough but otherwise these must be calculated in to the repair cost. If you have the tools, do you have the knowledge and/or experience with such repairs. Then decide if it is worth doing it yourself, replacing it or having it professionally repaired. I’ve stripped and repaired/rebuilt a dozen or so engines, changed some (with a second hand one). Initially it was just winging it and hoping for the best, using repair manuals from Determine what the fault may be. Cost the replacement parts. Decide if it is economically viable or if a replacement engine is a better option. If you have the tools, fair enough but otherwise these must be calculated in to the repair cost. If you have the tools, do you have the knowledge and/or experience with such repairs. Then decide if it is worth doing it yourself, replacing it or having it professionally repaired. I’ve stripped and repaired/rebuilt a dozen or so engines, changed some (with a second hand one). Initially it was just winging it and hoping for the best, using repair manuals from the library. I was lucky and never had a failure - perhaps as my dad was a fitter and instilled methodical working procedures in me. That said, there are far to many electronic modules in current cars that can easily be damaged if the correct procedures aren’t followed, but also a replacement engine is not so easy to find that will just drop in without hazarding reprogramming, another headache. Related questions [How do you fix a worn out engine or car?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-fix-a-worn-out-engine-or-car) [Can a bad engine cause problems in other parts of the car?](https://www.quora.com/unanswered/Can-a-bad-engine-cause-problems-in-other-parts-of-the-car) [Can a car’s blown engine be fixed?](https://www.quora.com/Can-a-car-s-blown-engine-be-fixed) [What are the most reliable temporary fixes for common car engine problems?](https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-most-reliable-temporary-fixes-for-common-car-engine-problems) [How do you fix low engine power?](https://www.quora.com/unanswered/How-do-you-fix-low-engine-power) [Perry](https://www.quora.com/profile/Perry-1740) Studied Business at Entrepreneurship · Author has 332 answers and 499.4K answer views  ·  [6y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-fix-the-engine-in-your-car/answer/Perry-1740?no_redirect=1) Originally Answered: [How do you fix the engine in your car?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-fix-the-engine-in-your-car?no_redirect=1) · I am sorry but no one will be able to answer your question the way its phrased. Please be specific about what needs to be fixed or what the problem seems to be. If you're asking can a person fix an engine on their own? Then the answer is yes if you have the tools and skills. [Paul Rozewicz](https://www.quora.com/profile/Paul-Rozewicz) Author has 3.9K answers and 5.3M answer views  ·  [1y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-fix-a-car-engine/answer/Paul-Rozewicz?no_redirect=1) Originally Answered: [How do I fix a car engine?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-fix-a-car-engine?no_redirect=1) · Unbolt it, haul it out, unscrew everything, and rebuild it. Easy peasy. I used to do it all the time. That said, it could be something minor that won't require all that. Like a sensor, or relay, or even a fuse. And that “just” takes diagnosis, and a little time and effort. Guaranteed, there are books written regarding your particular car/engine that will get you started. Haynes repair manuals come to mind. They're simply written in language anyone can understand, and have photos of what it looks like when you're doing it. You may have to go through the rigors of trial and error - get greasy and all Unbolt it, haul it out, unscrew everything, and rebuild it. Easy peasy. I used to do it all the time. That said, it could be something minor that won't require all that. Like a sensor, or relay, or even a fuse. And that “just” takes diagnosis, and a little time and effort. Guaranteed, there are books written regarding your particular car/engine that will get you started. Haynes repair manuals come to mind. They're simply written in language anyone can understand, and have photos of what it looks like when you're doing it. You may have to go through the rigors of trial and error - get greasy and all that - but with it comes experience. You'll have a sense of confused exasperation for awhile (or you may get it right the first time!) - but that will lead to a sense of “I did it! That wasn't so difficult! Lesser men (or women) than I could do this!” - and they do, all the time. Do a little study. Do some “recon”. (look around the engine bay and at where you'll be working to ascertain what's in the way, what can be easily broken, will your hand fit, what tools will you need, is it filthy and should be cleaned first, etc.) And dive in. If it's your first time - even something as simple as replacing a fuse - the sense of accomplishment will make it all worth it. And you'll better understand the world. [Timmy Burh](https://www.quora.com/profile/Timmy-Burh) car fanatic · Author has 2K answers and 3.1M answer views  ·  [4y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-repair-your-car-engine/answer/Timmy-Burh) Originally Answered: [How do you repair your car engine?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-repair-your-car-engine?no_redirect=1) · I don't. I've never had any kind of engine failure on my car. Modern cars are quite good in that way. Engine repairs are quite rare. It's usually all the other stuff that breaks like electronics, sensors, suspension etcetera. Related questions [Can I fix my car myself?](https://www.quora.com/Can-I-fix-my-car-myself) [How can we change the engine of a car?](https://www.quora.com/unanswered/How-can-we-change-the-engine-of-a-car) [How do you fix a car that is shaking and the engine is losing power?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-fix-a-car-that-is-shaking-and-the-engine-is-losing-power) [What is the cure for a misfire in a car engine? What can cause it and how can it be fixed?](https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-cure-for-a-misfire-in-a-car-engine-What-can-cause-it-and-how-can-it-be-fixed) [How do you fix a stalled car?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-fix-a-stalled-car) [Curtis McCully](https://www.quora.com/profile/Curtis-McCully) Former Master Automotive Technician · Author has 709 answers and 3M answer views  ·  [2y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-repair-a-vehicle-engine/answer/Curtis-McCully) Originally Answered: [How do I repair a vehicle engine?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-repair-a-vehicle-engine?no_redirect=1) · 1. Diagnose the issue. 2. Tear down the engine to whatever level is necessary. 3. Replace or rebuild defective part. 4. Put engine back together. 5. Test repair. [Car Care.](https://carcare.quora.com/) Answered by [Francis Chetcuti](https://www.quora.com/profile/Francis-Chetcuti) · Author has 225 answers and 136.4K answer views  ·  [Apr 18, 2021](https://carcare.quora.com/How-can-I-fix-an-engine-car-1) Good morning, depends what's wrong with it so many things u need fixing, buy a new or second hand one and get it over with unless u need me to come over and fix it for you. [Steve Gardner](https://www.quora.com/profile/Steve-Gardner-193) Locksmith at Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand (1980–present) · Author has 476 answers and 193K answer views  ·  [11mo](https://www.quora.com/How-can-I-fix-an-engine-car/answer/Steve-Gardner-193) start the engine if it will run, and then while it is in neutral, put your foot hard down on the accelerator and hold it there until you hear a “bang”. There you are…all fixed… for good. [Marius Frost](https://www.quora.com/profile/Marius-Frost) Technician at Original Equipment Manufacturers (2008–present) · Author has 9.2K answers and 2.3M answer views  ·  [2y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-repair-a-vehicle-engine/answer/Marius-Frost) Originally Answered: [How do I repair a vehicle engine?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-repair-a-vehicle-engine?no_redirect=1) · You acquire the knowledge and skills required to do so. Are you expecting to learn how to be an automotive technician on Quora? Why not ask someone to teach you quantum theory at the same time? [Glen McMillian](https://www.quora.com/profile/Glen-McMillian-2) Former Country Born and Bred, Outdoor Enthusiast · Author has 18.1K answers and 21.8M answer views  ·  [6y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-fix-the-engine-in-your-car/answer/Glen-McMillian-2?no_redirect=1) Originally Answered: [How do you fix the engine in your car?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-fix-the-engine-in-your-car?no_redirect=1) · It would take a large BOOK to answer such a question. I might be able to offer some advice if you describe the problem and the make and model of car. [Col Ajay Ahlawat](https://www.quora.com/profile/Col-Ajay-Ahlawat) Former Insurance Surveyor in Motor, Engineering Field (2005–2021) · Author has 2.1K answers and 3.8M answer views  ·  [5y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-repair-my-car-s-self-motor/answer/Col-Ajay-Ahlawat) Related How do I repair my car’s self motor? Repairing a starter motor is not a layman's job. A starter is an electric motor that turns over or "cranks" the engine to start it. It consists of a powerful DC (Direct Current) electric motor and the starter solenoid that is attached to the motor If the battery is low on charge, when attempting to start the engine you might hear a single click or repeated clicking, or the starter may turn over slowly and stop. Sometimes the starter control terminal gets corroded or a starter control wire gets loose or disconnected from the terminal causing the starter not to work. Sometimes the carbon brushes or Repairing a starter motor is not a layman's job. A starter is an electric motor that turns over or "cranks" the engine to start it. It consists of a powerful DC (Direct Current) electric motor and the starter solenoid that is attached to the motor If the battery is low on charge, when attempting to start the engine you might hear a single click or repeated clicking, or the starter may turn over slowly and stop. Sometimes the starter control terminal gets corroded or a starter control wire gets loose or disconnected from the terminal causing the starter not to work. Sometimes the carbon brushes or some other parts inside the starter motor wear out and the starter motor stops working. Sometimes the starter gear for some reason won't mesh properly with the engine flywheel. This may cause a very loud metal grinding or screeching sound when attempting to start the car. In this case, the flywheel ring gear needs to be checked for damaged teeth. An ignition switch also fails often. The contact points inside the ignition switch wear out, so when you turn the ignition switch to the "Start" position, no electric current is going through the starter control circuit to activate the starter solenoid. If jiggling the key in the ignition helps start the car, it's possible that the ignition switch is defective. Most of the starter problems are caused by worn out or burned solenoid contacts, worn brushes and commutator and worn armature bushings. [One old Guy](https://www.quora.com/profile/One-old-Guy-1) Former Lead Mechanic (retired) at Salem-Keizer Public Schools (1992–2022) · Author has 10.6K answers and 9M answer views  ·  [2y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-repair-a-vehicle-engine/answer/One-old-Guy-1) Originally Answered: [How do I repair a vehicle engine?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-repair-a-vehicle-engine?no_redirect=1) · With tools [Benjamin Popelsky](https://www.quora.com/profile/Benjamin-Popelsky) Former Odd Job Man in Accounts Dept. at Bix Og Mix (1982–2015) · Author has 1.1K answers and 2M answer views  ·  [1y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-solve-a-car-s-main-engine-problem/answer/Benjamin-Popelsky) Related How do I solve a car’s main engine problem? There are three ways to solv such a problem. 1. Buy a new engine 2. Give the complete car away then the engine wont have to put up with its main problem which appears to be you 3. Find a box of matches or a reliable lighter and a liter of some explosive liquid and ———- —— —- ——— ——— ——— ——- — ——- - ——— - ——- —- ——- —— - There are three ways to solv such a problem. 1. Buy a new engine 2. Give the complete car away then the engine wont have to put up with its main problem which appears to be you 3. Find a box of matches or a reliable lighter and a liter of some explosive liquid and ———- —— —- ——— ——— ——— ——- — ——- - ——— - ——- —- ——- —— - [Nevada Smith](https://www.quora.com/profile/Nevada-Smith-58) Been servicing my own car since 1965. · Author has 11.8K answers and 5.4M answer views  ·  [2y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-repair-a-vehicle-engine/answer/Nevada-Smith-58) Originally Answered: [How do I repair a vehicle engine?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-repair-a-vehicle-engine?no_redirect=1) · You have to go to school for that. Buy a repair manual for your car or a shop manual. 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