Monday 31 August 2015

Is it time for an Engine Rebuild?


If you’re starting to hear strange noises coming from your engine, head over to your auto shop and ask for professional engine repair assistance. If you let an engine problem go on to long without taking care of it, you may be looking at more than a simple engine repair—an engine rebuild!

If you are looking for quality Engine Repair Princeton MN than find our dedicated Automotive Service Princeton MN shop. Also meet our Car Suspension Princeton MN mechanic for your vehicle’s safety.

There are a variety of reasons that engine are rebuilt:

  • Worn out engine bearings—worn bearings produce a loud knocking noise and eventually cause engine failure. The moving parts of the engine (such and the crankshaft, rods and pistons) are mounted on bearings that allow them to move freely. These bearings are lubricated by engine oil and are built to last many thousands of miles.  They do wear down after time, accelerated exponentially when a vehicle is poorly maintained, runs low oil levels, or the oil change schedule isn't properly followed.
  • Worn out piston rings—piston rings seal in the expanding gasses created by the burning of gasoline within the engine.  As the rings wear, they no longer seal the cylinders properly.  This results in “blow-by,” which is when crankcase oil escapes past worn rings and burns with the fuel mixture in the cylinder.  

What are the symptoms that an engine rebuild is needed?

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Excessive white smoke in the exhaust, especially when the engine is cold.
  • Metal shavings in the engine oil (a common sign of dangerously worn bearings)
  • Knocking or chattering sounds from the engine bearings.

What is an Engine Rebuild?


First, the "short block" or lower half of the engine is removed, disassembled and cleaned so that the condition of the block can be properly assessed. Depending on the condition of the internal parts, the rings, bearings and sometimes the pistons are replaced. The internal surfaces of the cylinders are also reconditioned to ensure that the new piston rings can form a proper seal with the cylinder walls. Finally, the engine is reassembled and installed back into the vehicle.  The cylinder head may also be reconditioned at the same time.

Note: A rebuild can be very expensive. A cheaper option might be swapping in a lower-mileage engine or an engine that is in better condition.

Is an engine rebuild on your horizon?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com for more information about engine repair or other vehicle maintenance, including vehicle detailing.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and ZimmermanMN.

Thursday 13 August 2015

Want Healthy Brakes, Schedule a Brake Service by the Professionals!


Healthy brakes are important for the safety of you and your passengers. Thus, regular brake service should not be treated lightly. Make sure your vehicle can come to a complete and precise stop when necessary.  You want to drive with confidence knowing that your vehicle is operating as safe as possible with fully functioning brakes.

If you are looking for Brakes Princeton MN than find our dedicated Auto Repair Services Princeton MN Services shop. Also find Wheel Alignment Princeton MN mechanic services to solve all your vehicle problems.

If you are experiencing any of the problems described below, it is a good indication that you need to schedule a brake service as soon possible:  

  • The brake pedal feels “spongy” or presses farther down to the floor than usual.
  • Your vehicle pulls to the right or left when you brake.
  • Unusual noises (squealing) or vibrations occur during braking,
The most common brake repair job is a brake pad replacement.  Because the pads rub on the disk when stopping a vehicle, worn pads should be the first thing to check if you are experiencing braking problems. If the pads are worn thin or are cracked from heat, a full inspection of the braking system may be recommended by your auto mechanic.  Brake pads are just one of several possible problems, so be sure to have all the other components of the brake system checked out.

Be sure to choose a trustworthy auto shop to take care of your brakes. Be aware of brake service specials at an unknown auto shop. The cheapest price is not always the best price in the long run.
A word to the wise: Drive with confidence knowing that you are protecting yourself, your passengers, and other motorists with fully functioning brakes.

Need professional advice about brakes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com for more information about brake service.  Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.