Wondering What Does An Automotive Service Technician Do?

How do you know if you are getting the best automotive repair possible when you take your car to your favorite auto shop?  Most car owners are aware that technicians change oil, repair tires and check brakes, but are you aware of the extent of the training and knowledge that they acquire in order to become master technicians?  

Consider the typical work performed by a certified automotive repair technician. This will give you confidence in knowing that your car will be well taken care of correctly!  

What does an automotive service technician do?  

• Uses specialized diagnostic equipment to pinpoint existing or pending issues so that repairs and maintenance are done right the first time.
• Knows maintenance checklists to ensure that all critical parts of your vehicle are thoroughly checked on a regular basis.
• Recommends and performs vehicle maintenance at the right service intervals, including oil changes, tune-ups, transmission flushes, tire rotations, belts, A/C units, and much more.
• Can repair worn-out parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, air filters, and much more.
• Can disassemble, clean, and reassemble major car parts, such as transmissions, radiators, and engines.
• Receives specialized training to understand and repair the auto electronic systems that are now being controlled by computers.
• Knowledgeable about cars that run on alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity.
• Knows how to explain to customers in easy-to-understand terms their car issues, the automotive repair wanted, as well as the cost and time required.

Let your certified automotive repair technician take care of your vehicle so that you are driving as safely as possible with peace of mind!   

Wondering what does an automotive service technician do?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our automotive repair services and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

Signs of Vehicle Suspension Problems!

Is your car getting hard to handle? You may be experiencing the inevitable progression of a failing vehicle suspension system. This system is comprised of components that help make your car more stable and easier to drive, as well as make it more comfortable for your passengers.

Since the suspension system is closely connected with how the vehicle interacts with the road, a vehicle’s suspension system may be one of the first major parts of a car to show signs of wear and tear. There are a number of symptoms that may indicate that a vehicle has suspension problems, and if you pay attention, you may avoid having to spend a lot more money than necessary on repairs.

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Symptoms of a failing vehicle suspension system:

* The vehicle is rougher than usual to drive -- If you feel more bumps on the road while you drive, or if your car jumps more than usual when hitting a bump, your car may have a suspension problem.

* Unevenly worn tires -- The suspension system is built to keep the car stable, but if it is not working accurately, the tires of a vehicle may become unevenly worn.

* Bouncing -- Press down on your car with your body weight. If the car continues to bounce for awhile when you let up the pressure, then you may have suspension problems.

* Pulling to one side -- An alignment of the vehicle may be helpful to keep the vehicle stable during drives.

Recognizing the symptoms of problems with your car suspension system will help you know when it's a good time to get into your auto shop for professional help before it develops into other more extensive car problems.

Wondering if your vehicle suspension system is starting to fail? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about carsuspension repair. Rum River also offers auto detailing services. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.
 

Is Automotive Service On Your Checklist?

If you own a vehicle, it is extremely important to make sure you take your car to the shop for routine automotive service. Far too many drivers fail to take their cars to the auto shop when they need to, which ultimately winds up in their cars breaking down in one way or another at inconvenient times. If this happens to you, you can expect to pay quite a bit more money than it would have cost to simply take your car in for automotive repair in the first place.

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Some drivers simply forget that they need to take care of their cars on a regular basis, and only think about automotive service when something goes wrong, which can result in a big automotive repair bill.

If you want to avoid major automotive repair on your vehicle in the first place, it is a good idea to practice preventative auto maintenance and take your car in regularly to get inspected. Your mechanic may find that there is something developing on your car that may become a problem in the future, giving them the opportunity to provide automotive service on the car while it is not a major problem.

Visiting your auto shop at least once a year, preferably twice a year, for a regular check up on your vehicle is without question going to save you a lot of money on overall repairs. It may be a good idea to simply have your car thoroughly inspected each and every time you get your oil changed, as this is a good way to remember that you should be maintaining the upkeep of your car.

Remember: Keep routine automotive service on your checklist!

Looking for quality automotive repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our automotive service and to schedule an appointment. Rum River also offers quality vehicle maintenance and auto detailing services. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Advice from an Auto Shop for Safe Winter Driving!

Don’t get stranded on a snowy or icy road, unable to travel to your holiday destination due to poor tires.  Check out your tires before heading down the road to make sure you are driving as safely as possible.  Many drivers ask, "Do I need winter tires or are my all season tires sufficient?"  To understand which tires would best suit your winter driving, you must understand the differences in winter tires vs. all season tires.

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• All Season Tires

Many vehicles are fitted with all season tires when they leave the factory. They are built to provide a relatively quiet ride, good tread life and fuel economy.  They provide versatile performance and are designed to perform in a variety of conditions including wet roads and light winter driving. Even though all season tires are designed to provide good performance in many conditions, they tend to compromise between the summer and winter performance capabilities. All season tires won't provide the same amount of extreme grip and sharp handling of a summer tire, and they are not designed to handle extreme winter conditions like trekking through snow or driving on ice.  All season tires are a great option for drivers who live in moderate climates and do not encounter extreme cold, ice and snow in the winter months.

• Winter & Snow Tires

From heavy snowfall to black ice, winter roads are unpredictable. The combination of cold temperatures, ice, and snow can be best met by winter tires, specially designed to perform in winter conditions.  There are specific features that make winter tires unique:

• Tread rubber – The rubber compound remains more flexible in cold temperatures so that the tire grips the road better.
• Tread depth and patterns – The deeper tread reduces snow buildup and provides better traction, and the unique tread patterns are designed to channel snow and slush, and expel water.
• Biting edges -- Winter tires feature biting edges and high sipe densities (thousands of tiny slits in the tread that provide traction on ice).

Having the right tire matters!  The solution to the winter tires vs. all season tires question will depend on where you live and the conditions in which you drive.  If you only see a few snow flurries each year, all season tires will be fine. But if icy roads are a constant issue, winter tires are an essential safety measure that could save your life.

Need a set of high-quality winter tires?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about purchasing new tires.  Rum River also offers quality auto repair and auto detailing services.  Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman,MN.  

Automotive Service: Like the Color of Green?

Not only will keeping up with regular automotive service keep the green in your wallet, but it also helps save our earth’s natural resources and protects our environment. By spending relatively little up front on preventative automotive service, you can keep the green in your wallet and our environment by preventing an expensive and costly automotive repair.

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The automotive service tips below will help you keep your green:

Follow the Correct Automotive Service Intervals. During an automotive service, your auto technician will check the performance of your engine, check the tread and air pressure in your tires, replace a dirty air filter, perform a quality oil change, and check the gas cap for leaks. Your vehicle will operate cleaner with less toxic emissions, and you will save money with increased fuel efficiency.

Use a Rebuilt or Remanufactured Engine. It can be economically smart to consider a rebuilt or remanufactured engine rather than just junking your vehicle. It will give your old vehicle new life with greater fuel efficiency for about the cost of an average down payment on a new car.

Proper Recycling and Disposal. Help protect our earth’s resources and keep our environment clean by conscientiously recycling and properly disposing of used motor oil, tires, batteries, and other parts and fluids.

Extending the Life of Your Old Vehicle. When vehicle owners experience serious engine trouble, they wonder whether it’s time to purchase a new vehicle. However, they can extend the life-span of their old vehicle by having routine automotive service performed and by not neglecting a necessary automotive repair.

Remember: You can avoid monthly car payments and higher insurance rates by providing your car with a little TLC—quality automotive service!

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

Need a Brake Replacement? Diagnosing a Bad Caliper!

If you find you are sliding to a stop, or your brakes are making strange noises when you step on the pedal, it may be time for a brake replacement.  There are several issues that could lead to a brake replacement, such as worn out pads or drums, a failing master cylinder, brake hose, or a bad caliper. 

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How can your auto mechanic tell if the caliper is bad?  One of the first places to look to diagnose brake problems is the pad wear.  If the brakes on one side of the vehicle are worn to the metal and the other side still has about 90% of its friction material left, you more than likely have a bad caliper.  This is caused by issues such as:

• The calipers don’t always release, causing the brake pads to wear prematurely.
• The piston may freeze and the brakes won't apply (which decreases the wear as the brakes aren’t applied).
• The caliper slide pins may stick. Check these out first before totaling replacing the caliper. They may simply need the proper lubricant.
• If the caliper piston won’t compress with the bleeder valve open, the caliper more than likely needs to be replaced.

Noteworthy Tip: Make sure your brakes are fully operational so that you are driving--or stopping--as the case may be, as safe as possible.  Have them inspected by a brake replacement specialist.

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 replacement.  Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

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!

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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 Zimmerman, MN.

Steering Problems? It could be the Wheel Alignment!

Has your car developed steering problems after navigating winter's icy roads filled with potholes? When driving on a straight level road, does your car pull or drift to one side or the other? Or are you feeling too much "play" in the steering wheel? It is hard for the average driver to know exactly what is causing the problem. Is it due to a poor car alignment or damage to the suspension or braking system?

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To determine whether your vehicle needs an alignment service, tire rotation, tires balanced, or some other type of repair, a skilled auto mechanic will look at four basic issues:

1. Eliminate tire problems:
   • Are all four tires inflated to the recommended pressure?
   • Is the tread and tire size the same on both front wheels?
   • Is there unusual tread wear or damage?
2. Examine the front-end alignment in rear-wheel drive vehicles:
   • Toe-in -- The front of each tire, when driving straight, points slightly to the centerline of the vehicle so that each tire has equal traction (i.e., bite) when cornering.
   • Castor -- The vertices angle of the centerline of the tire from front to back. Unless the ball joints, control arm bushings, or king pins are seriously worn, the castor won't vary much.
   • Camber -- The vertical angle of the centerline of the tire perpendicular to the cross-section of your car.
3. Perform a road test:
   • When driving on a straight level road, does your car pull to the left or the right?
   • Are there scraping, whining or grinding sounds coming from the front?
   • Are the front wheels tracking in the same groove as the back wheels?
4. Check for other car problems:
   • Worn struts or shock absorbers.
   • Worn out or loose wheel bearings, gear box, tie-rod ends, ball joints, upper and lower control arm bushings, and other steering components.
   • Uneven distribution of heavy loads.
   • Poor driving habits--hard cornering, braking, or swerving.

Important Tip: It is wise to take your car for a test drive following a wheel alignment service!

Wondering if you need a car alignment service? 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 steering problems. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

3 Common Failures leading to Engine Repair.

The basic purpose of the engine is to convert air and fuel into rotary motion to turn the wheels of your car. It is the heart of the car, pumping air and fuel through its system. If the air and fuel is blocked, it can't be converted into motion, resulting in an urgent engine repair. Wise vehicle owners know that regular engine service by a professional auto mechanic will help prevent a major engine repair down the road.

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There are three main engine components that are prone to failure:

• Valve train: The valve train consists of valves, rocker arms, pushrods, lifters, and camshaft. Its job is to let air and fuel in and out of the engine at the proper time. The timing is controlled by the camshaft, which is synchronized to the crankshaft by a chain or belt. What wears out? If your car emits grayish/white smoke only when you start it, leaking valve seals may be the culprit. Oil can seep into the combustion chamber, collect there until you start your car, and then burn away.
• Pistons: Most motors have 4, 6, or 8 pistons which move up and down in the cylinders. The pistons have rings that keep the oil free of fuel and air and prevent it from entering the combustion chamber. What wears out? The rings wear out, allowing fuel and air to dilute the oil, reducing its ability to lubricate. Worn out rings also allows oil from the crankcase to enter the combustion chambers, where it burns and emits a grayish/white smoke from the tailpipe.
• Crankshaft: The crankshaft rides on bearings, supporting the crankshaft and rods, and connecting the pistons to the crankshaft. As the pistons move up and down, the crankshaft rotates and converts the straight line motion into rotary motion. What wears out? As these bearings wear down over time, you may start to hear a loud knocking noise. This may result in a costly engine repair as the crankshaft has to be removed to machine the surface where the bearings ride, or it may mean replacing the entire crankshaft.

Looking for quality engine service? We will be glad to help you, whether it's for a minor engine repair, or a complete engine rebuild. 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 service, other repairs and maintenance, and vehicle detailing. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Regular Automotive Service A New Year’s Resolution!

The New Year is usually a time to make resolutions for the coming year. The year 2015 may bring financial challenges to many people and, as a result, you may be looking at keeping your older vehicle a little longer than originally planned. It's easy to overlook the small responsibilities of keeping up basic automotive service. Vehicle owners know that regular automotive service and timely automotive repair are investments that will pay off in the long run with a vehicle that will keep going strong for many more miles.

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Consider these three resolutions that will help maintain your vehicle, save you money, and keep you driving safely in the New Year:

Resolution #1 -- Schedule a basic automotive service check-up twice a year. A well-trained mechanic can spot problems ahead of time that you might miss. Taking the time to schedule an automotive service with a good mechanic twice a year may seem obsessive, but preventative maintenance is cheap insurance, and will help prevent major automotive repair later. A basic automotive service should include inspecting the tires, lights, windshield wipers, brakes, and car battery.

Resolution #2 - Keep up with fluid and filter changes. Checking on your vehicle's fluids and filters are crucial to its longevity, making sure to include radiator fluid and the air filter. Mark one day on your calendar each month to make sure all fluids are topped off and filters clean. It can save you some serious automotive repair dollars down the road.

Resolution #3 – Take care of small problems early. This is perhaps the easiest responsibility to overlook, but the potential consequences of doing so can lead to major problems and automotive repair costs. That strange noise you hear in your vehicle won't go away on its own.

Remember.... Don't put off minor automotive service. Your car will thank you by providing good service for many miles to come.

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

Car Alignment Problems?

"Ouch! I've just hit a pothole!" We've all said those words after hitting a deceptively deep pothole hidden by a puddle of water. Is your car now pulling or drifting to the left or right, or is there too much "play" in the steering? By endeavoring to pinpoint tire problems, the candor and castor of your front-end alignment, and taking your car for a road test, your auto mechanic can determine what kind of problem you are experiencing and then perform the right service, whether it's to correct the wheel alignment, or a tire rotation.

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4 Steps to Diagnosing Steering Problems:

1. Eliminate tire problems. Before attempting to diagnose a wheel alignment problem, eliminate the possibility that your tires are the cause of steering problems:

    • Make sure all four tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.

    • Check to see that the tread and tire size are the same on both front wheels. Don't drive with a snow tire on one side and a normal highway tire on the other side.

    • Check for unusual tread wear or damaged tires. A good time is when you have a tire rotation or the air pressure checked.

2. Examine your front-end alignment. There are different aspects to front-end alignments for rear-wheel drive vehicles:

    • Toe-in. The front of each tire, when driving straight, points slightly to the centerline of the vehicle. This gives an advantage when cornering so each tire has equal traction (bite), but if it is angled inward too much, the OUTSIDE of the tire's tread wears more quickly.

    • Castor. This is the vertices angle of the centerline of the tire from front to back. Unless the ball joints, control arm bushings, or king pins are seriously worn, the castor doesn't vary too much.

    • Camber. This is the vertical angle of the centerline of the tire perpendicular to the cross-section of your car.

3. Road test. While driving on a flat, level, smooth highway, on a dry and calm day, perform the following tests:

    • Loosen your grip on the steering wheel enough to let the car proceed on its own. If the car pulls to the left or the right, you may need a wheel alignment.

    • Listen for sounds from the front end of the car while driving slowly. Scraping, whining, or grinding sounds may indicate excessive friction as the tire tread rubs against the road.

    • Have someone follow you to observe the front to back wheel alignment. If the front wheels are not tracking in the same groove as the back, you may have a bent frame.

4. Abnormal tread wear. Besides a car alignment problem, there are also other causes of unusual tire wear, including.

    • Worn struts or shock absorbers.

    • Worn out or loose wheel bearings.

    • Worn or damaged tie-rod ends, ball joints, upper and lower control arm bushings, and other steering components.

    • A worn or damaged steering gear box.

    • Poor driving habits—uneven distribution of heavy loads, hard cornering, braking, or swerving.

Important Tip: After you have had your front end checked and realigned, repeat the tests above to make sure the car alignment has been done correctly.

Wondering if you need a wheel alignment? 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 our car alignment service. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN

Is Your Muffler Too Noisy? Your Exhaust System Needs Help!

Are you noticing loud noises coming from your muffler, or is your car starting to idle rough or the motor die at a stop light? Maybe the "check engine" light flicks on and off, or stays illuminated. These are common problems in vehicles that have a leak in the exhaust system. Your exhaust system may need some help from an auto repair technician.

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If you have the right tools and a little assistance, you may be able to determine if there is a leak in your vehicle's exhaust system and also pinpoint the location and source yourself. By following the advice below, you can save valuable time and money spent in an auto shop:

• First, before touching anything, make sure the car is cool while you look under the hood. Especially because metal expands as it heats up, any small leaks will get smaller, making them difficult to detect.
• To force the exhaust through any possible leak, cover the muffler temporarily. Starting at the engine, follow the exhaust system, feeling for hot air escaping through the pipe, especially at the connectors as these areas commonly have leaks. The muffler will get hot, so be careful not to touch it.
• Remove the plastic engine cover in order to inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking or warping. This is a common problem typically found in older cars.
• Check the gaskets for cracking. You may feel hot air escaping as well as a strong smell of fumes. In older cars, it is common for the gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head to crack just through normal wear and tear.
• Check the muffler for rust. If it is just on the surface, or if it goes all the way through the metal. Leaks can occur in areas weakened by rust.

Of course, make sure to have your auto repair technician inspect the exhaust system if you're not comfortable conducting these tests yourself. Most auto shops will run diagnostic tests free of charge in order to recommend the appropriate repair service.

Got a noisy muffler? 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 exhaust system maintenance. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Engine Service: 3 Engine Failures Requiring an Engine Rebuild

The engine is the heart of your car, pumping air and fuel through its system. Its basic purpose is to convert air and fuel into rotary motion to turn the wheels of the car. If the air and fuel is blocked and can’t be converted into motion, an engine repair will be necessary. It’s wise to have your vehicle inspected with an engine service by a trained auto mechanic on a regular basis to prevent a major engine rebuild down the road.

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3 components of an engine commonly prone to failure, resulting in an engine rebuild:

• Valve train: The valve train consists of valves, rocker arms, pushrods, lifters, and camshaft. Its job is to let air and fuel in and out of the engine at the proper time. The timing is controlled by the camshaft, which is synchronized to the crankshaft by a chain or belt.
What wears out? If your car smokes grayish/white smoke only when you start it up, it may have leaking valve seals. When they wear out or crack, oil can seep into the combustion chamber and collect there until you start your car.

• Pistons: Most motors have 4, 6, or 8 pistons which move up and down in the cylinders. The pistons have rings that keep the oil free of fuel and air and keep it from entering the combustion chamber.
What wears out? The rings wear out, allowing fuel and air to enter the oil and dilute it. This reduces its ability to lubricate your engine, resulting in premature wear. Worn out rings also allows oil from the crankcase to enter the combustion chambers, where it burns, indicated by a grayish/white smoke coming from the tailpipe.

• Crankshaft: The crankshaft is connected to the pistons by a connecting rod. As the piston moves up and down in the cylinder, it rotates the crankshaft and converts the straight line motion into rotary motion. The crankshaft rides on bearings, which support the crankshaft and rods, which connects the pistons to the crankshaft.
What wears out? These bearings eventually wear down, and you may start hearing a loud knocking noise. This problem may lead to a costly engine repair, having to remove the crankshaft and either machining the surface where the bearings ride, or replacing the entire crankshaft.

Need quality engine service? We will be glad to help you, whether it’s for a minor engine repair, or a complete engine rebuild. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto shop Princeton, MN has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.