Today`s car engine has come a long way with the advent of computerized fuel injection, but the operation principals are virtually the same since the early model t ford.
The car engine requires several components groups that supply spark & electrical, fuel distribution & engine compression. These groups must be in sync with each other to obtain engine combustion and power.
The term “Tune” can be related to a musical instrument like a guitar or a violin, occasionally the chords have to be adjusted on the instrument to give the right clear note. Hence tune up!.
But in a car engine , The term tune is the optimum combustion of air, fuel & spark coming together referred to as ‘Stoichiometric’ 14.7:1 which is 14.7 parts of oxygen molecules to 1 fuel molecule this combination gives ultimate combustion resulting in power and low emissions-this is the holy grail.
Back in the old days pre-1986, cars were brought to the garage, ignition points, spark plugs replaced ,engine timing set and the carburettor was adjusted- the car was Tuned & off you went home to watch Hey Hey its Saturday. The only problem was that these components fitted to the vehicle would wear with in a relative short time and the car would start to have poor fuel economy and be OUT OF TUNE.
UNBURNT FUEL OR EXCESS HYDROCARBONS IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST DETERIMENT / POLLUTERS TO THE ENVIROMENT AND THAT WITH THE OLD AIR CONDITION GAS FREON 12 CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE OZONE LAYER.
By the year 2000 nearly all vehicles had computer engine management systems, the carburettor was phased out because it could not deliver a accurate supply increments of fuel unlike today`s electronic fuel injector. Today`s car computer or engine management system.. controls, fuel delivery, spark, it adjusts engine timing to suit load conditions and can control engine valve duration and to make things more scarier .., it even controls the throttle opening and has dispensed with the old accelerator cable , YOUR VEHICLE`S ENGINE IS VIRTUALLY CONTROLLED BY THE COMPUTER. The engine management system has a feed back sensor which monitors oxygen in the exhaust emissions-this information feeds back to the computer telling it to modify fuel injector spray pulse durations and constantly keeps the engine close to a Stoichiometric state at most times-this is called a closed loop system.
IN OTHER WORDS THESE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS TUNE THEMSELVES AND CAN ACTUALLY LEARN !
But.., like everything else in life, components fail and deteriorate ..actuators like fuel injectors get blocked, idle motors seize causing a high idle, manifold gaskets perish causing
air leaks affecting idle, ignition coil drivers can fail causing engine miss, oxygen sensors can slow down causing high fuel consumption.
Ironically even in the computer/information age we live in now the car engine still requires constant repair and vigilance with a trained mechanic to ensure all components are running true and minimal emissions are produced this is what a tune up is all about.
I hoped this has helped !
Regards Manny
At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs you are in good hands, our main services include, Safety Certificates, Logbook Service, Free Pickup & Delivery, and Car Cooling System Repairs.
We have the latest diagnostic equipment and my work van is fitted out with an industrial air compressor. This enables me to perform heavy duty work and give you – the customer – the best service at any place and at any time.
For Bookings and enquiries, please contact us on 0411 496 621, email us at agrade@mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au or visit our site www.mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au.