Why engines fail

One of the most common causes of catastrophic engine failure is not ensuring the engine is getting the oil that it needs. Even if you change the oil on a regular basis, if you don't check other parts for wear and tear, you could end up needing a new or used engine replacement for your car.

The most common causes of engine oil starvation are a faulty oil pump, high mileage wear and tear, which results in an excessive gap between the main and rod bearings, or not changing the oil and oil filter as scheduled. Overheating means exactly what it sounds like, the engine heats up too much and causes parts to fail. This usually happens because of some sort of coolant leak that could be coming from the radiator or a hose connected to the coolant system, or even the engine itself.

However other causes of overheating could include a bad waterpump, a faulty electric cooling fan, or a bad thermostat. Some of them will get completely blocked. As this gradually occurs your engine is running at ever increasing temperatures, increasing the probability of engine failure. Oiling System Overheating: Oil cleans, cools, and lubricates engine components. Unlike cooling system components, oiling system components rarely fail.

This system is easy to keep in excellent shape. Check your oil level regularly. Have your oil and filter changed at at the manufacturers prescribed intervals. And if you see any oil leaks get them fixed. One more thing. Never run you car hard until it reaches operating temperature. To do so greatly decreases engine life. The coolant reaches operating temperature a lot faster than oil does. So keep that in mind. We use quality rebuilt engines and used engines from low mileage cars to get you back on the road fast.

Give us a call at to learn more about our inventory of engines for sale in Mesa. What is done during an engine rebuild? What are the main parts of an engine? Is it Time for an Engine Rebuild? How do I know if my engine is failing? Both require maintenance but belt-driven is a ton more likely to break if neglected. Typically timing belts are replaced at about 90k miles. Accessing the belt is moderately labor-intensive and so other wearing components are changed too — water-pump, coolant, and tensioners.

Timing chains are more durable and less likely to break, in addition, a worn chain will protest loudly long before grenading. Damage caused by a broken belt varies.

Not all engines are interference and so noninterference engines will likely just require a new belt. The valves meet the pistons which cause the valves to bend and sometimes destroys the cylinder head and pistons.

A repair is possible but will be expensive. Remove a top cover and check the belt is in place. Try turning the engine over by hand if possible using a ratchet and socket on the crankshaft. Heavily modified engines fail all the time, they basically operating outside their tolerances. Human error is another viable reason for engine failure, repair work poorly executed or loose fasteners ingested by the engine is a common mechanic fail.

John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.