CYLINDER/PISTON
TROUBLESHOOTING
• Engine top-end problems usually affect engine performance. These
problems
can
be
diagnosed
by
a
comp
ression test
or
by
tracing engine noise
to
the top-end
with
a
sounding
rod stethoscope.
• If the performance is
poor
at
low
speeds, check
for
white
smoke
in the crankcase breather hose. If
the
hose is smoky,
check for a seized piston ring.
Compression
too
low, hard
starting
or
poor
performance
at
l
ow
speeds
• Leaking cylinder head gasket
• Worn, stuck
or
broken piston rings
• Worn
or
damaged cylinder and piston
• Loose spark plug
Co
mpr
ession
too
high,
ove
r
.heat
in
g
or
knocking
• Excessive carbon
build-up
in
cylinder head
or
on
top
of
piston
Abnormal
noise
• Worn cylinder and piston
• Worn piston pin
or
piston
pin
hole
•
Worn connecting rod small end
• Worn connecting rod
big
end
Excessive s
mok
e
• Worn cylinder, piston and piston rings
• Improper installation
of
piston rings
• Scored or scratched piston
or
cylinder
wall
10-4