Blow-by is one of the most common problems with gas engines. It’s caused when air and fuel mixture build up in the engine, to the point where the piston can no longer push the air out. This causes decreased fuel efficiency and possible damage to the engine. There are a few ways you can check for blow-by. One way is to use a gauge to measure how much air is still in the system. Another is to listen for strange noises from the engine—if there’s excessive noise, it likely means that blow-by is present. If you suspect your engine has blow-by, take action right away by replacing the air filter and checking the oil level.
What is blow-by and why is it a problem?
Blow-by is a dangerous problem on your gas engine that can lead to accelerated wear and tear on your engine. Blow-by is the air that’s created when the air intake valves are not opening and closing quickly enough to keep up with the demand for air from the engine. This air accumulates in the cylinders and can cause excessive heat, which can damage your engine. To reduce blow-by: 1) Make sure your gas engine has been tuned-up and checked for leaks
2) Keep your car clean – Remove all debris from around the air intakes and help direct airflow where it’s needed most
3) Use a quality fuel – low quality gas will create more blow-by
How to check blow-by on a gas engine
When you run your engine, the air that is drawn into the cylinders is heated by the engine’s pistons. This air then expands and pushes the gas and oil mixture around the engine.
If too much of this hot air escapes from the engine, it can cause a problem called blow-by. Blow-by occurs when air pockets form in the fuel mixture and escape through the exhaust system. This can cause your engine to run rough, lose power, and produce an unpleasant odor.
To check for blow-by, you’ll need to take your vehicle into a mechanic or do some basic checking yourself. To start, you’ll want to open up your hood and remove any obstructions like spark plugs or air intakes. Next, find your fuel injection system and unscrew it. Be sure to put it back together in the correct order after inspecting it!
Now use a high-powered flashlight to look inside each cylinder. If you see bubbles or gas escaping from them, then blow-by is most likely present. If not, continue checking until you find a problem area. Finally, reattach everything and test drive your car to see if there are any improvements in performance.
Blow-by prevention tips
Blow-by prevention tips:
1. Make sure the engine is well-oiled and in good working condition. Over time, an engine will wear out and may produce more blow-by.
2. Clean the air intake system of dirt, dust, and other particles. These can accumulate over time and cause excessive blow-by.
3. Check the fuel filter for clogging or damage. A badly functioning fuel filter can cause a lot of blow-by.
4. Adjust the ignition timing if necessary to correct rough running or excessive blow-by. The wrong ignition timing can cause the engine to run too hot and create more emissions problems.