Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Problem Isolation and Correction

The following Troubleshooting logic is designed to help you organize your study of a problem and plan a procedure to correct it. The series of fault/logic charts given do not provide all the answers, but they should stimulate a train of thought that will lead you to the source of the trouble.

Be sure to consider any maintenance or repair action that could have caused the problem.

If the engine surges or runs rough initially after not being used for 2 months or more, do not assume that the engine has a malfunction. Varnish can form on the internal parts of the injection pump and the oil film can drain from the piston rings. Operate the engine for at least 5 minutes before troubleshooting.

The basic procedure is as follows:
^ Study the problem thoroughly.
^ Relate the symptoms to your knowledge of the engine components and systems.
^ Double-check before beginning the disassembly.
^ Solve the problem by deduction starting with the easiest things.
^ Determine the cause of the problems and make a thorough repair.
^ After making corrections, operate the engine in normal conditions to verify the cause of the problem was corrected.