Is my engine damaged?
Ask the mechanic to carry out a compression test which will tell you the condition of the engine in terms of compression loss due to damaged piston rings or valve.
What you need to know:
- This information is used to determine the air fuel ratio and whether the engine is running rich (too much fuel compared to air) or lean (more air than fuel).
- Either condition leads to poor fuel economy or performance.
Dear Paul, my 2002 model Toyota RAV4 has a persistent check engine lights and my fuel consumption has increased tremendously. My mechanic suggests an overhaul or replacement with a used one. However, the engine has power and does not smoke. What should I do? Peter Kayizi
Hello Peter, you may have a faulty oxygen sensor and a computer diagnosis can confirm this. The oxygen sensor is mounted on the exhaust pipe and is part of the emission system which helps the engine computer (ECM) to regulate fuel supply by monitoring how much oxygen is in the exhaust. This information is used to determine the air fuel ratio and whether the engine is running rich (too much fuel compared to air) or lean (more air than fuel). Either condition leads to poor fuel economy or performance.
The check engine light is switched on by the engine computer to alert you about the presence of a fault in the emission system. If a diagnosis or inspection confirms a faulty oxygen sensor, it should be replaced with a new one. The decision to repair or replace your engine seems to be unjustified. Ask the mechanic to carry out a compression test which will tell you the condition of the engine in terms of compression loss due to damaged piston rings or valves.
