1 If, from the time the vehicle is new, the routine maintenance schedule is followed closely, and frequent checks are made of fluid levels and high-wear items, as suggested throughout this manual, the engine will be kept in relatively good running condition, and the need for additional work will be minimised.

2 It is possible that there will be some times when the engine is running poorly due to the lack of regular maintenance. This is even more likely if a used vehicle, which has not received regular and frequent maintenance checks, is purchased. In such cases, additional work may need to be carried out, outside of the regular maintenance intervals.

3 If engine wear is suspected, a compression test (refer to Chapter 2A, B or C) will provide valuable information regarding the overall performance of the main internal components.

Such a test can be used as a basis to decide on the extent of the work to be carried out. If, for example, a compression test indicates serious internal engine wear, conventional maintenance as described in this Chapter will not greatly improve the performance of the engine, and may prove a waste of time and money, unless extensive overhaul work (Chapter 2D) is carried out first.

4 The following series of operations are those often required to improve the performance of a generally poor-running engine: Primary operations
a) Clean, inspect and test the battery (See “Weekly checks”).

b) Check all the engine-related fluids (See “Weekly checks”).

c) Check the condition of the auxiliary drivebelt (Section 9).

d) Inspect the distributor cap, rotor arm and HT leads (Section 27).

e) Renew the spark plugs (Section 7).

f) Check the condition of the air cleaner filter element and renew if necessary (Section 26).

g) Renew the fuel filter - fuel injection models (Section 32).

h) Check the condition of all hoses, and check for fluid leaks (Section 6).

5 If the above operations do not prove fully effective, carry out the following operations: Secondary operations
All the items listed under “Primary operations”, plus the following: a) Check the charging system (Chapter 5A).

b) Check the ignition system (Chapter 5B).

c) Check the fuel system (Chapter 4A, B and C).

d) Renew the distributor cap and rotor arm (Section 27).

e) Renew the ignition HT leads (Section 27).