Safety First:

• Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before conducting any kind of maintenance.
• If you are going under the car, never just leave it on a hydraulic jack, always make sure it is on a jack stand and that the wheels are chocked.
• Usually best to work on a car when it is cold.

Some examples of engine maintenance you can do yourself:

• Changing Sparkplugs
• Changing Oil
• Changing Air Filter
• Change Coolant

How does an internal combustion engine work?

Basic Four Stroke Engine:

1. Intake
2. Compression
3. Power
4. Exhaust

What Parts Make Up an Engine?

Head

• Valves
• Valve Springs
• Rockers
• Lifters

• Camshaft

• Cam Pulleys
• Spark Plugs

• Distributor
• Fuel Injectors

• Throttle Body

Block

• Crankshaft

• Harmonic Balancer
• Piston
• Conrod
• Bearings
• Fly Wheel
• Oil Pump

Head and Block

• Timing Belt

Accessories

• Alternator
• Power Steering Pump
• Air Conditioning Compressor

Types of Engine

• Straight (Inline)
• V

• SOHC

• DOHC

Minimum Required Tools:

• Screwdriver Set
• Pliers

• Socket Set

• Spanner Set
• Shifter Wrench
• Vise Grip (Locking Wrench)
• Disposable Gloves
• Hydraulic Jack
• Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Decent Torch

Getting Serious:

• Torque Wrench

Ebay Torque Wrench

Home Made Torque Wrench

Why you need a decent Torque Wrench.

• Electric Rattle Gun (Impact Wrench)

• Impact Socket Set
• Flare Nut Spanners
• Engine Crane
• Engine Stand

• Foam Underlay

• Puller (Steering Wheel)
• Piston Ring Expander
• Piston Ring Compressor
• Paint Brushes

Getting Carried Away:

• Air Compressor
• Pneumatic Tools
• Welder
• Club Hammer