Fix It

The casting numbers on the block of a Ford engine help identify the specific engine. The numbers are often useful in mating cylinder heads, determining when and where the block was manufactured and into which mode of Ford it was installed. Locating the casting number is relatively easy if youre physically fit and have some dexterity. The casting number must be decoded to understand the information it contains.

Instructions

1

Angle your inspection mirror underneath the back side of the engine block, where the starter mounts to the engine. Depending on your physical size -- and the specific year, make and model of your Ford -- observation is possible from the top of the engine well. Another option is jack up the Ford up, support it on two jack stands and look for the numbers from beneath the vehicle.

2

Shine your flashlight on the inspection mirror. Illuminate the section of the block where Ford stamped the casting number. This is directly beside the starter mount, where the starter motor bolts to the engine.

3

Write down the casting number down with pen and paper.

On an automobile, the intake manifold is mounted to the engine block above the cylinder or port openings. Older intake manifolds are made of cast iron, but most new ones are plastic or die-cast aluminum.

Purpose on Older Engines

On older vehicles the intake manifold delivers the right mixture of air and fuel evenly to each of the cylinders. Heat vaporizes this mixture, providing optimum delivery in mist form.

Location on Older Engines

On an older engine, both sides are flanked by the valve covers, and its top is partially obstructed from view by the carburetor and air cleaner mounted above.

Purpose on Newer Engines

New engines have replaced the carburetor with a tuned-port injection system. Because these deliver the fuel directly to the ports, air and fuel no longer need to be mixed in the intake manifold. On these engines the purpose of the intake manifold is to deliver the proper amount of air to each of the ports, where it will be mixed with the fuel.

Location on Newer Engines

On newer engines, the intake manifold is connected to the ports on the engine. Hoses attached to the intake manifold are to operate vacuum systems such as brakes, cruise control and the air-conditioning. (See References 1)

The Chrysler HEMI engine was first manufactured in the 1950s. Variables in piston design include the piston type, piston pin types and number of rings found on each piston.

HEMI Engines

Hemispherically-shaped combustion engines (HEMIs), first manufactured by Chrysler in the 1950s, were further developed in the 1960s and 1970s. Newer versions are considered lightweight compared to similar engines.

Types

Chrysler HEMI engines use a horizontal slot piston with a steel strut. They use free floating piston pins and have three rings per piston. They are manufactured using an aluminum alloy with a tin coat.

Longevity

Some Chrysler HEMI engine blocks, such as the 6.1-liter engine, come with revised coolant channels and oil jets used to cool the pistons. This decreases wear and increases the devices longevity.

An All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is a four-wheeled vehicle designed for driving on uneven terrain. Manufacturers of ATVs include Honda, Yamaha, Polaris, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Arctic Cat, Can-Am, John Deere, Kymco, Bennche and OLink. ATVs are designed for recreation and enjoyed by many consumers. However, engine problems are a major concern.

Clicking Noise

In an ATV.com forum, the owner of a 2008 Polaris 700 X2 complained about a clicking noise in the engine when the truck idled. He believed that the clicking noise came from the lifters. A dealership informed him that the clicking sound is a normal two-stroke engine noise. Another ATV.com user reported an AC 500 with engine noise on YouTubes " 07 Polaris Sportsman 800 engine noise" video, with recommendations to top it off with Castrol oil. In some cases, a bad seal may cause an ATV to run low on oil, and if this occurs, the engine must be repaired before it overheats.

Deteriorating Wire Harness

Owners of a 2008 Polaris Sportsman 500 Touring experienced a deteriorating wire harness after ownership of less than two years, as reported on ATV.com. The wiring harness completely fell apart. As wire after wire broke, electronics stopped working--including the ignition.

ATV Does Not Start

User daylow2347 of TexasATVs.com installed a float needle and diaphragm to resolve a starting problem, to no avail. Opening the drain, pinching off the fuel line and draining it dry while attempting to crank the ATV, as well as spraying starter fluid into the carburetor also did not work. Causes appeared to be a wire or spark plug problem. When the plug was cranked with the wire connected, a spark occurred. Suggestions included pulling off the spark plug, unscrewing the cap that clipped onto the plug from the wire and cutting 1/8 of the wire before the cap was placed back on. ATV starting failure may be caused by either a fuel or ignition problem.

Brake Actuator Problem

Symptoms of an engine brake actuator problem include noise when the vehicle is turned on or off, or when the quad is shut off. On Kawasaki Brute Force or Kawasaki Prairie ATVs, flashing indicators usually alert owners of an engine brake actuator problem. However, based on reports on ATV forums, the indicators may not flash on the gauge. According to KawieRiders.com, a solution is to clean the motor and all related electrical parts.

Backfiring

If the engine backfires as it gets warmer or as deceleration occurs, the engine may be extremely lean, according to WeeksMotorcyle.com. Engines become lean with increased airflow after changing their mufflers or exhaust systems. Another cause of backfiring is a weak spark.