How To Perform A Power Balance Test

How To Perform A Power Balance Test - EricTheCarGuy

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14 жыл бұрын

How To Perform A Power Balance Test - EricTheCarGuy
www.ericthecarguy.com/
As I said in the video I do get a lot of questions regarding engine performance, the power balance test is very helpful at nailing down an engine miss should you have one. I hope to cover the coil pack ignition systems at some point in the future as the opportunity presents itself, sorry I don't have it for you hear now but I will post it as soon as I get the opportunity. Thanks for watching.
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

Пікірлер: 286

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Seirei0417 I'm glad you like the videos, I work pretty hard on them and to hear that they are well received means a great deal to me, thanks.

@fredvollmer9462 Жыл бұрын

It's awesome to go back and watch these classic ETCG videos. It's amazing how much ground you've covered over the years. Thanks for everything Eric.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@dwreus I wouldn't go that far. The truth is I don't have a leak down tester to do a video with yet, when I get one I plan to do the video however. Stay tuned as I plan to cover lots of repairs and topics as I plan to be at this for a while. Thanks for your comment.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@chamblizi I didn't say the government was going to take it away from you but rather to say that supply and demand dictates that if something is in short supply it will be expensive and crude oil is one of those things. What I was suggesting is a point where it will cost you more than $200 to put 10 gallons of gas in that thing.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@mixwell1983 That's exactly what I meant when I said this test has been around for some time. Thanks for your input and the great comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Phillz91 I plan to make a video on that at some point but the trick I use is with some vacuum line placed between the wire and the coil that I can touch with my test light to short it out when I cancel it. You could also unplug the injectors one at a time as well.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@prel91 Your right I do, I hope to get that one in the next time I get one in. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Bushougoma That is exactly what I do with my Craftsman tester, you need to remove the schrader valve first however.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Michiganborn1969 One way roller clutch, the solenoid is the relay on top that engages the starter. I use just a drop or 2 of transmission fluid as it has some detergent qualities to it.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@7thrx Sounds like a real project. The first car I ever worked on as a professional was a 72 240Z, cool car, felt a little like a Japanese Corvette.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@UncleSam330 First thing I thought of when reading this was the clutch was slipping until you mentioned that it happened when it wasn't in gear. You might want to check for air leaks in the tube that goes from the air cleaner to the engine, any leaks here can cause a problem and mess up the MAF sensor reading. Probably not a bad idea to check for vacuum leaks either.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@jasmenter Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@TeDuaMalakie Yep, on older ignitions you can just remove the plug wires one at a time to accomplish the same thing, I recommend the plastic pliers they make for doing this however so you don't get shocked. I have done a few videos using Hondas but I've also got quite a few using other vehicles such as GM, Ford, Jeep, Pontiac's, and more. I hope to cover even more in the future.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@hlpsg That is very true but the idea is only to do it for a short time and you should be OK, in your case you might consider placing a piece of vacuum line between the spark plug and wire just enough to hold it there and then bring a grounded test light near the vacuum line to short it out to avoid damage to the ignition system. In fact I hope to demonstrate this in a video at some point.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Michiganborn1969 The one way clutch may be hanging up on the starter ( that's the part that comes out to engage with the flywheel). I've had some success with removing the starter and lubricating this assembly to correct this problem.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@rice400 Thank you very much for the comment. I post every Monday, sometimes Wednesday and on fridays I have Fridays at the Redline.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@fastveedub It can work for waste spark ignition if done correctly, that was what I was referring to in the video that would be shown in a future video.Getting to injectors on some vehicles can be a lot more difficult but if you are unable to disable the ignition unplugging injectors will work just fine for this test, in fact that is what I believe the scan tool does when it performs this test. As you state it can also help with the mechanical problems you mention. Thanks for the great comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@legendfang Yes, you would pull the wires instead of unplugging the coil packs. I recommend using a set of plastic pliers that are made just for this however to avoid getting shocked.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@vgs8606 I think that depends on your skill level and experience. For the most part in that situation a power balance test will get you started on the path of diagnosis if nothing else, if that didn't yield any result then you would obviously move on to more testing to find the cause. Thanks for your comments.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@blooz62 Check to see if you have 12V at the solenoid wire when you turn the key to crank, if you do then replace the starter, if you don't then your problem is between that wiring and the ignition switch.

@francogalloso2167 6 жыл бұрын

Seven minutes to know about power balance test !!! That was great!! Thanks

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@shieldcracker That is the other video I was referring to that I hope to make the next time I get the opportunity.

@zongxina1817 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks dude . No word can explain how helpful and resourceful you are.

@ThisDangCar 14 жыл бұрын

Yet another excellent segment of footage Eric.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@blooz62 Check the connections at the battery and the cables first, especially if you have those crappy aftermarket replacement terminals. Clean the battery terminals and the connection at the wire and see if the problem goes away.

@xe2bio64 10 жыл бұрын

Eric is a nice guy , sharing all his knowledge to all of us, thank Eric

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Aoviedo666 I've done this test on more than one Civic so yes.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@chamblizi Salvage vehicles are often a problem hence the reason they were totaled in the first place. They can make for good 'toys' sometimes but they can be a pain to purchase and insure.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@duececaboose Haven't had a vehicle come in that I could use for that test yet but I hope to make that video when one comes in.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@jazzy4me4eva You could do it that way but the preferred way is to disable the ignition, you may disable an injector electrically but it may still be leaking when it's not energized.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@therockkkkher I tried it in my lawnmower earlier in the season, it seemed to run better but not by much. I'm not much of an advocate for 'fixes in a bottle', I think for the most part they have their place but I don't think there is any substitute for good maintenance practices.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@sonicthehedgehogca Yes if you have coil packs that have wires on them you can do this same test using those. Thanks for your comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@croom9 Thank you croom9.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@qotsajr Thanks for that but I guess I've gotten around all that stuff and gone straight to doing it on YT, good enough for me really. Thanks again for your comment.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@Faqurkowch Indeed it is. Thanks for the comment.

@netman88 13 жыл бұрын

Very good test and info.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Michiganborn1969 The danger comes in when your working with some very high voltage ignition systems, having to disable them can be tricky, I plan to do a video on working with these systems at some point. You want to avoid getting shocked by these since they have the potential to stop your heart.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@legendfang Anytime, that's why I'm here. I hope to be making video for some time to come. Thanks for your comments.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Ghostixe It could just as easily be a vacuum leak causing the system to read lean which would make the computer command rich. Make sure the mechanical health of the engine is good with a compression test.

@NotRealNamesAgain 12 жыл бұрын

Great video again, I really enjoy your channel and your site!

@jasmenter 13 жыл бұрын

That was another great one ! Cant wait to see what you have in mind with the vacuum ! Cheersss !

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@eldaguinio If there is NO change in engine performance when you disable a cylinder that would be the suspected cylinder and would need further investigation. In the case of your VW start with any check engine lights and then look to the tune up items for the source of your issue.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Piestukas1995 Yea, I'm actually getting tired of that font and looking for new ones. Thanks for your comment and your sub. Dirty people are cool.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@SergeantCrunch Wouldn't care if I was as I get by just fine. Thanks for your comment.

@rice400 13 жыл бұрын

Your videos are amazing, i'm learning a whole bunch about cars. Keep up the great work! Are you working on more vids? I'd love to see them. Thanks

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@zach9802 I hope to post a different video on how to handle that type of set up, check the comments below as I've posted the method in the past.

@johnsmith-dm2tq Жыл бұрын

love this channel. thanks man

@legendfang 13 жыл бұрын

@EricTheCarGuy Thanks for the reply and advise with plastic pliers. Knowing myself I would have shocked myself and thanks again.I hope to see more car vids as your videos are helpful and educational and I learn much from them.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@zztopgearhead1 If that has the 2.4L with the coil cover assembly then I would look to that for the possible cause, they have been known to get cracks and cause an intermittent short. You could spray it with some water to see if it begins to run rough, if it does then I would replace it.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@vgs8606 First make sure you are using Nippon Denso or NGK plugs, if not change them. Next try this test to see if you see a change. Lastly those valves are adjustable and they may need adjusting, I've shot video for this but haven't had time to edit it yet.

@foxdmulder 14 жыл бұрын

best channel on youtube along with realfixes real fast.

@Mixwell1983 14 жыл бұрын

That's an old school technique I learned with spark plugs, if you take a plug wire off the plug and no change than you could have a faulty spark plug or injector problem. Great video Eric !!! Thumbs up !!

@Shawndoh 3 жыл бұрын

Nice and concise explanation of a powerful tool-less diagnostic procedure

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@spazzman2323 In that case you would just pull the wires one at a time, they make a special set of plastic pliers that are made just for this to help keep you from getting shocked on your butt. Thanks for the comment.

@_emjaywlz_ 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Eric!!! On my way down “Diagnosis Road’ !!!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@dwreus That trick has been in more than one move. I've actually tried it with mixed results, one time the car didn't start, the other time it did start and blew the restriction out the back of the exhaust. I've also heard of people blowing up a muffler doing stuff like this. In short, it might work, it might not, just be careful.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@toufelhunden1 I'm not much of a SeaFoam user on cars but I've used it on my lawn equipment. Let me look into it and I'll see what I can do.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Ghostixe If the car is not stock depending on the modifications you may need larger injectors or it could be a characteristic of the modifications (different cam). Not knowing what has been done to the car makes it impossible for me to help and even if I did something that is modified from stock does not have a "typical" path to diagnosis and repair.

@Faqurkowch 12 жыл бұрын

Great Video! Diagnosis is KEY!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@RoberTastic Not normally no. Injectors make a ticking noise normally I would not consider them bad just because they make noise.

@rleon1991 13 жыл бұрын

awesome video as always!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@duhkify That can be a bad thing indeed as if the engine gets severely overheated the pistons swell up in the bores and seize up causing damage to the metal parts and the engine will not turn over as a result.

@sillysillytom 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic info

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@redhot916spd Thank you very much, I try my best.

@kangmin816 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks Eric After i watched your videos, I want to go back school to complete my auto motive classes........

@bruceb8686 6 жыл бұрын

Great video thanks for the input

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@HappyKingdomHearts If you are going to drive the car or run it for a length of time it would be better to disconnect the connectors at the injectors instead of disabling the ignition system. You might want to watch the video on Finding A Noise to help you with that.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@MrWalleye Your better of disabling the ignition as if the injector is leaking it will still be dripping fuel even if it's unplugged. Good luck.

@prel91 13 жыл бұрын

you have to show the vacumm line and test light power balance test! been using that for 20 years! best test on GM DIS systems. Never failed me!

@7thrx 14 жыл бұрын

i have done this on my 280Z. Didn't know it was called this. On a 32 year old motor in a 32 year old car that was left in a field I had a lot of visual cues before I did this test. Like semi eaten fuel injector lines, old old vacuum lines and plug wires, and much more.

@prohan007 2 жыл бұрын

Great video

@hlpsg 13 жыл бұрын

@EricTheCarGuy Great! Would be looking forward to it!

@laughatthisnow 14 жыл бұрын

great video. keep the videos coming.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Michiganborn1969 No, that sounds like you are reengaging the starter, if you do this while the engine is running the starter will make contact with a moving flywheel, not a good thing.

@PeteBeardsley 14 жыл бұрын

As ever a great vid. I love the fact that you make videos easy enough for idiots like me to understand.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@DriftingFWWA I looked into it once and they said I needed something called a 'bachelors degree', I didn't have one so I went back to fixing cars.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@foxdmulder High praise indeed, I LOVE realfixesrealfast, great channel.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@jambe1234567 That is an excellent reason to perform this test, in fact if the cause of the misfire is not apparent this is a great way to go about finding it.

@kashyapafernando8016 10 жыл бұрын

Thank you for makeing this Vedio and the explanation.

@travispalmer3529 8 жыл бұрын

I love this guy!!

@Patrickmusic19 12 жыл бұрын

smoking pot??what has that got to do with anything, eric makes the best videos online and KNOWS his stuff love your videos man

@manaluproject254 3 жыл бұрын

Nice content

@IshEaterson 10 жыл бұрын

Sweet video, getting ready to test my '98 legacy SW. What on earth happened to the comments on this video?

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Llaveroja27 That sucks.

@aldamokm 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'll keep you posted

@legendfang 14 жыл бұрын

Hey Eric good vid, always helpful and educational. If its not a coil pack but wires like in older cars would you pull the wire out one by one and it would be the same as doing so to a coil pack? Just wanted to know as I have spark plug wires and not individual coils.

@sonicthehedgehogca 13 жыл бұрын

You mean the spark plug wires by coil pack right?? Just never heard the reference before. Awesome videos man really a great educational experience.....I just get into maintenance. Fixing cars I cant do much but the simple stuff...

@TheInitialForce 12 жыл бұрын

How about just being thankful he spend the time making this video. If you don't care for the video, no one is forcing you to watch it...

@Michiganborn1969 13 жыл бұрын

Thanks a million Eric. I feel like such a dunce b/c I never heard of a 1 way clutch before today lol. Ill try that method as son as I get my hands on some ATF.

@Piestukas1995 13 жыл бұрын

Yeah man, you love army text dont ya? Im subing to you you are awesome. And staying dirty, well you can't describe me without it

@storchmj 11 жыл бұрын

I Hope you put up the second part of this video!

@oscartinaco2091 10 жыл бұрын

ERIC THE CAR GUY MECHANIC.VERY GOOD MECHANIC I LIKE THIS GUY.

@bmw325e1991 11 жыл бұрын

seeing as eric didnt reply it can be one of 4 common things, tires need balanced, lower control arm (LCA) ball joint needs replaced, or tie rod ends need replaced. seeing as its only a 2000, go to walmart and have them balance your tires for $5 a tire... to check your LCA ball joint lift the car up by the jack point on the unibody seam, and see if you can wiggle the tire around a little. it should be stiff.

@trealwilliams1563 3 жыл бұрын

ECG👍 Eric Car Gangsta!!!

@HappyKingdomHearts 13 жыл бұрын

can you perform the power balance test by removing the sparkplug wires one by one like you did with the coils? cuz i want to see if one of my valves is causing this knocking/rattling when i accelerate or go up hill. oooh and thanking you for your awesome videos they have taught me alot and mostly all i know about how to perform maintenance and work on my car. p.s i own a 1996 Mazda 626 2.5L MFI DOHC 6cyl.

@RODANJAE 11 жыл бұрын

hey eric! love your videos they save me alot a money . thanks!!!! any way got a question fro you about EXTREME FUEL TREATMENT. FROM SYNTEK GOBAL! does it really work?

@DkpProductions 4 жыл бұрын

Eric has aged like fine wine

@Michiganborn1969 13 жыл бұрын

Great thank you. Is that part that comes out to engage the flywheel called the sylenoid? And what kind of lube would be best suited for this part? Maybe gear oil?

@zoommair 8 жыл бұрын

Great video! Just a quick question: I have a 97 Infiniti Q45, it's a V8 and suspect a misfire in one of the cylinders. I want to do this test, but one side of the engine is covered by the intake piping. When I change the plugs, I need to take off the entire intake to throttle body to get to 4 of the cylinders' coils. If I do this test without the intake on, it won't be getting an accurate reading at the MAF. Will it matter for this test? or am I good to go ahead without the intake on? Thanks for all your help!