What is the engine air intake?
Combustion engines operate by burning a mixture of fuel and air. The function of the car, van or ute engine air intake system is to allow the necessary amount of air to reach your engine, allowing for correct combustion and optimal engine performance and emissions.
The engine air intake system usually consists of four main parts. These are the air filter, the mass airflow sensor, and the throttle body and intake manifold.
- The air filter cleans the air as it enters the engine, removing debris such as dirt and pollen.
- The mass airflow sensor detects how much air is entering the engine. This allows for adjustments that optimise fuel burning.
- The throttle body controls the amount of air that is entering the engine. It lets more air in when the accelerator pedal is pressed down.
- The intake manifold distributes the air as evenly as possible to each engine cylinder,
Learn more about the air intake system >
About cold air intake systems:
A cold air intake system
A cold air intake is a popular aftermarket modification which allows for increased engine combustion. In a cold air intake, the air filter is located outside of the engine compartment so that cooler air can enter the engine.
Because cold air is denser than warm air, a higher volume of air can enter the engine. As a greater amount of air enters the engine, more fuel enters the engine in order to match the increase of air. This allows for more combustion, which improves the power and speed of the car.
Causes of air intake blockages:
Blocked air filter – Debris can build up in the air filter over time. This can lead to the air filter becoming blocked and limiting the flow of air to the engine.
Blocked throttle body – Dirt, carbon and grime can build up along the insides of the throttle body. This can limit the flow of air and fuel to your engine.
Symptoms of a blocked air intake system:
Reduced engine performance – A blocked air filter or throttle body will often result in a loss of power in your car’s engine. This may also be accompanied by increased fuel consumption and exhaust emssions.
Check engine light – If not enough air is entering your engine, the mass airflow sensor will detect the change and the check engine light may turn on.
Check engine light diagnostics in Hamilton >
Misfiring engine – A blocked air intake can lead to overly rich air/fuel mixture. This can foul / flood the spark plugs and cause your engine to misfire.
Misfiring engine diagnostics in Hamilton >
Rough idling – A blocked air intake system can lead to your car idling loudly, erratically or with higher RPM. This can also be caused by damaged/faulty engine sensors.
Air Intake Repair in Hamilton
Does your car have a blocked air intake system? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our skilled and talented mechanics can quickly diagnose problems in your air intake system. Once we have determined why not enough air is reaching your engine, we can provide you with high-quality repairs. Some of the services we offer include:
- Air filter replacement
- Throttle body cleaning and repairs
- Throttle body replacement
- Mass airflow sensor (MAF) repairs and replacement
- Check engine light diagnostics
For reliable, fast, effective air intake repairs in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!