Jul 14, 2023

A car engine experiencing a service issue near Indianapolis, Indiana.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If you have engine problems in Indianapolis, IN, your friendly Nissan dealer can fix the problem for you. These are some of the potential problems that we can repair.

Broken Thermostat

Your engine depends on its efficient cooling system to control the temperature under the hood. Liquid coolant is pumped through your engine, and it absorbs radiating heat as it moves. This heat is transported inside the coolant to the radiator, where the heat is removed by heat exchange. Coolant is released when your engine temperature reaches 180 F and is withdrawn when the temperature falls below 180 F.

The thermostat controls the release of coolant. Although the thermostat is a relatively simple component, it can still become damaged over time. A damaged thermostat can jam open or closed. If the thermostat jams open, it will release too much coolant, and our engine will run inefficiently and use more gas. A thermostat that jams closed won’t release any coolant, and your engine will overheat. We can easily fix this problem by replacing the damaged thermostat.

Clogged Catalytic Converter

The combustion process produces large quantities of toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide. The catalytic converter uses chemical reactions, heat, and pressure to convert these gases into harmless ones. Once the conversion is complete, the safe chemicals exit the exhaust system via the tailpipe.

Carbon gradually accumulates in the converter and blocks it. If this happens, unconverted engine chemicals are forced back into the engine. This increases the pressure inside the engine and can cause it to shut down. If the engine doesn’t shut down, the chemicals will turn your engine fuel rich. A fuel-rich engine can damage the spark plugs, ignition coils, and other components. We can remove the converter and clean it to clear any blockages.

Blown Head Gasket

Your engine has numerous seals and gaskets, but the most important is the head gasket. This gasket forms a perfect seal between the upper and lower sections of your engine. The two engine sections contain different fluids and must be kept at sustained pressures. We routinely examine the condition of this gasket during regular services.

A blown head gasket is usually caused by excessive engine temperatures, but it can also occur due to age or other damage. In these circumstances, oil and coolant can mix. The coolant will turn milky and becomes less effective at reducing engine temperature. The cylinders and pistons can also be damaged. We’ll need to remove the old head gasket, thoroughly clean the surfaces, and then check for any damage. We will also repair or replace any damaged parts.

If you have a problem with your engine, call our service department today at Ed Martin Nissan.