GENERAL INFORMATION

In this manual, the term "maintenance" refers to a set of operations rather than a specific procedure. If the maintenance schedule is strictly followed from the time a new vehicle is purchased, and fluid levels and parts subject to accelerated wear are checked frequently, as strongly recommended in this manual, the engine will retain high performance and the amount of additional work will be kept to a minimum.
However, if maintenance is performed irregularly, engine operation will most likely be unsatisfactory. This is especially true for an engine in a used vehicle that has not been regularly inspected.
In such cases, in addition to periodic maintenance, additional adjustment work must be performed.
Any maintenance work, or the search for the cause of abnormal engine operation, should begin with a cylinder compression test. The cylinder compression test (see Subsection 3.1.2.3) provides valuable information about the general condition of many internal engine components, which can be used as a basis both for routine maintenance and for repair procedures. If, for example, the compression indicates obvious severe engine wear, routine maintenance will not restore normal performance, and all work will result in unnecessary waste of time and money.
The following is a list of operations that often restore normal engine operation.

Minor Tune-Up Items
Clean, inspect and test the battery (see subsection 2.6.3).
Check the condition and level of all engine fluids (see subsection 2.5.1 and subsection 2.3).
Inspect and adjust the drive belts (see subsection 2.6.4).
Replace the spark plugs (see subsection 2.8.2).
Inspect the distributor cap and rotor (see subsection 2.8.3).
Inspect the spark plugs and high-tension leads of the ignition coil (see subsection 3.3.4).
Inspect all hoses in the engine compartment (see subsection 2.6.5).
Inspect the cooling system (see subsection 2.6.6).
Inspect the air filter (see subsection 2.7.2).

Major Tune-Up Items
All minor items and those listed below:
Inspect the ignition system (see subsection 3.3.4).
Inspect the battery charging system (see subsection 2.6.3).
Inspect the fuel system (see subsection 2.7.3).
Replace the air filter (see subsection 2.7.2).
Replace the distributor cap and rotor (see subsection 2.8.3).
Replace the high-tension leads (see subsection 2.8.3).