Modern diagnostics of an automobile engine are no longer possible without visual confirmation of data obtained by scanners or hearing. When the motor starts to move, consume oil or lose power, the first step of deep analysis is to start with a new model. videoendoscopyUsing a specialized camera allows you to look inside the cylinders without removing the cylinder head (CBG) and without disassembling the entire power unit, which saves a huge amount of time and money.
Many motorists and even some service masters underestimate the importance of inspecting cylinder walls and valves before major repairs. videodiagnostics It can detect microcracks, bullies, valve burns and piston rings with precision not available to other methods. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the right tool, prepare for the procedure and interpret what you see on the screen.
The cost of a quality diagnostic camera can range from budget models to professional complexes, and it is important to understand the difference between them. Misconceptions of equipment or incorrect inspection techniques can lead to false conclusions and, as a result, unnecessary repair of a serviceable site or, conversely, to ignoring critical damage.
The principle of operation and the device of diagnostic endoscopes
At the heart of any cylinder camera is a fiber-optic or digital array located at the end of a flexible or rigid probe. The signal is transmitted to the display, allowing the operator to see the state of the internal surfaces in real time. videoendoscopes They are equipped with powerful LED-lighting, which is critical for illuminating the dark cavities of cylinders and combustion chambers.
The key to the device is the resolution of the matrix and the ability to focus at different distances. Cheap models often give a blurry picture when approaching, which makes it difficult to see small cracks. industrial boroscope It should have a macro shooting function and an adjustable viewing angle to study in detail the rings and the state of the cylinder mirror.
⚠️ Warning: Never use home webcams or homemade structures without a protective housing to diagnose the engine. Spark or hot tan on an unprotected matrix will instantly disable it, and shards of glass can get into the cylinder.
Modern models are often equipped with video and photo recording, as well as the ability to connect to a PC or smartphone, which allows you to save reports to compare the state of the engine "before" and "after" repairs or to consult with more experienced colleagues. measurement-function In camera software, it helps to estimate the depth of bullies or the size of the gap without physical contact.
Image transmission technologies
The difference between fiber optic and digital signal: Fiber optic systems transmit light over a beam of fibers, which gives high definition, but they are more expensive and less flexible. Digital cameras (CMOS/CCD) transmit an electrical signal, they are smaller, cheaper, but can have image latency and lower resolution in poor lighting.
Criteria for selection of equipment for defective internal combustion engines
The choice of camera depends on the frequency of use and the type of engines you plan to work with. For a one-time diagnosis of a personal car, a budget USB endoscope with a probe diameter of up to 8 mm will suit. defect Other engines require more specifications.
Notice the diameter of the probe. To inspect the cylinders through the candle hole requires a very thin probe, usually no more than 5-6 mm. If the camera is thicker, you simply can not enter it into the cylinder without dismantling the nozzles or ignition coils, which complicates the process. Also important is the length of the cable: for inline engines, 1-2 meters are enough, but for V-shaped or boxed motors it is better to have a margin of 3-5 meters.
The most important aspect is protection from aggressive environments: inside the engine there are gasoline vapors, oil and high temperature; the camera body must be oil-resistant and heat-resistant; cheap plastic can melt or dissolve, leaving particles in the engine.
- 🔍 Permission: Minimum HD (1280x720), preferably Full HD for detailed microcracking.
- 💡 Backlight: Adjustable brightness of the LED ring around the lens to exclude glare from the oil plaque.
- 🛡️ Defense: Class of dust protection IP67 and higher, resistance to chemical reagents.
- 📱 Interface: The ability to display the image on a large screen or PC for easy analysis and demonstration to the client.
Engine preparation and inspection technology
The quality of the diagnosis depends on the correct preparation of the engine. Before inserting the camera, you must unscrew all spark plugs (or injectors, if access is more convenient), the engine must be cold or warm, but not hot, so as not to damage the equipment and not get burned.
It is critical to keep the cylinder clean. Having a lot of charcoal or oil on the walls can hide real defects or, conversely, create a false impression of damage. It is recommended to blow the cylinders with compressed air and, if necessary, carefully clean them with special aerosols, giving time to dry.
Plug the camera in smoothly, avoiding the cylinder wall with a probe so as not to scratch the aluminum, and the optimal trajectory is centered, followed by a slow rotation around its axis to view the entire circle. upper dead point (BMT)where the maximum wear occurs.
☑️ Checklist for video endoscopy preparation
When you look at a piston, look at the color of the soda. Black dry soda indicates a rich mixture, oily shows oil entering the combustion chamber. White or melted soda may indicate overheating or detonation. These visual markers help make a preliminary diagnosis before you even look at the walls in detail.
Analysis of the condition of the cylinders and piston group
The main purpose of the inspection is to detect mechanical damage. On the screen, you look for bullies (vertical scratches), risks, sinks and changes in the geometry of the cylinder mirror. The presence of bullies at the top of the cylinder often indicates overheating or problems with the cooling system, and at the bottom - about wear or hit abrasive.
Special attention should be paid to the state of holon (micro-relief) on the cylinder walls. A proper engine must show the characteristic grid of drawings applied during waste. If the chon is completely erased and the walls are smooth, mirrored is a sign of critical wear, requiring scavenging or cartridges. The absence of chon also leads to increased oil consumption (harp).
The piston scans reveal burnouts, cracks in the bottom and the condition of the grooves under the rings, and if the grooves are filled with coked oil, the rings lose their mobility and function, and in such cases, the camera shows that there is no gap between the ring and the groove wall.
| Defect | Visual sign | Probable cause | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullies. | Deep vertical furrows | Overheating, oil starvation | Block waste, pistons replacement |
| Hong | Lack of netting, smooth walls | Natural wear, excess mileage | Spending for repair size |
| nagar | Thick black layer on the piston | Burning oil, rich mixture | Excavation, repair of CPG |
| Shells | Craters on the surface of aluminum | Cavitation, antifreeze corrosion | Replacement of a block or a socket |
The absence of a visible holon (grid) on the cylinder walls is a sure sign that the engine life is exhausted and serious mechanical repair is required, even if the compression is still normal.
Diagnostics of valves and combustion chambers
The camera allows you to look not only down, but up, into the valve area, often by turning the crankshaft to open the valve, or by using a flexible probe with a side view, and the condition of the valve plates and seats is an indicator of the health of the gas distribution mechanism.
The valve's charring looks like a melted edge or a through hole in a plate, which causes compression loss in a particular cylinder and three engine, and the camera clearly shows the difference between a smooth-faced valve and a damaged one, and you can see the garlic on the valve rods, which can indicate wear on the oil caps.
Inspection of the combustion chamber (the space between the piston and the HBC in the IMT) reveals signs of detonation. If the bottom of the piston and the head show characteristic crater points or aluminum melting, the engine ran on too poor a mixture or low-octane fuel. This is critical, since further operation will lead to the destruction of the piston.
⚠️ Attention: When inspecting the valve area, be extremely careful. Accidental touch of the open valve probe can damage it or jam the chamber when trying to close the valve. Always monitor the position of the piston!
Sometimes you can see through the candle hole the state of the gasket of the HBC. If antifreeze enters the cylinder, the walls and the piston will show characteristic whitish deposits or drops of liquid, which allows you to localize the gasket breakdown without removing the head of the block.
Common mistakes when using the camera
One of the most common mistakes is trying to diagnose hot, in addition to the risk to equipment, thermal distortion and the presence of active fuel vapor make the picture fuzzy, and hot metal can deform the plastic case of a cheap camera.
The second mistake is ignoring the focal length, and many beginners press the camera close to the cylinder wall, giving the image a white spot, and you need to keep the distance 1-3 cm for high-quality focus. extra-nozzles Or protective caps can help keep this gap in place.
The third mistake is misinterpreting glare. Oil film on the walls creates strong glare from LED backlights that the inexperienced eye can mistake for cracks or chips. Adjusting the brightness of the backlight and changing the angle of the camera help to remove this effect.
- 🚫 Dirty lens: Wipe the camera before each cylinder insertion, otherwise you will be looking at your own prints, not the engine.
- 🚫 Sharp movements: Don't pull the cable when you try to turn the camera around, which can cause the plume inside the probe to break.
- 🚫 Ignoring calibration: If the endoscope has a measuring function, calibrate before each use.
To improve visibility in highly contaminated cylinders, use special transparent guide sleeves that are inserted into the candle hole, which protect the camera from lateral contamination and center the view.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a cylinder camera in a gasoline engine if there is fuel leftover?
Not recommended, gasoline vapor combined with sparks from static electricity or faulty camera electronics can cause a micro-explosion. Be sure to turn off the fuel pump before diagnosis and let the engine work to a stop to generate fuel from the ramp, or thoroughly blow the cylinders with air.
How to distinguish bullies from the usual risks of scratching on the camera screen?
Bullies usually have ripped edges, depth, and are often accompanied by burrs (metal protrusions along the edges of the scratch) that can be seen by the distortion of glare. The usual risk is usually smoother. Use the endoscope measuring function for accuracy or compare to reference images in the database.
Do I need to unscrew the nozzles for a qualitative diagnosis?
In most cases, it is enough to twist the spark plugs, since modern endoscopes have a thin flexible probe. However, if you want to examine the area directly below the nozzle (in direct injection engines) or the diameter of the candle is too small for the camera, dismantling the nozzles is necessary for a better view.
Will the camera show the wear of piston rings?
The camera cannot see the wear and tear of the rings (thickness decrease) directly because they are hidden in the grooves, but indirectly the wear and/or occurrence of the rings is indicated by the absence of a gap in the ring lock (if visible), the presence of oil in the cylinder when dry intake and the absence of hon on the walls.