Title:  Questions to Ask Before Troubleshooting

Problem:  When a problem develops in a street rod, sometimes parts will be replaced until the cause of the problem is found.  This process costs money and time.  What would be a good procedure to follow when beginning the troubleshooting process on a street rod?

Solution:  The first thing to do in trying to find a problem in a street rod is to ask questions.  By thinking about the following questions, the problem can be narrowed down to a specific system or to a component or part.  It is also a good idea to talk with other street rodder about the problem and possible solutions.  The following are questions that, if answered, may direct the street rod troubleshooter to a specific system or component to be repaired.

1. When was the problem first noticed?
2. Did the problem develop quickly or over a period of time?
3. Was the problem noticed at an earlier time?
4. Is the problem noticed at all speeds and loads or only at certain speeds and loads?
5. What type of vehicle and engine is the problem associated with?
6. Did any unusual noise develop from the problem?
7. What is the temperature of the engine under normal conditions?
8. Did the operating temperature of the engine change after the problem was noticed?
9. Has any work been done on the street rod recently? Did the problem start before or after the work was done?
10. Is the oil consumption normal?
11. How does the engine respond to acceleration or deceleration?
12. Is there excessive blue (oil) or black (rich) smoke from the exhaust
13. Does the engine start easily?
14. Does the engine surge or hunt at idle, high idle, or full load?
15. How many miles are on the street rod?
16. What are the normal driving conditions of the street rod?

Thinking through the answers to these questions will help guide the troubleshooter to a more logical solution to many of the problems encountered in a street rod.

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