Visual Inspection

One of the most important checks, which must be done before any diagnostic activity, is a careful visual inspection of suspect wiring and components. This can often lead to fixing a problem without further steps.

Inspect all vacuum and electrical circuits for pinches, cuts or disconnections. Be sure to inspect hoses that are difficult to see beneath the upper intake manifold. Inspect the battery hydrometer (Green "eye") to assure the battery is not discharged and all the related wiring for disconnects, for example, burned or chaffed spots, pinched wires, or contact with sharp edges or hot exhaust manifolds. This visual inspection is very important. It must be done carefully and thoroughly.