Assessing Engine Wear/Damage?
 

Very curious for my own knowledge of internal combustion sake, on how to properly assess/check for engine damage or wear, with no signs/symptoms of problems? Basically assessing in the sense of preventive maintenance to prevent or notice problems before they occur full scale?

Just currently finished putting on a turbo kit for my stock 1.8. Engine has around 150k on it and is only on 5psi. It is intercooled, running MS1 standalone and 460cc injectors. Havent had it tuned yet, running a pretty rich base map. Ive commuted around town for about 2 weeks now just assessing how it runs and what needs to be changed and so forth.

I dont have any symptoms or worries of engine damage (knocking or detonation), but I do know that I don't know how/where to properly check for damage or abnormal wear on or in this engine? Where should I begin to check other then reading spark plugs and datalogs to see if there is any damage I'm unaware of? Trying to keep a healthy/safe running car I guess. Thanks for any info.

pull it apart and check bearings, check roll-out on the pistons and cylinders...don't jack with it.

Sorry let me correct my original posting as to not confuse anybody else. How can I do the above (original post) without disassembling an engine? Not looking for real detailed findings just, looking for tips or hints to look for to be able to better see and notice pre-mature engine damage/wear?

google "detonation" in image search and you'll know what to look for.

Oil analysis via http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

ahh thank you.

UOA is the easiest way to do a check that's actually worth something.

Look for shiny particles on the spark plugs if you think there was any detonation. Leakdown testing and oil analysis will show your engine's health without taking it apart.

Excuse my noob, UOA?

used oil analysis

ahh ok, thanks.

Leakdown and compression will tell you something about the whereabouts of your engine. That and if UOA shows nothing spectacular, run it till it goes boom.