Can a Car with Cylinder Scoring Still Start?
4 Answers
A car with cylinder scoring can still start. The reasons for cylinder scoring in a car are as follows: 1. The engine coolant temperature is too high due to a lack of water in the cooling system. This prevents the cooling water from circulating and dissipating heat, causing the engine to overheat. This can lead to high temperatures in the engine due to water shortage. 2. Poor performance of the engine lubrication system. 3. During engine assembly, improper or misaligned clearance between the piston and cylinder liner or other components. 4. Unsuitable material quality or improper heat treatment. 5. Insufficient or deteriorated lubricating oil causing poor lubrication. 6. Blindly removing the thermostat and blocking the small circulation channel, resulting in excessively low water temperature.
Honestly, can an engine still start after cylinder scoring? It depends. If the cylinder scoring is in the early stages, such as only minor damage to the cylinder walls, the engine might still run. I've experienced a car starting with low oil, but the engine noise was extremely loud, like knocking, with unstable RPM and blue smoke. This indicates piston or cylinder damage, and continuing to drive will worsen the problem, potentially leading to engine failure. In such cases, it's best to stop immediately and check the oil. If it's low or black, adding some oil might help, but never force the engine to run. Cylinder scoring usually results from neglected maintenance, like degraded oil or cooling system issues, causing excessive friction due to high temperatures. If you notice any abnormalities, have a repair shop diagnose it. If cylinder repair is needed, it's worth the cost—delaying will only make things worse. Safe driving comes first; don't risk starting the engine. Cylinder scoring is no minor issue.
I remember one time when I was driving my old car on a long trip, the engine suddenly started making strange noises, crackling and popping. It could still start, but the power was terrible, and it felt like it could stall at any moment. This is a classic symptom of cylinder scoring—the cylinder walls were damaged. I panicked and quickly pulled over to check. The oil level was alarmingly low, but luckily I had some spare oil with me and added a bit, which allowed me to barely make it to the repair shop. The mechanic said that starting the engine after cylinder scoring could make the damage worse, as the piston rings and cylinder walls would rub harder, generating more heat and possibly leading to blue smoke. Eventually, the engine might seize. So, if your car starts making knocking noises or emitting smoke, don’t take chances—don’t start it. Call a tow truck and send it straight to the shop. For regular maintenance, remember to change the oil and filter on schedule. Once an engine suffers from cylinder scoring, it’s a tough fix.
As an average car owner, I would definitely worry if my engine seized up and whether it could still start. Generally, in the early stages of engine seizure, you might still be able to start the car, but you'll hear abnormal engine noises like rattling or knocking sounds, with noticeably reduced power. The oil pressure warning light on the dashboard may also illuminate. Don't stubbornly keep driving at this point—it could worsen the damage. Scratched cylinder walls can lead to oil leaks and blue smoke. I've experienced this myself. For a quick check: feel if the engine is overheating, check if the oil level is sufficient, and change it if it's blackened. If the engine starts but then stalls, the problem is serious—it's best to stop driving immediately and call a mechanic. For prevention, regular oil changes are key, and avoid letting the engine overheat while running.
