Can the Engine Start with a Bent Connecting Rod?
2 Answers
If the connecting rod is slightly deformed, it will not completely affect the engine's operation, but the engine will produce vibrations after starting. If the connecting rod is severely deformed, the crankshaft will become stuck, and the engine will not start. Below is a detailed introduction about automobile engines: Overview: The automobile engine is the device that provides power to the car, determining its power, economy, stability, and environmental performance. Depending on the power source, automobile engines can be divided into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrids, among others. Others: Common gasoline and diesel engines are both types of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines, capable of converting the chemical energy of fuel into the mechanical energy of piston motion and outputting power externally. Gasoline engines have high rotational speeds, are lightweight, produce less noise, are easy to start, and have low manufacturing costs. Diesel engines have a high compression ratio, excellent thermal efficiency, and better economic and emission performance than gasoline engines.
I was driving my old Santana when the connecting rod bent and the car wouldn't start at all. The dashboard lights were all on, but the engine didn't make a sound. I thought it was a battery issue, but even after replacing it with a new one, the problem persisted. Later, when I towed it to the repair shop, the mechanic opened it up and found the connecting rod severely bent. He said it was caused by overloading during long-distance driving and insufficient lubrication. Attempting to start it could have made the piston pierce the cylinder block, completely destroying the engine. The repair cost me several thousand yuan. So, the lesson I learned is: if you suspect a connecting rod issue, never try to start the engine. Just get it towed to a reliable shop for inspection—that's the safest approach.
