Does a Four-Cylinder Engine Have Any Impact If One Cylinder Is Not Working?
2 Answers
Yes, there is an impact. When a cylinder is not working, the engine will experience a phenomenon of weak acceleration. The specific reasons leading to engine misfire are as follows: 1. Ignition System: Aging of the ignition coil and spark plugs can cause the ignition system of the cylinder to fail. When the ignition coil malfunctions, it most easily results in a decrease in power, and in severe cases, it can lead to sudden engine stalling. 2. Fuel Injection System: Clogged fuel injectors or fuel lines can prevent the cylinder from receiving sufficient fuel for combustion, naturally causing the cylinder to fail to operate properly. 3. Excessive Spark Plug Carbon Buildup: Long-term poor combustion leads to carbon deposits accumulating at the spark plug ignition point. When these carbon deposits are wetted by fuel, they create a parallel shunt resistance, resulting in spark plug leakage, weak sparking, or even spark plug failure.
Driving a four-cylinder car with one cylinder not working can have significant consequences. I experienced it once—the car shook like it had a massage chair installed, lacked power when accelerating, and felt noticeably sluggish, with about a quarter of the power gone. Fuel consumption also increased, often by around 10% per 100 kilometers. If not fixed promptly, the engine vibration worsens, potentially damaging other components or even the catalytic converter, leading to costly repairs. It’s also a safety issue, as insufficient power during highway overtaking can be dangerous. If you notice shaking or a warning light, get the ignition system or fuel injectors checked immediately—a simple fix can prevent major trouble.
