Does Engine Misfire Require Overhaul?

[DeHannah]

Engine misfire does not require overhaul. 1. Depending on the severity of the engine misfire, the repair needed may vary. 2. Generally, engine misfire does not require a major overhaul, but it is necessary to promptly visit a repair shop or 4S store for professional inspection and repair to avoid potential safety hazards during vehicle operation. The symptoms of engine misfire are as follows: 1. Unstable vehicle idling and abnormal engine vibration. Typically, the more cylinders an engine has, the smoother it operates. When an engine misfires, the vehicle's idle speed may fluctuate, or the engine may vibrate abnormally. 2. Noticeable decrease in power. The power of a car is generated by compressing air and fuel in the engine cylinders for combustion. If the engine misfires, the fuel does not combust properly, resulting in weak acceleration. 3. Difficulty starting the vehicle and the engine stalling easily. The more cylinders that misfire, the more severe this phenomenon becomes. 4. Black smoke from the exhaust pipe. When the engine misfires, unburned fuel in the cylinders is expelled from the vehicle, causing black smoke to emit from the exhaust pipe.

[VonVivienne]

I don't think engine misfiring necessarily requires a major overhaul—it really depends on the root cause. Misfiring means one of the engine's cylinders isn't working properly, causing the car to shake and lose power. The most common reasons are issues with the ignition system, like worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils. Replacing just one or two parts can fix it, costing around a hundred bucks. If it's a fuel system problem, such as clogged injectors or a failing fuel pump, repairs are still affordable, usually under a few hundred dollars. However, if there's low compression due to worn piston rings or leaking valves, you might need to open up the engine for internal repairs, which could cost thousands—that counts as a major overhaul. The key is to diagnose first before jumping into big repairs. Use a scanner to read trouble codes and pinpoint the issue. If a minor fix suffices, don't escalate it into a major headache. I've seen many car owners panic at misfiring and rush into major repairs, only to find out it was just a loose wire—wasting money and time. Regular maintenance of spark plugs and fuel lines is the best way to prevent this issue.

[OAlex]

Last time my car had a misfire, it shook like it had a bad cold, and the fuel consumption skyrocketed. I really thought it would cost a fortune for a major repair. After taking it to the repair shop for inspection, it turned out to be just a faulty ignition coil. After replacing it, the car ran smoothly again, and the total cost didn’t exceed 300 yuan. I think misfires are often caused by small components—like dirty fuel injectors or worn-out spark plugs—and can be fixed with simple solutions. A major engine overhaul is only necessary in severe cases, such as a burned-through cylinder or bent connecting rod, which are rare. I’ve developed a habit of checking the engine bay monthly and keeping it clean to prevent misfires. If a problem does occur, don’t delay—try minor repairs first to see the effect. A major overhaul should always be the last resort, as it’s expensive and time-consuming.

[LylaMarie]

Whether an engine misfire requires an overhaul depends on whether the repair cost is worth it. Overhauls can easily cost thousands, and it's not worth spending that much on minor issues. Common causes of misfires, like worn spark plugs or clogged fuel lines, can often be fixed for a few hundred dollars with immediate results. However, if the problem lies inside the cylinder, such as piston leakage or stuck valves, then a full disassembly and overhaul are necessary. The age and value of the car are also crucial factors—older cars may not be worth expensive repairs compared to buying new. It's advisable to start with basic diagnostics and try minor repairs to save budget, as most cases don't require major intervention.