Engine Abnormal Noise?
3 Answers
Possible causes and solutions for engine abnormal noise are as follows: 1. Engine misfire: When the engine misfires, the vehicle may exhibit symptoms such as increased engine noise, unstable idle speed, and abnormal body vibration. Solution: Inspect cylinder condition and spark plug operation, replace spark plugs if necessary. 2. Improper oil usage: If the oil viscosity is too high, internal components won't receive effective lubrication, causing abnormal noise from part friction. Solution: Check engine oil and always use the correct oil grade specified in the vehicle manual during routine maintenance. 3. Timing belt noise: Improper timing belt tension may cause abnormal sounds. Solution: Readjust the belt tension. 4. Insufficient warm-up time: When the vehicle is first started, oil fluidity is poor and some components lack proper lubrication. Solution: Allow sufficient warm-up time until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
I'm all too familiar with engine noises - my friend's car just had this issue. Simply put, there are four common causes: First is oil problems - insufficient level or dirty oil causing poor lubrication leads to dry grinding sounds. Then there's belt system issues - aging or cracked tensioners will squeal. Wear in core components like piston rods and crankshaft bearings produces dull knocking sounds. Finally, accessory belt pulleys - worn bearings in alternators or compressors can also cause trouble. I recommend first checking the oil dipstick level - sounds are most noticeable during cold starts. Don't keep driving with the issue - last time my neighbor ignored the ticking sound and ended up with a 20,000 yuan major repair. Getting a proper diagnosis at a reputable shop is most reliable.
As someone who has driven old cars for twenty years, there's a systematic approach to troubleshooting engine noises: first, identify the type of sound—metallic knocking often indicates loose piston pins, while a rustling noise may point to a timing chain tensioner issue. Second, observe the conditions—if the noise occurs when cold but disappears when warm, it's likely the hydraulic valve lifters. Third, check the oil—low levels or degraded oil can increase friction noise. Finally, inspect the belt pulley system—using a stethoscope to pinpoint the source on components is most accurate. Last time, my car had a squealing noise from dry grinding in the generator bearing, which was fixed by replacing the bearing for just a few dozen bucks. My advice: don't blindly trust online home remedies; it's safer and more cost-effective to have a professional diagnose it with proper equipment, saving both money and peace of mind.
