How to Determine Cylinder Scoring?
3 Answers
Cylinder scoring can be identified by abnormal noises, lack of power, exhaust emissions (also known as blow-by), increased fuel consumption, difficulty starting after shutdown, and engine stalling. Below are some relevant preventive measures for cylinder scoring: 1. For new or overhauled engines: Always run them through a proper break-in period. This involves operating under good lubrication conditions, gradually increasing speed from low to high, and load from small to large, strictly following the break-in procedures before putting them into full-load operation. 2. According to the user manual: Correctly select the clearance between the piston skirt and cylinder liner, as well as the end gap and side clearance of piston rings. Additionally, during repairs, ensure proper piston alignment and maintain the dimensional accuracy of the cylinder liner. 3. Maintain coolant temperature: Keep the coolant temperature within the normal range of 70°C to 95°C to prevent engine overheating. In winter, preheating measures should be taken before starting the engine.
I remember last year when my car started having problems. The sound was like something knocking on the engine, especially noticeable during acceleration, making driving quite nerve-wracking. First, listen to the sound—park in a quiet lot, start the engine, and if you hear abnormal metal knocking or a 'clunking' noise, it might be internal wear in the cylinder block. Then, when driving, you'll feel a loss of power—it struggles uphill, and the car responds sluggishly, like an old ox pulling a cart. At the same time, fuel consumption increases, and engine oil burns faster. I had to check the oil level weekly; if there's significant leakage or a burnt smell, the problem is serious. Lastly, blue smoke from the exhaust is a critical indicator, suggesting abnormal oil combustion. These are all warning signs I experienced firsthand—don't ignore them, or the engine might fail, costing a fortune to repair. Once you spot issues, I suggest finding a reliable repair shop for a full diagnosis ASAP. After all, driving safety comes first—don’t delay your daily commute.
When the car engine shows abnormalities, the first step is to listen to the sound—stand at the front of the car, open the hood, and the engine will emit a dull knocking sound at idle, like a small hammer tapping inside the cylinder. If experienced, you can gently press the accelerator; if the noise increases, it’s likely a cylinder scoring issue. Next, check the engine oil condition: pull out the dipstick to check the oil level. If the oil level drops quickly or the oil appears black with metal shavings, it indicates severe internal wear. A power test is also simple—when accelerating, if the car feels sluggish, unresponsive, or blue smoke comes from the exhaust, it suggests reduced fuel efficiency and possible fuel system blockage. I recommend performing a compression test when possible, using specialized tools to measure cylinder pressure—low readings confirm the issue. Routine maintenance is key: change the oil frequently to prevent dirt buildup, and early detection and action save time and effort.
