How to Determine Engine Cylinder Scoring?
3 Answers
There are several methods to determine engine cylinder scoring: 1. Normally, there is a noticeable decrease in vehicle power. 2. Abnormal water temperature. 3. Increased exhaust gas and blue smoke from the rear exhaust. 4. Abnormal noises during engine operation. 5. The vehicle idles for too long or experiences misfires shortly after starting. Here are the causes of engine cylinder scoring: 1. Design-related reasons: Material selection, determination of clearance size, appropriateness of installation alignment, rationality of structural layout, suitability of surface roughness, and adequacy of lubrication and cooling arrangements. 2. Management perspective: Poor cylinder lubrication, insufficient break-in, inadequate cooling, malfunctioning piston rings, use of low-quality fuel, and errors in repair and assembly.
Having driven for decades and helped many friends with car repairs, the most direct way to identify engine cylinder scoring is by listening to the sound. If there's a metallic scraping or rattling noise during engine operation, especially louder during acceleration, it could indicate cylinder scoring. Additionally, check if the exhaust emits blue smoke, a sign of burning oil; there will also be a noticeable drop in power, like pressing the accelerator without the expected speed increase. A simple method is to warm up the engine, turn it off, then restart it to listen for any change in noise. If suspicions arise, use a compression tester to check cylinder pressure—if it's too low, it indicates poor sealing and likely an issue. Early detection can prevent more severe damage, so drive straight to a repair shop for a professional inspection and possible disassembly. Don't delay, as it could lead to total engine failure.
I once encountered this issue during a long drive. Suddenly, the car felt extremely weak, pressing the accelerator was like crawling through mud, the tachometer was jumping erratically, and a metallic knocking sound came from the cabin, which really startled me. Later, when I asked a mechanic, he said these were classic symptoms of cylinder scoring. He advised paying attention to unusual noises and abnormal vibrations during daily driving, especially if the noise increases after a cold start. Additionally, keep an eye on the dashboard—if the oil light comes on or the temperature gauge shows overheating, be cautious. If you're really unsure, after stopping, open the hood to listen for the source of the noise or check if the exhaust smoke is bluish or black. Safety first—if you experience such issues, drive slowly to get it checked immediately, don't push on to avoid engine failure.
