How to Fix Engine Cylinder Pressure Problems?
2 Answers
Engine cylinder pressure problems can be repaired by: 1. Using a cylinder pressure gauge to check the pressure of individual cylinders and recording the data to determine the cause of insufficient pressure; 2. Disassembling the engine to replace the piston rings (compression rings and oil rings) that are not providing adequate pressure. Insufficient cylinder pressure can lead to excessive carbon buildup, severe engine shaking, increased fuel consumption, engine overheating, and difficulty starting the car. The causes of insufficient cylinder pressure include: 1. Piston ring misalignment or excessive wear due to insufficient lubrication; 2. Poor sealing or damage to the cylinder head gasket; 3. Excessive flatness deviation between the cylinder head and cylinder block surfaces, leading to poor sealing; 4. Incomplete closure of intake and exhaust valves; 5. Malfunction in the car's cooling system, resulting in insufficient engine cooling.
Cylinder pressure issues are quite common, and I've encountered them before. The engine may shake, lose power, or even fail to start. Usually, the first step is to perform a cylinder compression test by inserting a compression gauge into the spark plug hole to measure the pressure. Normal readings should be around 10 to 15 atmospheres. If one cylinder shows low pressure, it could be due to worn piston rings or poor valve sealing, allowing air to leak into the oil pan. In such cases, repairs can be a bit troublesome—you'll need to open the engine hood to check if the piston rings need replacement or adjust the valve clearance. Sometimes, the cylinder walls may be worn, requiring cylinder boring for restoration. These operations require professional tools, so I always recommend going to a repair shop. They use compressed air testing tools to locate leaks before fixing them. In short, don't delay—driving with low cylinder pressure can damage other components, leading to higher repair costs. Timely repairs ensure your car runs smoother and more fuel-efficiently.
