What Are the Causes of Engine Cylinder Scoring?

[ArthurAnn]

The causes of engine cylinder scoring are numerous and can be broadly categorized into usage-related and quality-related factors: 1. Quality: Poor lubricating oil or substandard component quality. 2. Usage: (1) During assembly, whether the cylinder liner size is incompatible with the cylinder block and piston. (2) Poor sealing of the air filter, reducing filtration efficiency and allowing dust, sand, and other impurities from the air to enter the cylinder, causing abrasive wear. Tests show that ingesting a few grams of dust daily can increase cylinder liner wear by more than 10 times. (3) Poor break-in. New or overhauled engines have microscopic irregularities on the surfaces of cylinder liners, pistons, and piston rings, making it difficult to form an oil film. If subjected to heavy loads immediately without proper break-in, cylinder scoring and other failures are likely. (4) Frequent cold starts. During cold starts, lubricating oil has high viscosity and poor flowability, making it difficult to form an effective oil film on the cylinder walls. Research indicates that diesel engines operating under load with coolant temperatures below 30°C experience 5–7 times more wear on cylinder liners and other components compared to normal operating temperatures. (5) Engine overheating. Poor cooling system maintenance or overload operation leads to excessively high temperatures, which not only reduce the mechanical strength of components but also prevent the formation of an oil film on the cylinder walls. Thermal expansion of pistons and other parts can cause them to seize in the cylinder liner, often resulting in partial piston melting, damage to the cylinder liner walls, and forced engine shutdown.

[LeJoy]

When an engine experiences cylinder scoring, it is usually due to insufficient lubrication or lack of engine oil. Aged oil or prolonged intervals between oil changes can reduce viscosity, leading to inadequate oil film protection during piston movement, increased friction, and a higher risk of overheating and cylinder scoring. Engine overheating is another issue—coolant leaks or fan failures become more noticeable in hot weather or during long-distance driving, exacerbating friction and damaging components. Fuel impurities also play a role; using low-quality gasoline can result in incomplete combustion, leading to carbon buildup that harms piston rings. Over years of driving, I’ve seen many vehicles fail under high loads, such as climbing steep hills or carrying heavy loads at excessively high RPMs, which increases pressure. Prevention is simple: change to high-quality oil every 5,000 kilometers, check coolant levels, monitor the temperature gauge regularly, and use branded fuel. These habits can significantly extend engine life.

[ONevaeh]

I'm the kind of person who enjoys working on my own car. Engine cylinder scoring commonly occurs due to maintenance neglect. Insufficient or degraded oil is the primary cause, as lubrication failure leads to intense friction and heat generation between pistons and cylinder walls. Cooling system issues are also critical – problems like radiator blockages or water pump leaks can more easily trigger overheating in summer. Poor fuel quality causes combustion issues, with ash deposits wearing down piston rings. Additionally, high-load driving conditions such as prolonged towing of heavy loads or frequent hard acceleration accelerate component aging. When I perform my own inspections, I always ensure the oil dipstick shows normal levels and regularly clean the fuel system. I recommend DIY enthusiasts check their oil and coolant monthly, using synthetic oil to prevent failures. Don't forget to verify thermostat functionality – replace it early if problems arise.

[StAmy]

I experienced an engine cylinder seizure once, with sudden abnormal noises and power loss while driving. The mechanic said it was mainly due to poor lubrication - the engine oil hadn't been changed for too long, turning black and thick, increasing friction and damaging the cylinder walls. Coolant leakage also exacerbated overheating issues. The fuel contained many impurities, causing severe carbon buildup on piston rings, ultimately leading to the expensive cylinder seizure repair. Since then, I strictly adhere to maintenance intervals, changing oil every 5,000 kilometers, monitoring water temperature to avoid aggressive driving. I address minor issues promptly to prevent major troubles.