What are the causes of engine vibration?
2 Answers
Engine vibration can be caused by: 1. Worn or loose engine mounts; 2. Excessive carbon deposits inside the engine reducing ignition energy; 3. One or more cylinders not functioning properly; 4. Using incompatible fuel octane ratings; 5. Partial blockage of the fuel filter or fuel line between the fuel tank and carburetor. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, jet engines, electric motors, etc. For example, an internal combustion engine typically converts chemical energy into mechanical energy. The term engine can refer to either the power-generating device or the entire machine including the power unit, such as gasoline engines and aircraft engines.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered engine shaking several times. The most common causes are aging spark plugs or faulty ignition coils, which can lead to a cylinder misfiring and make the car noticeably shudder. Another frequent issue is the deterioration or cracking of the engine mount rubber pads, especially noticeable when idling with the AC on and in D gear at a red light—it feels like the entire steering wheel is shaking. Fuel system problems are also quite common; for instance, clogged fuel injectors or a dirty fuel filter can cause poor fuel delivery, making the engine sputter. Additionally, excessive carbon buildup can cause shaking, particularly when the throttle body is dirty or there's severe valve carbon deposits, leading to very unstable idling. I recommend first checking the spark plugs and ignition system, then inspecting the engine mounts, as these are relatively easy to address.
