What are the symptoms of a bent connecting rod in a car?
3 Answers
Symptoms of a bent connecting rod in a car include unstable idling accompanied by shaking and vibration after the engine starts, as well as piston misalignment. Here are the reasons for a bent connecting rod in a car: Water entering the engine cylinder: Water entering the engine cylinder (combustion chamber) can cause the connecting rod to bend or break. When a vehicle is driven on roads with accumulated water, the engine may suck water into the cylinder. The water initially entering the cylinder quickly forms a water-gas mixture under the high temperature of the cylinder block, making it impossible to form a combustible mixture in that cylinder. As more water enters, it accumulates on top of the piston, reducing the effective volume of the combustion chamber, increasing compression resistance, and raising the pressure transmitted from the piston to the connecting rod, ultimately leading to a bent connecting rod. Abnormal engine fuel injection system: An abnormal engine fuel injection system can cause the connecting rod to bend or break. When a cylinder's injector continuously sprays fuel, symptoms such as difficulty starting, unstable idling, black smoke from the exhaust pipe, and reduced power often occur. Abnormal fuel injection can also result in a bent connecting rod.
The symptoms of a bent connecting rod are actually quite noticeable. I remember one time when I started the car, I immediately heard a rhythmic knocking sound, like metal hitting metal, especially louder when accelerating. The engine vibration was also very strong, making the steering wheel shake to the point where my hands would go numb after driving for a while. There was a noticeable drop in power; the car struggled uphill and had sluggish throttle response. In terms of temperature, the engine tended to overheat, and the warning light on the dashboard would flicker on and off. Another time, after parking, I noticed oil stains on the ground and found out it was due to oil leakage caused by the deformed connecting rod. If not addressed promptly, it could damage the entire engine, leading to expensive repairs. I recommend getting it checked at a professional repair shop as soon as you notice these signs to avoid worsening the problem by continuing to drive.
I always pay attention to details when driving, and I've summarized three main symptoms of a bent connecting rod. First is the sound – a dull clunking noise that's quite unpleasant. Second is vibration; the engine runs unevenly, causing the entire car body to shake, especially noticeable at idle. Power output will definitely decrease, making it difficult to climb hills or overtake. Additionally, the cooling system might be affected, with the water temperature rising faster than usual. I've also heard mechanics say that prolonged neglect can damage the piston. Finally, oil leakage is a common accompanying phenomenon. If this happens, it's best to stop and wait for a tow truck rather than gamble by continuing to drive.
