What are the symptoms of a missing cylinder in an engine?
2 Answers
Engine missing one cylinder usually manifests as: abnormal engine operation or insufficient power, uneven engine operation at high, medium, and low speeds accompanied by rhythmic shaking, black smoke from the muffler and backfiring. Below is more information about engine misfire: 1. Causes: The main causes of engine misfire come from the ignition system and fuel injection system. If the contacts of the distributor cap in the ignition system are severely eroded, it can cause spark jumping, mostly occurring between the corresponding terminals on the cap, resulting in severe idle speed fluctuations and significant power loss. 2. Hazards: (1) Decrease in engine speed and power. (2) Increased fuel consumption and emission pollution. (3) Accelerated wear of moving parts, shortening the service cycle of lubricating oil.
While driving, I noticed the engine was shaking violently, making the whole car wobble like a roller coaster, especially at red lights where I could feel the steering wheel vibrating. The acceleration was also very sluggish, with a delayed response when pressing the gas pedal, making it hard to pick up speed—climbing hills was a nightmare. I also observed that the engine sounded off, with intermittent clicking noises, completely different from its usual smooth operation. Fuel consumption increased noticeably, with the fuel gauge dropping alarmingly fast. Once, the engine warning light even came on the dashboard, and that’s when I realized the problem was serious. A misfiring cylinder can cause uneven power distribution, potentially damaging other components, such as worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils. I recommend taking the car to a repair shop immediately for inspection—don’t delay, or the engine damage could worsen.
