What Causes Cylinder Scoring in Car Engines?
2 Answers
Excessive engine water temperature leads to a lack of coolant in the cooling system, preventing the cooling water from circulating and dissipating heat, resulting in the engine overheating. Here are some relevant introductions on preventing cylinder scoring: 1. For new engines and those after major repairs: They must undergo a break-in period first, which means operating under good lubrication conditions, following the principle of gradually increasing speed from low to high and load from small to large, strictly adhering to the break-in procedures before putting them into formal load operation. 2. According to the instruction manual: Correctly select the clearance between the piston skirt and the cylinder liner, as well as the opening and side clearances of the piston rings. Additionally, during repairs, ensure the proper alignment of the piston to avoid cylinder offset, and maintain the dimensional accuracy of the cylinder liner. 3. Maintain water temperature: Keep the cooling water temperature within the normal range of 70°C to 95°C to prevent engine overheating. Preheating measures should be taken before starting the engine in winter.
I once drove an old car that suffered from cylinder scoring, which was really frustrating. The main cause is usually insufficient engine lubrication, such as low oil levels or a faulty oil pump, leading to dry friction between the pistons and cylinder walls, eventually causing damage over time. Additionally, if the cooling system fails—like a broken fan or a clogged radiator—the engine can overheat and expand, accelerating wear. If the temperature gauge frequently spikes while driving, you should be cautious. Worn piston rings that fail to seal properly, causing compression leaks, can also lead to cylinder scoring. In my case, it happened because I forgot to change the oil on time, and the repair cost me nearly 5,000 yuan. Now, I regularly check the oil level, change to full synthetic oil every six months, and ensure the coolant is sufficient. This makes the engine much more durable and saves a lot on repair costs.
