What Causes Engine Abnormal Noise?
3 Answers
Reasons for engine abnormal noise are as follows: 1. Carbon buildup in the engine throttle. 2. Exhaust system blockage. 3. Spark plug malfunction. 4. Muffler issues. 5. Cooling system failure. Here is relevant information: An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, jet engines, and electric motors. Internal combustion engines typically convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. The term 'engine' can refer to either the power generation device or the entire machine including the power unit. Common cylinder configurations for automotive engines include 3-cylinder, 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, 8-cylinder, 10-cylinder, and 12-cylinder. If abnormal engine noise occurs during daily vehicle use, it is recommended to contact the local 4S dealership for timely inspection and repair.
With years of experience in car repair, common causes of engine abnormal noises include squeaking from loose or aged belts, whining noises due to worn bearings such as water pump or alternator bearings, clicking sounds from ignition system failures like spark plug issues, knocking resembling light metal tapping from improper air-fuel ratios, rattling from insufficient lubrication exacerbating part friction, and clattering from loose timing chains damaging the engine. You can initially check if the belt tension is loose or listen to the noise location to aid diagnosis, but deeper issues like crankshaft wear require professional tools. I recommend not delaying at the first sign of abnormal noise and immediately taking it to a professional repair shop for inspection to avoid minor issues escalating into costly major repairs. Regular oil changes and maintenance can effectively prevent these noises, as the engine is the heart of the car—safety first.
Last time I was driving on the highway, the engine suddenly started making a terrifying rattling noise. After inspection, it turned out the timing chain was worn and loose, costing me a few hundred bucks to fix. Other common causes include squealing from a slipping belt, a humming sound from bad bearings, a clattering noise due to low oil, continuous clicking from ignition failure, and knocking like wood tapping during acceleration from detonation, or a dull thudding from piston ring issues. Don’t ignore strange noises—I immediately slowed down, pulled over, and used a phone app to record the sound pattern before heading to the repair shop. Keeping the oil topped up and changing the filter on time can prevent half the problems. The lesson I learned is that odd noises often warn of major risks. While checking the belt yourself is simple, professional diagnosis is more reliable. Like that time, my engine noise almost caused serious damage, but thankfully I addressed it in time.
