What Causes Engine Cylinder Scoring?
3 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for engine cylinder scoring: 1. The engine water temperature is too high, causing a lack of coolant in the cooling system, which prevents the cooling water from circulating and dissipating heat, resulting in excessive engine temperature. At this point, some of the coolant will evaporate. If it is not replenished for a long time, once the water pump cannot pump water, the engine will overheat due to lack of coolant. If the sealing performance of the cooling system is compromised, causing severe coolant leakage and resulting in a lack of coolant and overheating, such as excessive wear of the water pump seal or cracks in the cylinder block. 2. Poor performance of the engine lubrication system. Insufficient engine oil will reduce the oil pump's output and prevent it from pumping oil, leading to a drop in oil pressure. The crankshaft and bearings will lose normal lubrication conditions; in addition, the cylinder liner and piston will experience dry friction and cylinder scoring due to reduced splashed oil.
I've seen quite a few cases of engine cylinder scoring, which is usually related to lubrication system issues. Insufficient or poor-quality oil leads to dry friction between pistons and cylinders. If the cooling system is also faulty, excessively high temperatures cause severe metal expansion and friction. When I owned a car, I always changed the oil regularly and monitored coolant conditions to prevent blockages. Additionally, poorly replaced air filters allowing dust ingress can accelerate cylinder wall wear; worn or improperly installed piston rings also frequently cause cylinder scoring. I've repaired several friends' cars where neglectful maintenance was the root cause. I recommend developing regular inspection habits - if you notice abnormal startup noises or blue exhaust smoke, visit a professional shop immediately to avoid costly repairs.
As a seasoned driver, I fear engine cylinder scoring the most, as it often stems from inadequate daily maintenance. Old or insufficient engine oil is the primary culprit, leading to lubrication failure and excessive friction heat. Secondly, cooling system malfunctions cause poor heat dissipation, making the engine overheat. Ingress of contaminants accelerates wear. Poor-quality pistons or cylinder materials, along with design flaws, can also be to blame. The risk is higher during high-speed driving or under heavy loads. Since owning a car, I've made it a rule to change the oil every 5,000 kilometers, ensure cooling lines are unobstructed—never underestimate these small details. Driving smoothly and avoiding sudden acceleration can prevent cylinder scoring, saving both hassle and money.
