What Causes Engine Seizure?
2 Answers
Engine seizure is caused by design flaws, poor quality and improper operation of engine oil, and excessive engine load. The following are detailed explanations of the causes: Design flaws: The main reason for engine seizure is actually related to vehicle quality issues, specifically design flaws that cause the engine temperature to exceed its maximum tolerable limit, leading to engine seizure. Poor quality and improper operation of engine oil: This is related to the quality and operational condition of the engine oil. Excessive engine load: This occurs due to overuse of the engine. Excessive use leads to an overloaded engine, resulting in what is known as engine seizure or cylinder compression.
Engine seizure is a real headache, and I've encountered it several times due to cooling system failures. The most common causes are coolant leaks or a clogged radiator, where the pistons expand and get stuck in the cylinder walls under high temperatures. Once, I saw a buddy use the wrong oil viscosity, and insufficient lubrication directly scored the cylinder liners. For vehicles frequently used on long trips, extra caution is needed—excessive carbon buildup can cause localized overheating. I remember once installing a turbocharger but forgetting to upgrade the cooling system; stepping hard on the gas in third gear made blue smoke pour out. Regularly flushing the radiator, using the right oil, and avoiding excessive throttle are key. Before summer mountain drives, it's best to check for aging hose connections and replace the antifreeze on schedule. If you hear metallic knocking sounds from the engine, shut it off immediately—otherwise, the repair costs will break your heart.
