What causes the engine to make a chugging sound and lose power?
4 Answers
The reasons for the engine making a chugging sound and losing power are as follows: 1. Aging or loosening of engine mounts: Engine mounts are rubber blocks placed between the engine and the frame. Their purpose is to reduce vibration and cushion the engine's operation, as well as to secure the engine in place. Once these mounts age or loosen, the engine will shake, and the faster the speed, the louder the shaking sound. 2. Improper use of engine oil: If the viscosity of the engine oil does not match the engine's requirements, it can easily lead to carbon buildup, causing the engine noise to increase. For example, if the oil viscosity is too low, it will result in insufficient lubrication, wearing engine parts and causing abnormal noises; if the oil viscosity is too high, it will put excessive load on the engine, also generating noise. 3. Engine misfire: Engine misfire mainly refers to one or more cylinders in the engine not working properly, usually manifested as: the exhaust gas flow from the car has obvious intermittency, the exhaust pipe shakes violently, and the engine's 'chugging' or thumping sound can be clearly heard.
I've helped friends deal with engine sputtering and power loss issues several times before. It's usually caused by ignition system problems, such as spark plugs being too old with excessive carbon buildup failing to ignite, or a faulty ignition coil causing one cylinder to misfire, resulting in engine imbalance and vibration. Fuel system issues could also be the culprit, like insufficient fuel pressure from a weak fuel pump or clogged fuel injectors restricting fuel flow, making the car feel noticeably sluggish. On the intake side, a severely dirty air filter or leaking intake piping can affect air-fuel mixture combustion. I recommend starting with simple checks - pull out the spark plugs to inspect for oil contamination or damage. Using an OBD scanner to read trouble codes makes root cause diagnosis much easier. Avoid driving the car forcefully - unstable idle may cause stalling mid-drive and further damage the engine. Prompt professional repair can prevent increased fuel consumption and pollution. Regularly replacing spark plugs and cleaning fuel systems can effectively prevent this issue.
Last month, my car had the same issue. The engine was making a loud 'puttering' noise, and when I pressed the accelerator, the car moved as slow as a snail with no power at all. After checking around, I found out the spark plugs needed replacement. I bought a new set and replaced them, and the problem disappeared. It could also be due to a clogged fuel filter restricting fuel flow or excessive carbon buildup in the fuel system affecting fuel supply. If the intake system, like the throttle body, is dirty and restricts airflow, it can easily lead to power loss. The symptoms are more noticeable during startup or acceleration, which can help diagnose the issue. Don’t underestimate this problem—leaving it unfixed for a long time can increase wear and even damage the engine’s core components. At the time, I spent some money on a comprehensive diagnosis at a repair shop. I suggest you also find a reliable mechanic to handle it to avoid wasting time with incorrect DIY fixes. Safety comes first when driving—if you hear that 'puttering' sound, slow down and find a place to stop and check.
This engine knocking with poor power is commonly caused by ignition system failures. Possible reasons include excessively worn spark plugs that haven't been replaced for too long, or faulty high-tension ignition wires causing intermittent sparks. Alternatively, fuel system blockages like clogged fuel injectors reducing fuel supply, or an overly dirty air filter restricting air intake leading to incomplete combustion. During inspection, first check the spark plugs for oil contamination or cracks - using diagnostic tools can provide more accurate fault code readings. Never ignore and continue driving, as this may damage cylinders or even cause knocking failures. Park the vehicle and repair promptly. For routine maintenance, pay attention to regular replacement of spark plugs and air filters as prevention.
