What Does Cylinder Scoring Mean?
2 Answers
Cylinder scoring refers to the appearance of distinct longitudinal mechanical scratches and abrasions on the inner wall of the cylinder within the piston ring's movement range. In severe cases, adhesive wear may occur, leading to difficulties in engine starting or spontaneous stalling. Cylinder scoring is a major engine failure, fundamentally caused by the inability to form an oil film between the cylinder wall and the piston rings or piston, resulting in poor lubrication or even dry friction. Several reasons for engine cylinder scoring include: 1. Engine overheating due to leaks or water loss in the cooling system that isn't promptly replenished; 2. Severe oil shortage caused by engine oil leaks or excessive consumption; 3. Prolonged high-speed or overload operation of the engine, leading to excessively high temperatures; 4. Improper assembly of the piston pin or cylinder liner, causing deformation.
Last time my car had an issue, there was a strange metal grinding noise upon startup, and the power suddenly dropped. A friend warned me it might be cylinder scoring. Simply put, cylinder scoring is when the inner walls of the engine's cylinders get scratched by the piston rings, causing damage to the metal surface. This usually happens due to insufficient or poor-quality engine oil, leading to inadequate lubrication; or when the engine overheats, causing metal parts to expand and rub against each other; dust or foreign particles entering the cylinder can also cause this problem. As a result, the engine loses compression, power weakens, and in severe cases, the engine may stall. My car cost quite a bit to repair, requiring replacement of the cylinder liners and piston rings. It's essential to regularly check the oil level and quality to avoid overheating during high-speed driving. Prevention is the best approach—have a mechanic inspect the engine condition during every maintenance service to detect issues early.
