What Does Cylinder Sticking Mean?
2 Answers
Automotive cylinder sticking refers to a situation where the engine's piston and cylinder bore experience increased friction due to high temperatures or insufficient oil lubrication, rendering the engine inoperable. During the friction process between the piston and cylinder, the lack of an oil film formation leads to dry friction when the clearance between them is too small, resulting in cylinder sticking. This issue can be resolved by replacing the relevant components. However, when replacing cylinder liners and pistons, it is essential to select pistons and cylinder liners from the same group number. Before replacing and installing cylinder liners and pistons, it is advisable to measure them using a bore gauge and micrometer to ensure their clearance meets specifications. If a bore gauge and micrometer are not available, a feeler gauge can also be used for measurement. The measurement method involves inserting the feeler gauge blade into the clearance between the cylinder and the piston skirt (in the direction perpendicular to the piston pin installation), then pulling the blade. The clearance is considered appropriate when there is slight resistance but the blade can still be pulled out smoothly.
Engine seizure sounds scary, but it's essentially when the engine overheats causing the piston to get stuck in the cylinder. Once when I was driving on the highway with an older car and forgot to change the oil, the engine temperature skyrocketed, resulting in melted piston rings sticking to the cylinder walls. The car suddenly stalled and nearly caused an accident. After towing it to the repair shop, the repair cost was several thousand dollars, requiring a complete engine disassembly and overhaul. The usual causes are insufficient or degraded oil, or cooling system failures—issues like a non-functioning fan or a clogged radiator can cause the engine temperature to spiral out of control. Prevention is key: regular maintenance, checking the oil dipstick and topping up every 5,000 km, cleaning the radiator to ensure proper coolant circulation, and keeping an eye on the temperature gauge to avoid hitting the red line. If the temperature rises, stop and inspect immediately. While engine seizure isn't common, its destructive power is immense—it can damage the engine or even require replacement parts. Safety first—don't cut corners.
