What does engine cylinder sticking mean?
4 Answers
Engine cylinder sticking refers to the situation where the piston and cylinder experience increased friction and cease to function properly due to high temperatures or insufficient lubrication from engine oil. During the friction process between the piston and cylinder, if the clearance between them is too small, it can lead to insufficient oil film formation, resulting in dry friction and ultimately cylinder sticking. This issue can be resolved by replacing the relevant components. However, when replacing the cylinder liner and piston, it is important to select a piston and cylinder liner from the same group number. Before installing the new cylinder liner and piston, it is advisable to measure them using a bore gauge and micrometer to ensure the clearance meets specifications. If a bore gauge and micrometer are not available, a feeler gauge can also be used. The measurement method involves inserting the feeler gauge blade into the clearance between the cylinder and piston skirt (in the direction perpendicular to the piston pin installation) and then pulling the blade. The ideal condition is when there is slight resistance but the blade can still be moved flexibly.
"Engine seizure" means that the piston inside the engine sticks to the cylinder wall, causing excessive friction and locking up. When I was younger and often neglected maintenance, I encountered this situation: once during a summer highway drive, the coolant temperature soared to the red line, but I didn’t pay attention. Suddenly, the car started shaking violently, lost all power, and the engine made a clanking noise, forcing me to tow it to the repair shop for disassembly and cleaning. The main causes are usually insufficient or degraded engine oil, leading to poor lubrication; engine overheating or cooling system failure; or worn piston rings and dust ingress. Repairing it is time-consuming, requiring complete disassembly, polishing, or part replacement, and the cost can exceed a thousand yuan. It’s advisable to regularly check the engine oil and radiator temperature to avoid regrets later. Especially during long-distance drives, taking breaks to let the engine cool down can prevent major trouble.
When engine seizure occurs, you'll feel the entire car shaking with an extremely harsh noise. As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, I've learned it's caused by the piston directly scraping against the cylinder wall due to engine overheating or insufficient oil. Common causes include coolant leaks leading to overheating, clogged oil screens causing lubrication failure, or overloading such as continuous uphill driving. I once helped a neighbor repair one where the engine nearly got scrapped due to severe seizure after forgetting to change oil for half a year. Fixing it requires engine disassembly to clean the pistons - time-consuming and expensive, taking at least a week. When driving, always monitor the temperature gauge and pull over if overheating; maintain proper oil change intervals, especially for older cars prone to this issue. Poor maintenance can range from needing a tow truck to complete engine replacement - penny-wise but pound-foolish.
Piston seizure refers to the engine piston getting stuck in the cylinder and unable to move, usually caused by insufficient lubrication or overheating. I used to drive long distances frequently and know that if the engine suddenly shakes violently, loses acceleration power, and emits smoke while driving, it could be a sign of impending piston seizure. Immediately turn off the engine to check the oil level and coolant temperature, otherwise the cylinder block may get damaged. Repairs can cost hundreds to thousands and take a long time. Regular maintenance can prevent this - never force drive an overheated vehicle.
