What happens when the engine cylinder pressure is low?
4 Answers
Low engine cylinder pressure can result in difficulties starting the engine, insufficient power, shaking during operation, and failure to meet exhaust emission standards. Causes of insufficient engine cylinder pressure include: 1. Severe wear of piston rings, leading to reduced sealing effectiveness; 2. Abnormal wear such as scratches or unevenness on the cylinder walls; 3. Poor sealing of valve seats or spark plug seats; 4. Damage to the cylinder gasket. The car engine is the device that provides power to the vehicle, determining its power performance, fuel economy, stability, and environmental friendliness. Depending on the power source, car engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid engines, among others.
During my past driving experiences, I encountered a situation with low engine cylinder pressure. The car was particularly difficult to drive, with noticeably insufficient power, sluggish acceleration, and crawling like a snail when overtaking. The engine also shook violently, and the entire steering wheel trembled at red lights. Long-distance driving was especially exhausting. Fuel consumption also increased significantly. Normally, a full tank could cover 550 kilometers, but during that time, it could only manage around 480 kilometers, costing me much more on fuel. Low cylinder pressure is caused by poor cylinder sealing and incomplete compression combustion, leading to black smoke emissions that pollute the environment. If not repaired promptly, the wear and tear can worsen, potentially causing piston rings to break and cylinders to get damaged. A major engine overhaul could cost several thousand dollars and even increase the risk of a breakdown. I recommend fellow car owners to regularly check with a compression tester to detect issues early and avoid minor problems turning into complex repairs. Also, pay attention to regular engine maintenance and avoid high-temperature and high-load driving to extend the engine's lifespan.
As someone who deals with cars frequently, I've handled many cases of low cylinder pressure, which makes the engine difficult to start, especially in cold weather when ignition is slow and consumes more power, affecting battery life. During operation, there's a noticeable drop in power, the throttle response is sluggish, climbing hills is strenuous, and vehicle shaking affects handling, making the ride less smooth and increasing driver fatigue. Fuel consumption rises, and incomplete combustion leads to white or black smoke emissions. Common causes include piston ring wear causing air leaks, aging valve seals, cylinder head leaks, or severe wear leading to insufficient compression. Long-term neglect can accelerate the wear of internal engine components, such as cylinder scoring requiring major repairs. A simple test can be done using a cylinder pressure gauge to check values, and repairs like replacing piston rings can restore performance. It's advised not to wait until the problem becomes severe before fixing it; regular maintenance is key.
When driving, I experienced low engine cylinder pressure, the car lacked power, and acceleration was slow even with the throttle fully pressed, which was very dangerous on the highway. The high fuel consumption burned through money, and the engine shook violently, making my arms numb, with a noisy buzzing sound. In winter, it started slowly, requiring repeated ignition attempts. Low cylinder pressure originates from sealing failure, and if not repaired, the engine will wear out faster, shortening its lifespan. I learned that it's better to inspect and fix it early.
