What is the cause of engine gasping?
3 Answers
Engine gasping is primarily caused by carbon deposits. Additional information: 1. Use high-quality fuel. Since the main components of carbon deposits are wax and gum deposits from fuel, it is best to use fuel with as low gum content as possible. While you cannot change the quality of the fuel, avoid adding cheap fuel of unknown origin. 2. Avoid prolonged low-speed driving. To prevent carbon buildup, periodically drive at high speeds. The principle behind high-speed driving to remove carbon deposits is to increase gas flow velocity, which can remove some loosely attached deposits, and to raise combustion temperature, burning off some carbon deposits in the cylinders. 3. Add fuel additives to the fuel tank. Using regular fuel additives with cleaning effects over the long term can also help in removing carbon deposits.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered engine hesitation several times. It's usually due to issues with the fuel system, such as the fuel pump not delivering fuel smoothly or a clogged fuel filter causing unstable oil pressure. It could also be a fault in the ignition system, like weak sparks from aging spark plugs leading to inconsistent cylinder ignition. A blocked air intake system can also cause hesitation; a dirty air filter can choke the engine. Once, my car hesitated on the highway, and upon inspection, it turned out to be clogged fuel injectors, which were fixed by cleaning. This can increase fuel consumption and may even damage the catalytic converter, so when you notice it, slow down immediately and check the dashboard for any warning lights.
Engine hesitation refers to the engine running unevenly, speeding up and slowing down irregularly. The most common causes include faulty ignition coils, excessive spark plug gaps, or incorrect ignition timing, leading to irregular combustion; issues in the fuel system such as dirty fuel injectors causing uneven fuel spray; and malfunctioning sensors like the throttle position sensor, which prevents the ECU from properly adjusting the air-fuel mixture. This can cause severe engine shaking, unstable idling, and over time, may lead to increased fuel consumption and even cylinder scoring. Regular maintenance, such as timely replacement of air filters and spark plugs, is crucial. When encountering such issues, it's advisable to first use a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes to identify any short circuits or open circuits.
