Why Does the Engine Shake Severely?
3 Answers
Severe engine shaking can be caused by excessive carbon buildup in the engine, ignition system failure, aging engine components, or unstable oil pressure. The specific details are as follows: Excessive Carbon Buildup in the Engine: Severe carbon buildup in the engine leads to car shaking. The most common causes are a dirty throttle body or excessive carbon deposits in the fuel injectors. When there is too much carbon buildup inside the engine, the gasoline sprayed by the cold-start injector is largely absorbed by the carbon deposits, resulting in an overly lean air-fuel mixture during cold starts and making it difficult to start the engine. In such cases, the engine only starts easily once the carbon deposits have absorbed enough gasoline. After starting, the gasoline adsorbed on the carbon deposits is drawn into the combustion chamber by the engine's vacuum, enriching the air-fuel mixture. This causes the combustible mixture to fluctuate between lean and rich, leading to idle shaking after a cold start. To address this issue, clean the fuel system and check the idle control valve for carbon buildup, cleaning it immediately if necessary. Ignition System Failure: Inspect the condition of the spark plugs, high-voltage wires, and ignition coils. Poor performance of the ignition system or weak sparking from the spark plugs can also cause such issues. Aging Engine Components: Engine shaking in a car can also be related to aging engine mounts (also known as engine mounts or cushions). Engine mounts act as the engine's vibration damping system, absorbing minor vibrations during operation. If the engine mounts are faulty, these vibrations can transfer to the steering wheel or the cabin, causing shaking at idle. Unstable Oil Pressure: If the fuel pump's supply pressure is abnormal or the intake pressure sensor's readings are incorrect or malfunctioning, it can lead to engine shaking. In such cases, check the oil pressure and replace components if necessary.
When I notice severe engine vibration, I always recall my years of driving experience. Typically, this could be due to an issue with the ignition system, such as aging spark plugs or faulty ignition coils, leading to uneven ignition. The fuel system is another common culprit—problems like insufficient fuel pump pressure or clogged fuel injectors can prevent fuel from entering the engine, causing it to shake. Another possibility is an issue with the air intake system, such as a dirty or clogged air filter or a vacuum leak, which can result in a lean air-fuel mixture and trigger vibrations. Additionally, worn-out engine mounts, which are crucial for absorbing vibrations, are often overlooked—when they deteriorate, the entire car can shake. It's important to address this promptly, as prolonged neglect can damage other components and increase fuel consumption. Regular maintenance of the ignition and fuel systems can prevent many issues. If you encounter this problem, prioritize safety and visit a repair shop for a check-up.
As a car enthusiast, I get quite nervous when the engine shakes violently. There are many possible causes, with the most likely being worn-out or dirty spark plugs, which disrupt the ignition timing and lead to unstable engine operation. Fuel system issues are also a major concern, such as a faulty fuel pump or clogged injectors, causing uneven fuel delivery and resulting in shaking. Air intake leaks are common too, disrupting the air-fuel ratio and causing vibrations. If the engine mounts are damaged, the damping effect is lost, making the shaking more noticeable. Other factors to consider include aging ignition coils or ECU control unit errors, though these are less common. This problem affects driving experience, increasing steering wheel vibrations, especially during acceleration, and poses safety risks. It's advisable to first check the spark plugs and air filter yourself—simple replacements might solve the issue. If not, seek professional help promptly.
