Why Does the Engine Shake Violently?
3 Answers
The possible causes of engine shaking include: clogged air filter causing excessively low idle speed; one cylinder not working or performing poorly; poor fuel pump condition leading to unstable oil pressure; carbon buildup in the combustion chamber; carbon deposits on fuel injectors causing uneven fuel injection; cylinder wear leading to air leakage; valves not sealing properly; low idle speed. Below are relevant explanations: 1. Gasoline engine: When the air-fuel mixture is fully mixed and enters the combustion chamber during the intake stroke, the piston compresses it during the compression stroke. After the spark plug ignites the high-pressure mixture, the pressure generated by combustion is converted into the engine's operating power. 2. Octane number: The octane number is an indicator of fuel's anti-knock performance. The higher the octane number, the stronger the anti-knock performance. Engines with high compression ratios have higher combustion chamber pressure. If fuel with low anti-knock performance is used, knocking is more likely to occur.
I just finished driving and felt the engine shaking violently, which really affected my driving and made me uneasy. Usually, this could be due to aging spark plugs causing irregular ignition and uneven cylinder operation. Another possibility is a faulty fuel pump, where inadequate fuel supply makes the engine tremble. Additionally, if the engine mounts or motor mounts are loose or damaged, their shock absorption weakens, transmitting vibrations into the cabin. I recommend visiting a repair shop to check the spark plugs and mounts first—ignoring this could accelerate engine wear and increase fuel consumption. In the long run, regularly replacing the air filter and fuel filter can reduce such issues and ensure driving safety.
I've been into car modifications for a few years, and the severe engine vibration makes me feel something's wrong. Common issues include faulty ignition coils, spark plug leakage or misfiring causing cylinders to stop working; damaged sensors like oxygen sensors or crankshaft position sensors making the ECU unable to control fuel mixture; loose engine mount bolts or deteriorated rubber mounts leading to poor vibration damping. I usually diagnose it myself with a scanner, but long-term neglect could damage core engine components. It's advisable to replace worn parts promptly and develop a habit of monthly inspections.
