Signs and causes of an engine running on fewer cylinders
Engines vary in their cylinder count, typically featuring 3, 4, or 5 cylinders depending on their design. The number of cylinders plays a crucial role in the engine's performance – generally, more cylinders mean more power. However, it's not uncommon for cylinders to experience issues. A frequent problem drivers encounter is the engine running on fewer cylinders than intended. What are the signs of this issue, and what causes it? Let's explore.
The role of cylinders in internal combustion engines
Cylinders are critical components of an engine, housing the pistons that move in a reciprocating motion. They act as guides for the pistons and play a pivotal role in the engine’s operation. Beyond this, cylinders are essential for maintaining proper pressure levels, determining torque output, and regulating the engine's temperature. Their function ensures the engine runs smoothly and efficiently, impacting overall vehicle performance.
Car running on one cylinder? It happens
When a car isn't running on one of its cylinders, it’s a situation that can occur occasionally. Manufacturers design engines with multiple cylinders for a reason. The more cylinders an engine has, the more power it can generate, enhancing the overall performance of the vehicle. For small engines, such as those with a capacity of 1.0L or 1.2L, three cylinders are usually sufficient for smooth operation. In contrast, larger engines, like those with a 2.0L capacity, typically require four cylinders to function effectively. Unfortunately, sometimes issues arise, and one of the cylinders may fail to operate properly.
What are the symptoms of an engine with a misfiring cylinder?
The first indication is often the illuminated check engine light. However, this is a very general warning that could be related to various issues detected by the car's computer system. Therefore, it’s important not to rely solely on this light and instead look for other symptoms that are quite characteristic of a misfiring cylinder. What are these symptoms?
Uneven operation and vibrations in a cold engine
One symptom that may suggest a cylinder malfunction is the uneven operation of a cold engine. This irregular performance can be noticed both during driving (when pressing the gas pedal) and while the car is idling. When the car is in neutral, noticeable vibrations can be felt throughout the body and interior of the vehicle.
Decreased performance and increased fuel consumption
Another sign that should draw attention to the cylinders is a noticeable decrease in vehicle power. If the car is not accelerating as it used to and is consuming more fuel, it’s an indication that not all cylinders are working properly. In such cases, increased smoke from the exhaust pipe and the smell of unburned fuel can also be observed.
How to check if your car is running on all cylinders?
Despite what you might think, diagnosing whether your car is running on all cylinders is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, anyone can do it. The process primarily involves checking the glow plug. For this, it's advisable to use a multimeter—the resistance should be a maximum of 2 ohms. Another method is to remove the glow plugs and check which one is wet. Alternatively, you can use a diagnostic computer, which should indicate the faulty cylinder. However, this requires the mentioned equipment as well as knowledge on how to use it.
Glow plugs: the culprit behind a misfiring cylinder
One of the most common reasons for a car engine not running on all cylinders is a faulty glow plug. This crucial component, when worn out, fails to heat the combustion chamber adequately, making it difficult to ignite the fuel mixture in a cold diesel engine. As a result, the engine struggles to run smoothly, especially in colder conditions.
LPG engines and misfiring cylinders
A unique scenario where one cylinder may fail to work involves cars equipped with an LPG system. In engines powered by gas, the issue often isn't a faulty spark plug but rather the propane-butane fuel system. A common culprit is a clogged gas injector. Regardless of the symptoms, having a non-functioning cylinder is detrimental to the engine and driving comfort. The engine will lack power, potentially switching to emergency mode, and fuel consumption will increase significantly. Over time, this can lead to more severe engine problems, so addressing this issue promptly is crucial.