Common Causes of Engine Knocking

Know about Engine knocking Sound until it’s too late to figure it out!

You may faced or likely to face various engine problems but engine knocking is one of the common Problem among all these Engine related problems. This blog addresses a common problem of engine knocking. There are following common reasons of engine knocking.

Irregularities in Combustion Process

It is important to note that engine can produce knocking because of the improper combustion process. If combustion occurs too early, it may produce spark knocking. The carbon buildup inside the walls of a combustion chamber is a common cause of early combustion and as a result of it, spark knocking occurs.

Air to fuel Mixture Cause

When an engine is unevenly hot, it can disturb air-to-fuel mixture. The mixture explodes continuously because of the problem in engine cooling system and as a result of it, pre-ignition occurs. An engine produces knocking because of turbulences in the air-to-fuel mixture.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cause

EGR system is being used to add some amount of exhaust in air-to-fuel mixture going a combustion chamber. It helps to reduce engine knocking but if EGR system is not functioning properly, drivers observe engine knocking.

Pistons to Crankshaft Rotation Cause

It is important to understand that Piston to a crank rotation is part and parcel for the continuous running of an engine. However, both the parts are metal and when they collide for downward movements it produces knock. It is also called rod knocking because it is because of one metal hitting to another metal. The “rods knock” increases with engine speed and load.

Other Common Cause of Engine Knocking

1. Malfunctioning or defects in crankshaft bearings
2. A broken or damaged flywheel, it attaches the engine to the transmission.
3. A loose timing belt tensioner can a cause of engine knocking because when belt slaps against it produces knocking.
4. A worn water pump bearing is also one of the common causes of engine knocking.
5. An Air conditioner compressor can create engine knocking when it has been iced up or failing.
6. An alternator with worn rotor bearings can also cause engine knocking although it’s a least common cause. However, it can’t be neglected to determine engine knocking causes.

Final Thoughts

In fact, it’s tricky to highlight root cause of the engine knocking sound at a first glance. However, above mentioned causes are quite common. The blog helps you to understand common causes of engine knocking. You don’t necessarily need to be an engine expert to address these issues but professional help can be quite useful to get rid of engine knocking once for all.