Can Engine Knocks Be Fixed?

If there is one thing that everybody can agree on, it is the fact that cars can make weird sounds. You could get a clunk, squeal, or even a roar and rumble from your car’s engine. Typically, if the sound is more akin to a “knock,” you may be dealing with issues under the hood—issues that, if left addressed, could cause engine damage.

Engine Knocks generally happen when fuel burns unevenly in your engine’s cylinders. Other common causes include; overheated engines, vacuum leaks, spark plugs or knock sensors failing, etc. This can happen to any car and at any time. So if you’re wondering whether Engine knocks can be fixed, you’re not alone.

The short answer is Yes, Engine knocks can be fixed, and you should go for engine repairs as soon as you detect the problem. Ignoring the knocking will not make it go away. Instead, it may result in a blown engine.

This post provides everything you should know regarding the subject. It’s probably the best piece you’d find online. So you don’t want to stop reading here.

What are the most typical reasons for an engine knock?       

Before you consider how to remedy engine knocking, you must first identify the source of the problem. The factors listed below will most likely be one of these typical causes.

• When you drive with fuel having a considerably lower octane rating than you should be using, this often causes the fuel to burn up much faster than it should in your specific vehicle.

• When carbon buildup inside your engine cylinder increases pressure, causing early ignition. The carbon buildup results in “hot spots,” causing your gasoline to ignite sooner than it should.

• When you have improper spark plugs or spark plugs that aren’t performing properly.

• When you have a malfunctioning fuel injector that isn’t delivering the correct amount of gasoline and air to your engine, this may cause the fuel to ignite prematurely.

• When you have a valve near your cylinder head that is completely closing, causing your engine to struggle to regulate the amount of air and fuel that enters your cylinder.

Note!

Knowing the causes of your engine knocking would save you a lot of time, money, and stress. 

How can Engine Knocks be Fixed?

The following steps can remedy engine knocks;

Refilling Quality Lubricants

Did you know that old and dirty oil can cause more harm than good to that car engine you are struggling to fix? Yes, oil is important because it lubricates moving parts of the engine, reducing heat and expelling metal particles. So old and bad oil stands to cause friction between the machine parts and create a sticky sheen on the walls of the cylinder. This might initiate damages to other parts.

We, therefore, recommend that you know the oil refill cycle of your engine. You should go for oil refilling every 5000 to 8000 miles or every three to six months. 

Use Fuel Detergent

One of the causes of engine knocks is excess carbon accumulation. Fortunately, you can remedy this by simply adding the right detergent to your fuel. This will go a long way to prevent further carbon accumulation on cylinder walls and spark plug electrodes.

Replacing Knock Sensor

Engine experts use knock sensors to predict knocks. If you do not have the types of equipment or don’t know how to check your knock sensor, it is best to take it to a repairer for checking or replacement if necessary.

Inspect and replace the spark plugs

Did you know that spark plugs have varied temperature ratings, and the spacing between the electrodes must be precise? Yes, they do.

However, due to its heat tolerance, an improper spark plug might cause detonation to occur early, resulting in spark knock. Also, it will not spark if the spark plug gap is too wide or too narrow. Carbon accumulation on the electrodes might cause the gap to close. So you need to check and clean the spark plugs and make sure the vehicle is utilizing the correct plugs, and the gap is properly set.

Use recommended fuel

Every engine demands a particular type of fuel. Thus filling a low grade or not recommended fuel type can affect the engine’s performance and efficiency.

Unclog the combustion chamber

Carbon deposits accumulate in the combustion chamber, reducing volume and increasing compression. This accumulation interferes with the combustion process, reducing firing efficiency and power stroke. Therefore you should clean or unclog the combustion chamber. If you have no idea how to go about this, we advise you to watch online videos and read and follow the product instructions. Alternatively, you can hire a reputable mechanic to do the task.

Reduce the density and temperature of the intake charge

Typically, cool air expands to a higher volume when heated, delivering more oxygen to the fuel-air combustion mixture. However, lowering the air intake temperature allows for a higher density engine intake charge, which improves combustion while shortening the burn time. So you want to make sure that the air intake is clear of debris and located away from hot engine parts such as the exhaust manifold.

How can I avoid car engine knocks? 

It is usually said that “prevention is better than cure.” This saying doesn’t only work for the body system but also for any other thing that is susceptible to damage. This is because the costs incurred in repairing damages are often far greater than staying away from damages.

Here are some techniques or ways by which you can avoid engine knocks;

1. Fill up the air-fuel tank in reputable gas stations.

1. Use anti-knocking compound; This is a substance used to reduce engine knocking by increasing the octane quantity of fuel. Anti-knocking compounds can also increase temperature and pressure during auto-ignition.

Some anti-knocking compounds are; tetraethyl lead(TEL), Toluene, Ethanol, etc.

1. Once you sense any sign of engine knocking, reduce the throttle and use only low revolution per minute (rpm) engine speed until the mechanic repairs the engine.   

Conclusion

Indeed, engine knocks can be fixed. But you must understand that these knocks range from temporal to permanent damages. You should, therefore, either avoid knocks completely or check and repair your engines as often as possible to reduce the chances of having to suffer permanent damage.

Thank you for reading till the end.