My Engine Is Knocking All the Time!
You definitely do not want your engine to knock all the time. It’s important to get to the reason why the engine is knocking because the problem could be a sign of major engine damage. Total Auto Care lists the common reasons why engines knock all the time below.
Low Octane
Hopefully, the only reason why your engine is knocking is that you have the wrong gas in it. If you drive an automobile that requires higher octane, putting a lower octane in the tank will cause multiple detonations in the cylinders and this is the engine knock that you hear. Always use the octane that is recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Timing
The main computer in your automobile is called the engine control unit or the engine control module. It times when the spark plugs fire so that the detonation in the cylinders is perfect. If the unit is malfunctioning, it may be sending the signal for the spark plugs to fire multiple times and you will have multiple detonations in the cylinders. This is why your engine is knocking.
Lean Fuel Mixture
If there is too much air in the mixture in the cylinders, the air and fuel will not burn fast enough. This will create multiple detonations in the cylinders and it is these detonations that are making knocking sounds. A lean fuel mixture can be caused by a malfunctioning MAF or O2 sensor, clogged fuel filter, clogged fuel injectors, problems with the fuel pump, or other fuel system problems.
Knock Sensor
It’s so important that your engine doesn’t knock that your vehicle has a knock sensor to alert the engine control module if the engine is knocking. Usually, the engine control module can make adjustments to the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber to stop the knocking. If the engine knock sensor has malfunctioned, it will no longer send crucial data to the module.
Rod Knock
Rod knock means that the rod bearings have worn down and your pistons are crashing against the cylinder walls as they move up and down. This can cause serious damage to your cylinder block. It’s important to have the bearings replaced right away which, to be completely honest, is a major engine repair.Finally, your engine might not be knocking at all. It could be a loose accessory belt that is slapping and making what sounds like knocking noises. Bring your automobile to Total Auto Care in North Branch, MN, so we can get to the bottom of the knocking sounds coming from your engine.