6 Most Common Engine Problems and How to Solve Them

by | Feb 14, 2023 | Used Engines | 0 comments

6 Most Common Engine Problems and How to Solve Them

If you own a car, then engine problems are inevitable, and the more miles you drive, the higher the likelihood increases. When this happens, you should be prepared, and we can help you with that. We’ve listed six of the most common engine problems so you can diagnose and fix them yourself.

1. Your Engine Won’t Start

One of the most common engine problems is that your engine won’t start. If this issue happens to you, listen to the noise of your ignition first. Is there a clicking noise? Then you should check your battery. If it’s dead, then may need to jumpstart it or replace it. If your battery is good then check the battery terminals and make sure they are clean, tight, and free of corrosion.

If your engine was cranking, but not starting instead of clicking then your engine could have an issue delivering fuel. Without enough fuel, your engine could misfire and die. Check for leaks in the fuel line. If there are no leaks, then it could be a problem with the fuel pump or filter. A worn-out filter can cause issues for your engine as it won’t be able to separate dirt and other contaminants from entering the engine through the gasoline. If your filter is dirty then clean or replace it.

2. The Engine is Overheating

In the Florida weather, we’re all likely to overheat, especially your engine. An overheating engine is a very common engine problem in Florida, especially in the summer months. If this happens to your car, first check for a coolant leak. Look under your car for a pool of it. If there’s coolant, then you’ll need to locate the source of the leak and replace the broken part.

Your overheating engine may also be a radiator issue. Inspect the radiator by removing the cap and looking inside. If it’s blocked, then remove debris and flush the system with distilled water. If it’s still clogged you may need to completely replace it. Other parts you might want to check for an overheating issue could be the water pump, thermostat, or a broken head gasket.

3. Your Engine Is Making a Knocking Noise

If you hear knocking coming from your engine, it’s probably not making a joke. The knocking noise from your engine is most likely due to issues with your fuel or oil. When your fuel is low in quality, octane, or fails to burn evenly in both cylinders it can cause a knocking noise as your engine struggles to burn it.

If you’re fine with fuel, your next step is to check your oil. Locate and pull out the oil dipstick to check your oil levels. If the oil is low then fill it. If the oil is dark or dirty, then it may be time to change out the oil. After you fill or replace the oil and the knocking noise continues, then you’ll have to take it to a mechanic to fix it. When fuel or oil is not the cause of the engine knocking then it could be worn spark plugs, uneven air mixture, bad knock sensor, worn bearings, or worn-out belt tensioners and you’ll need a new part. If you leave the noise unchecked, then your engine could fail.

4. Rough Idling

A common engine problem is rough idling, and most often than not, worn-out spark plugs are the problem. Bad spark plugs won’t produce the sparks needed to trigger combustion which can also reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions. To check your spark plugs, remove them from the engine and inspect them. If they are black or fouled, then you need to replace them. For the best preventative maintenance, you should replace your spark plugs regularly.

5. Engine stalling

If your engine is stalling, there are a few areas you can check to fix this common engine problem. First, check the fuel level on the fuel gauge. A lack of fuel could be the reason your engine is stalling. If it’s empty, then fill up the tank. If that doesn’t work, try replacing your spark plugs. Then if you’re still experiencing your engine stalling, check the ignition coil by removing it and testing it with a multimeter. If the ignition coil has gone bad, then replace it.

A dirty air filter could also be the cause of your engine stalling. An air filter is responsible for keeping debris and dirt out of the engine. When the air filter is clogged it restricts airflow and can stall the engine. Check the air filter by holding it up to a light source, if you can’t see the light through it, it’s time to clean it or replace it.

6. Poor Gas Mileage

Have you noticed that you’re having to refuel more often than normal? Last, but not least on this list of common engine problems is poor gas mileage. It could just be that you have an older car, but before you trade your car in for a new vehicle, try looking for a broken head gasket first. A broken head gasket could cause poor gas mileage, overheating, and even an eventual breakdown.

Your poor gas mileage can also be caused by a faulty oxygen sensor. This sensor is in charge of telling your vehicle’s main computer the ratio fuel to air ratio to keep the engine running efficiently. Rather your problem is a broken head gasket or a faulty oxygen sensor, or even something else entirely, don’t try to fix it without the help of a professional.

Fix Your Engine For Less

Several common engine problems can be easily fixed by replacing a broken part with a functional one, but when that doesn’t work you might need to replace the engine. We provide quality used engines at Sir Car Part so you can get your vehicle running again without hassle or at a high cost. Contact us at Sir Car Part to get a free quote on your used engine.

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