Engine misfire issues, will always cause your engine performance to suffer. Because, they affect fuel economy, emissions and idle quality.
In addition, when a misfiring vehicle, is subjected to an emissions test, it will usually fail.
For example, this is what happens, when you feel your engine, stops for a fraction of a second, then regains its momentum.
However, engine misfire issues, can be constant, random or intermittent.
So, no engine fires every cylinder, 100 percent of the time. Therefore, a few misfires are to be expected, and should not cause major performance problems. But, if misfires occur too often, you will end up with a rough idling engine. More seriously, engine misfire issues, can cause damage to other engine parts. Like, the (O2) sensors or catalytic converters.
Engine misfire, is the name for what happens, when a engine skips over one of the processes, of its combustion cycle.
This usually causes the engine to run rough, jerk or buck. As a result, causing the engine to run poorly.
Engine Misfire Issues, What Can Cause Them ?
There are a number of things that can cause, engine misfire issues. Your engine depends on dozens of parts and systems to work together, at the same time. And, with precise timing, in order to function as intended. Engine misfires can be caused by many faults. But, there are a few, that occur more often than others.
The Most Common Causes Are:
- Loss of spark.
- The air fuel mixture, is too far out of balance to ignite.
- Loss of compression.
There Are Other Causes That Are Worse:
- Computer or wiring problems.
- Breakage in the rotating mass (pistons, rods, crank bearings).
- Valves and cylinder heads can fail or distort.
- Cooling issues might cause overheating.
- Leaking or blown gaskets.
Engine Misfire Issues, What Are The Symptoms ?
Symptoms usually vary by vehicle type. But, are usually described as a stumble, or brief hesitation in power delivery. An engine misfire, can be temporary or continuous. And, will sometimes generate, a (DTC).
The Following Are The Common Symptoms Of, Engine Misfire Issues:
Poor Acceleration
When a misfire occurs, you can feel it, like a light or massive jerk coming from the engine. Most of the time, they are worse under load. Poor acceleration is also a typical sign, that your engine is misfiring.
Lower Than Normal Fuel Economy
Decreased gas mileage, is also one of the issues. Poor gas mileage, especially a sudden drop in fuel efficiency, can be blamed on a number of engine issues. It can also be an indicator, of a much more serious issue. And, that can develop into an expensive repair. There are dozens of other problems, that can lead to poor fuel economy as well.
Rough Engine Idle
If your vehicle is experiencing rough idling, you’ll probably know it immediately. And, some cases are less severe than others. But, a rough engine idle is usually identifiable, by a shaking and bouncing sensation. You may also notice, odd sounds. As well as an inconsistent (RPM). Normally, a vehicle should have, a smooth and consistent (RPM) rate of around 1,000.
Vibrations
During a misfire, the engine will begin to shake. Engine misfires, don’t always happen consistently. So, the vibration may come and go, under different driving conditions.
Check Engine Light (CEL) On
If your vehicle has poor acceleration, as well as using more fuel than usual, check for any (TDC)’s. The (CEL) on your dash, is the vehicle’s computer. It will let you know, that it is seeing something wrong.
Engine Misfire Issues, Diagnosis ?
The Common Engine Misfire Can Be Put Into, One Of Three Different Groups:
- Your ignition system.
- Your fuel system.
- Mechanical issues.
Ignition System
When air and fuel combine in the cylinder, they need a spark in order to ignite them. When they don’t get that spark, the cycle still continues. And, even more air and fuel combine. In most cases, this simply means you have, a faulty or intermittent spark plug. As spark plugs wear and corrode, they lose their ability to ignite on command. In most cases, replacing your spark plugs, and or wires will solve a misfire problem.
Fuel System
If your ignition system checks out, then move on to your fuel system. Misfires related to fuel system issues, are far more noticeable, at idle or low speed driving. Not enough fuel getting into your cylinder, leading to an oxygen heavy explosion. There are a number of components that regulate, how much fuel enters a cylinder.
Mechanical Issues, Including Loss Of Compression
So, mechanical issues could be what’s causing your misfire. First, check your vacuum lines connected to the intake manifold. Make sure they aren’t, leaking or cracked in some way. There’s also a chance your timing belt or chain may have jumped or slipped. Loss of compression will cause it to lose, most of its air fuel mixture, before it can be ignited.
The Most Likely Cause Is A Leaky (burned) Exhaust Valve, Or A Blown Head Gasket.
If two adjacent cylinders are misfiring, it’s likely the head gasket between them has failed. Also, if an engine is overheating or losing coolant, it’s likely the head gasket leaking.
Engine Misfire Issues, What Potential Damage Can They Do ?
Damaged (O2) Sensor
(O2) sensors are used to measure, the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. However during the misfire, the fuel mixture remains unburned. As a result, causing damage to the sensors as well.
Damaged Catalytic Converter
Catalytic converters can overheat, because of excessive amounts of unburned fuel. Usually caused by a misfiring spark plug or a leaky exhaust valve. In addition, a faulty (O2) sensor, can cause overheating.
Conclusion
So, get in the habit of doing, regular vehicle maintenance. It will extend the life of your engine. And, you can handle basic routine vehicle maintenance yourself. Finally, always follow a regular schedule, as defined in your owner’s manual.
BY DANNY BENDER
