Most of us have experienced the sound of a car engine knocking – it’s a rhythmic clanking that often signals a problem with the car. In this article, we’ll learn why engines knock and what can be done to fix it.
What Causes a Car Engine Knock?
A car engine knock is the sound that a car engine makes when it is working properly. It is caused by the piston and cylinder knocking against each other. The knock can be heard when you are driving and it can also be heard when you are trying to start the car.
How to Fix a Car Engine Knock
If your car engine is knocking, there’s a good chance that you can fix it yourself. Here’s how:
1. Remove the spark plugs. On older cars, you may need to remove the fuel lines and then remove the spark plugs. On newer cars, you just need to unscrew the plugs. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when doing this!
2. Check the wires. If you’re hearing a knock when your car is running, it likely means that one or more of the wires connecting the plugs to the engine are loose. Tighten these connections using a wire connector or pliers. If you don’t have any loose wires, it’s most likely that your spark plugs are fouled with oil or lead particles. Remove these with a spark plug socket and replace them with new ones.
3. Clean the engine block. If oil or lead is causing the knocking sound, it will also build up on the engine block over time. Use a degreaser such as Simple Green to clean off the block and metal parts around it. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection while doing this!
Conclusion
A car engine knock is a sound that can be heard during normal operation of a car. It’s caused by the piston and cylinder knocking together due to the air and oil mixture in the engine moving around. This noise usually only lasts for a short amount of time, but it can be quite jarring when you first hear it. If you’re ever unsure what might be causing your car engine to knock, then feel free to give us a call at our dealership – we would be more than happy to take a look and help you out!