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How do I fix the knocking noise in my engine?


Hearing a knocking noise coming from your engine can be alarming. This sound often indicates an underlying issue that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve seen and resolved countless cases of engine knocking. In this article, we’ll guide you through the possible causes and solutions for this issue.


What Causes Engine Knocking?


Engine knocking, also known as "pinging," occurs when fuel burns unevenly in your engine's cylinders. This can lead to a metallic knocking or pinging sound. Here are some common causes:



  • Low-Quality Fuel: Using fuel with a lower octane rating than recommended for your vehicle can cause knocking.

  • Carbon Deposits: Over time, carbon buildup in the combustion chamber can lead to pre-ignition and knocking.

  • Faulty Spark Plugs: Worn or incorrectly gapped spark plugs can disrupt the combustion process.

  • Incorrect Air-Fuel Mixture: A lean air-fuel mixture (too much air and not enough fuel) can cause knocking.

  • Engine Timing Issues: If the engine's timing is off, it can lead to improper combustion.


Steps to Fix Engine Knocking


Addressing engine knocking promptly is crucial to avoid severe engine damage. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue:



  • Step 1: Check Your Fuel: Ensure you’re using the correct octane fuel as specified in your vehicle’s manual. If you’ve recently filled up with low-quality fuel, consider adding a fuel additive to clean the system.

  • Step 2: Inspect and Replace Spark Plugs: Remove and inspect the spark plugs for wear or damage. Replace them if necessary, ensuring they are properly gapped.

  • Step 3: Clean Carbon Deposits: Use a fuel system cleaner to remove carbon buildup. In severe cases, a professional cleaning may be required.

  • Step 4: Check the Air-Fuel Mixture: If you suspect a lean mixture, have a mechanic inspect the fuel injectors and sensors to ensure proper fuel delivery.

  • Step 5: Adjust Engine Timing: If the timing is off, it may need to be adjusted by a professional mechanic using specialized tools.


When to Seek Professional Help


While some causes of engine knocking can be resolved at home, others require professional expertise. If the knocking persists after trying the steps above, or if you’re unsure about performing these tasks yourself, it’s time to visit a trusted auto repair shop. At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing engine issues, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and safely.


Preventing Engine Knocking


Prevention is always better than repair. Here are some tips to avoid engine knocking in the future:



  • Always use the recommended octane fuel for your vehicle.

  • Perform regular maintenance, including spark plug replacement and fuel system cleaning.

  • Keep up with scheduled oil changes to ensure proper engine lubrication.

  • Address any unusual engine noises promptly to prevent further damage.


At Kevin's Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance and repair needs. If you’re experiencing engine knocking or any other issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let our years of expertise get you back on the road with confidence!


Frequently Asked Questions

Can a knocking engine be fixed?


Even if it is a rod knock, it doesn't necessarily mean a new engine. A crank kit will usually fix it. But considering the amount of labor needed to pull the engine, you might be close to the cost of a new one anyway. If one could drop the crank out while the engine was in the car, it might make sense.



How to get rid of engine rod knock?


How Do You Fix Rod Knock? The only solution is an engine rebuild where you pull the rods and replace the bearings. It's likely that the flailing rod damaged the crank journal surface, so you'll definitely need the crank polished and most like turned.



Will thicker oil stop engine knocking?


Although thicker oil can quiet down the rod knock, it's not a great solution overall. If you keep driving with bad bearings, you run the risk of getting a spun bearing. If that occurs, the bearing could ruin the rod and damage the crankshaft, resulting in the need for a whole new engine.



What does it mean if you hear knocking in your engine?


Engine knock often occurs when the air and fuel mixture in the engine cylinders is not properly ignited in a controlled manner, or when metal components are hitting together that shouldn't be. When an engine functions properly, fuel (usually gasoline) is mixed with air and then compressed.



Can you make an engine knock go away?


If you're fortunate, refilling the engine with fresh oil may cause the noise to subside (at least temporarily). The bad news is, even if the noise does go away, there's a good chance internal engine components have already suffered permanent damage due to lack of lubrication.



How do you treat engine knocking?


1> Liqui Moly Cera Tec: This additive contains ceramic compounds that can help reduce friction and wear in the engine, potentially mitigating knocking noises caused by friction-related issues.



Is it OK to drive with engine knock?


While some of the reasons behind an engine knocking noise are relatively simple to remedy, you shouldn't drive your car until the issue has been diagnosed and resolved. Continuing to drive can cause further damage to your car.



How to stop knocking noise in engine?


You can put a thick oil in to ease some of the noise. Knocking comes from bearings on crank being worn out. Unfortunately the only way to stop it is to figure out if knocking from the bottom end is the actual problem and rebuild or replace the engine.



How much does it cost to fix a knocking engine?


The last thing you want is to find out your engine needs to be rebuilt, which can cost between $2,500-$4,000. Or worse, a total engine replacement, which can reach as high as $10,000 or more. So, how much are engine rod repair costs? On average, expect to spend between $2,000-$3,000 for both parts and labor.



Can a knocking engine be saved?


If you're fortunate, refilling the engine with fresh oil may cause the noise to subside (at least temporarily). The bad news is, even if the noise does go away, there's a good chance internal engine components have already suffered permanent damage due to lack of lubrication.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.