There are many things that can go wrong with your car as the years take their toll on the various parts and components. One of the more problematic and expensive things that can occur is the piston slap.
This is a condition where the pistons in your engine begin to make a knocking or rattling noise when the engine is first started up. It can also happen when the engine is under load, such as when accelerating or going up a hill.
There are a few different things that can cause piston slap. One is simply worn and tear on the piston itself. Over time, the metal can degrade and break down, causing it to lose shape.
This can lead to the piston not fitting as snugly in the cylinder, thus creating more space for it to move around. It’s caused by the clearance between the piston and the cylinder wall becoming too great over time, and it can lead to all sorts of problems down the road if it’s not fixed.
What Is Piston Slap?
There are many different moving parts in the combustion chamber of your car’s engine, and the pistons are among the most important. They sit at the top of the cylinders and act as a barrier between the combustion chamber and the crankcase.
When fuel and air igniting in the combustion chamber, the expanding gases push against the pistons, which in turn push against the crankshaft, converting chemical energy into mechanical energy that turns your wheels.
A piston slap is a condition where there is too much clearance between the piston and the cylinder wall.
Normally the pistons fit snugly in the cylinders, but over time they can begin to degrade and break down, causing them to lose their shape along with their cylinders.
This can lead to the piston not fitting as snugly in the cylinder, thus creating more space for it to move around.
How Do I Know if My Car Is Experiencing Piston Slap?
Today, most automobiles will be equipped with sensors to check the air and fuel ratio mix as well as having knock sensors. Tools such as these will notify you of any issues that may occur.
If your check engine light is on, it’s likely because your vehicle has an issue, perhaps even related to this which can be checked with the use of a diagnostic scanner.
It’s also probable that a rumbling or knocking sound emanating from beneath the hood is one of the earliest indicators of a piston slap. Other indications of piston failure may also be observed.
If your car is not accelerating as it should and is losing power, there may be misfiring or oil burning. There’s a good chance your car has piston failure if you notice any of the above:
What Causes Piston Slap?
1. Wear and tear: Over time, the metal can degrade and break down, causing it to lose shape. This can lead to the piston not fitting as snugly in the cylinder, thus creating more space for it to move around.
2. Poor maintenance: Not changing your oil regularly or using the wrong type of oil can cause deposits to build up on the piston, leading to a loss of compression and eventually piston slap.
3. Manufacturing defects: In some cases, the pistons may not have been made correctly from the start, causing them to be more susceptible to degradation and breakage.
Related Codes:
- P0015 Code – Camshaft Position “B” – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
- P06DD Code – Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off
- P0022 Code – Camshaft Position A – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
How to Fix Piston Slap
Sadly, once your car has developed a piston slap, there’s no going back. The only way to fix it is to replace the affected pistons. This can be a costly repair, so it’s important to catch the problem early on and take preventative measures to avoid even further damage to other pistons, cylinders, or engines.
To help avoid piston slap (or any engine damage, for that matter), make sure you keep up with your car’s maintenance. Change the oil regularly and use the correct type of oil for your car.
If you notice any unusual noises or performance issues, take your car to a mechanic right away to have it checked out. Catching problems early on can save you a lot of money and hassle down the road.
FAQs
What does piston slap sound like?
A piston slap usually sounds like a knocking noise from beneath your car’s hood.
Is piston slap harmful to your car’s engine?
Piston slaps can cause extensive damage to your engine if it is not fixed.
How long will a car last with a piston slap?
It is difficult to say how long a car will last with a piston slap. If it is not fixed, it will eventually cause extensive damage to your engine.
Conclusion
A piston slap is a condition where there is too much clearance between the piston and the cylinder wall. This can lead to the piston not fitting as snugly and hitting the cylinder wall, causing a knocking noise.
Piston slap can cause extensive damage to your engine if it is not fixed, so it is important to take preventative measures to avoid it. These measures include regularly changing your oil and using the correct type of oil for your car.
If you notice any unusual noises or performance issues, take your car to a mechanic right away to have it checked out.
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