Knock, Knock, Panic! Solving Engine Knocking After Oil Change – Expert Tips and Troubleshooting With 7 Easy Way!

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engine knocking after oil change

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The detonation or engine knocking is an unwelcome and damaging sound that emanates from the internal combustion engine, mainly after an oil change.

There are different reasons behind this metallic knocking from the engine compartment after an oil change. The reasons include the following:

  • Insufficient oil level
  • Inferior quality oil
  • Low oil viscosity
  • Malfunctioning oil filters in the engine, etc.

Although regular oil changes are the ground reality of your vehicle, problems like engine knocking after roll change can be a daunting experience. What can you do to fix this issue, and how to diagnose it in the first place? Well, we have discussed everything in this article. So let’s get to it.

engine knocking after oil change

What are the Causes of Engine Knocking?

An oil change is a process where you:

  • Remove the old oil via the drain plug into a container
  • Replace the oil filter to make sure that all the debris and dirt stay behind the bars
  • Get good quality oil and pour it into the engine while following the vehicle’s instructions.

During this process, if something misses, you will encounter problems like engine knocking and engine ticking after an oil change. Below we are discussing some of the most frequent reasons behind engine knocking:

Incorrect oil viscosity

One of the main culprits behind engine knocking is engine oil viscosity. If your engine oil is too thick or thin than the specified viscosity, it can make for knocking noise. How? Because incorrect viscosity led to insufficient lubrication and increased friction, eventually resulting in a knocking noise.

Inferior Quality of Oil

Another reason for the engine knocking is oil quality; if you settle for an inferior oil that lacks enough lubrication, you will hear the knocking noises out of the engine. Why? Because bad-quality oil breaks down instantly, resulting in increased friction and engine knocking.

Moreover, the wrong type of oil for your vehicle can also make for knocking. For instance, using conventional oil instead of synthetic oil for your vehicle engine can make for different problems like engine knocking. Why? Because synthetic oils have all the ingredients that are resistant to breakdown under high temperatures. Moreover, synthetic oils like Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil have adequate viscosity to operate correctly. One of

Oil Pump Problems

Old oil loses viscosity over time and becomes less heavy than new ones. So when you pour the new oil into the engine, it will burden the oil pump since it’s heavy and reveals the problems like engine knocking.

Insufficient oil level

If you fail to pour the recommended amount of oil during the oil change, you will hear the engine knocking. Why? Because inadequate oil level leads to increased friction and engine knocking.

Oil filter issues

Since the oil filter is responsible for keeping the dirt and debris at bay, you might hear the engine knocking if you install it incorrectly during the oil change.

Not only improper installation but a low-quality filter can also be the culprit. The bad filter can restrict oil flow in your vehicle engine and eventually result in knocking due to inadequate lubrication.

Oil leakage

Sometimes when you change the oil, you don’t place the oil plug properly. In addition, the oil plug can also lose its seal with time, resulting in oil leakage.

The engine’s oil level will reduce with every oil drip, leading to increased friction. And hence you will encounter metallic knocking if the oil levels get too low.

How to Diagnose Engine Knocking?

When you start the vehicle and you hear a particular metal cracking or pinging noise, the engine is knocking. Engine knocking and engine ticking after an oil change are typical issues after an oil change. But to fix the issues, you need to diagnose them.

While engine ticking is less audible, engine knocking is more noticeable during acceleration or when your vehicle is under stress. Moreover, engine knocking continues after it has hit its operating temperature.

Besides this, the engine knocking entails other symptoms as well. Such as you will encounter:

  • Poor engine performance or it will not power the vehicle sufficiently
  • Declined fuel efficiency
  • Squeaking noise from the engine when idle or vibrations
  • Check engine light turns on the vehicle’s dashboard

It is essential to address the engine-knocking problem instantly. Why? Because if you ignore it for a long time, your vehicle will run into severe problems like engine failure or severe damage.

Besides that, other problems like bearings wear and tear, piston damage, and cylinder wall slashing can happen.

How to Solve Engine Knocking?

So how can you resolve the engine knocking after the oil change? Below are the measures to the issues I discussed that you can take to overcome this issue:

Correct Oil level and viscosity

Every vehicle entails specific instructions for the ideal oil level and viscosity index. You should refer to the car manual and ensure the oil has that number.

Moreover, you can use a dipstick to check whether the oil level is enough. If you don’t know how to check the oil level and viscosity, here is a video on how to do it.

Too much or too less of oil leads to a knocking noise, so you should adjust the level accordingly.

Check the oil filter

Double-check if you installed the oil filter correctly during the oil changes it might be the culprit.

Check the vehicle’s manual for oil specifications

Every vehicle is unique, and so are its oil demands. I’m sure you read the vehicle manual before changing the oil since it will tell you about the correct oil type and specific oil quantity.

And the fact that every engine might require particular oil formulations. For instance, synthetic oil or conventional oils or one with specific additives to function, you should be mindful of it.

Consider using oil additives or treatments

To mask the engine problem, the mechanic sometimes adds specific ingredients to the oil. And when you remove the old oil from the engine, the additive is certainly removed from the vehicle, which leads to problems like knocking after a change.

Now, add additives or treatments to the oil to overcome the engine-knocking issue. Since these additives offer better lubrication, they help overcome the knocking sounds. But you should consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for best results.

Fixing the Oil Filter Issues

To fix engine knocking caused by an improper or low-quality oil filter, do the following tasks.

  • Double-check installation, ensuring proper alignment and tightness.
  • Replace with a high-quality filter meeting manufacturer’s specs.
  • Inspect for debris or sludge, consulting a mechanic for major issues.
  • Change oil if contaminated, using recommended type and viscosity.
  • If knocking persists, seek professional inspection and repairs.

Fixing Oil Leaking

To fix oil leakage after an oil change, ensure the oil plug is properly tightened. Also,

  • Replace the gasket or washer if damaged.
  • Check the oil pan for cracks.
  • Clean the area around the oil plug.
  • Monitor the oil level and seek professional help if the issue persists.

Seek professional assistance if issues persist

Despite making attempts to overcome the knocking issue, if you still hear the creepy noise, you should see a professional mechanic. With detailed inspection, they can diagnose the underlying cause of the knocking and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments.

People Also Ask

Below we are mentioning some of the most common questions regarding oil change.

FAQ Gear Head New

Can engine knocking cause permanent damage to the engine?

Ignoring the engine knocking problem for a long time will cause permanent damage like engine failure. Since the engine knocking can wear out the bearings and damage the piston etc., you can go into expensive repairs if left unchecked.

Is it normal to experience engine knocking right after an oil change?

No, it is not typical to encounter the knocking sound after the oil change. Although occasional knocking is possible, persistent engine knocking can take a toll on your engine health.

Summary

Regular oil changes are the ground reality for maintaining a healthy engine for every vehicle. With an oil change, you ensure your vehicle engine has enough lubrication and minimum friction. In fact, oil changes can help you make problems like engine knocking and ticking that can result in significant.

If you encounter knocking after an oil change, address it promptly to prevent further damage. Seek professional help if the issue persists.

By following maintenance practices, using the right oil, and addressing knocking promptly, you can protect your engine from costly damage and prolong its lifespan.

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