Is Engine knock harmful?

Yes, it can be very harmful. The combination of intense pressure waves and resulting high cylinder temperature can induce piston or ring failure. Under high-speed or high load conditions knock can lead to pre-ignition (pinging), which then accelerates engine destruction. Pre-ignition and detonation are the major cause of headgasket failures. Major cause of pinging or detonation in the engine are:

1. Poor fuel quality

2. High cylinder temperatures caused by lean fuel mixtures, failed or mis-adjusted engine controls or high engine temperatures cause from cooling system problems.


Fuel Additives

Gasoline additives such as de-icers or octane boosters usually do more harm than good. They contain alcohol which changes the volatility of the gasoline and may result in performance or hard starting problems. Although gasoline de-icer may be helpful when a small amount of water is introduced into the fuel, this condition is very rare under normal driving conditions when using quality fuel because of the sealed fuel systems on cars built in the last 20 years.

Fuel system cleaning additives can in some cases remove gum from the fuel tank and flush it into the injetors causing even more problems. Higher grade fuels contain detergents that will keep injectors, valves and fuel system clean if used regularly.

In the long run it is more economical to buy quality fuel to begin with, instead of trying to add expensive additives to accomplish what you fuel should be doing for you in the first place.


Fuel Pump Care:

GAS TANKS should be kept at least 1/4 full if your vehicle has fuel injection. This keeps plenty of fuel for the electric pump, which depends on a constant supply to lubricate its internal parts. Running low on fuel causes the pump to wear out more quickly. Dirty fuel filters can also cause early pump failure from overheating.