Can a Car Run on 7 Cylinders if One Is Not Working?

Yes, a car can function on 7 cylinders if one of the cylinders is not working properly. However, limited cylinder performance can significantly affect the vehicle's effectiveness and efficiency. You may experience reduced power, rough idling, and increased fuel consumption. Driving with a malfunctioning cylinder for an extended period can also cause damage to other engine components. It is recommended to repair the faulty cylinder promptly to restore optimal performance and efficiency.

Personal Experience with 7-Cylinder Operation

I drove my car for several hundred miles with one of the cylinders not working correctly. At the beginning of the journey, the car experienced a noticeable misfire. This issue became more apparent as unburned fuel ignited in the exhaust, drawing my attention to the problem.

Examples of Extreme Cylinder Failure

There are notable cases where an engine has run on fewer cylinders than its original design. For instance, a V8 engine was observed to run on as few as 3 cylinders due to a miswired distributor and a faulty spark plug. Similarly, a 4-cylinder engine operated on only 2 cylinders after a blown head gasket affected the adjacent cylinders. Despite the engine's limited functionality, it still managed to run, albeit barely.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Cylinder Disfunction

My?Lexus LS430 V8 experienced a situation where it operated on 5 cylinders for a brief 5 km journey. At idle, the car exhibited severe shaking, which improved as RPM increased. A mechanic diagnosed the issue as damaged, bent valves in some cylinders. A week later, the car exhibited similar shaking while cruising on the highway. Another visit to the mechanic revealed that a loose fuel injector wire caused the problem. Fixing the wire resolved the vibrations and shakiness.

Impact on Catalytic Converter and Other Considerations

Driving with a malfunctioning cylinder can quickly clog the catalytic converter if the issue is not addressed. It is advisable to seek professional help immediately and not drive the car beyond 10 minutes to get it to the mechanic. A new catalytic converter can cost between $300 and $3000, depending on the make and model of the car. Extended driving with a malfunctioning cylinder can lead to permanent damage.

Conclusion

In cases where the cylinder is not working due to a mechanical component, driving the car can damage other parts. However, if the fault is an electrical issue with no mechanical hindrance, the engine can continue to operate without immediate damage. It is crucial to repair the issue to avoid long-term damage and maintain optimal performance and efficiency.