Ever heard a clunking sound while driving? Don't panic, but don't ignore it either. This kind of noise could be a sign that something is wrong in the engine compartment. If left unchecked, it could cause a domino effect that damages other components, and ultimately, your wallet.

Interestingly, not all clunking noises mean that the engine is severely damaged. Sometimes it's just a small sign that something needs to be checked. So before it gets worse, let's first identify the causes and how to fix them.

What is that clunking noise?

Clunking noises usually sound like rhythmic metal knocks, occurring when the engine is started or running. This sound often comes from the engine compartment and can be caused by many things, ranging from worn components, oil not rising, to incompatible fuel.

The point is, if you hear a strange noise, don't jump to conclusions; it's better to find out the source first.

Causes of a Clunking Sound in a Car Engine

1. Oil Not Yet Rising

If the sound occurs when the engine is first started in the morning, it is most likely because the oil has not yet risen to the cylinder head. When the engine is off, the oil pump also stops, preventing lubrication. It is normal for a clunking sound to occur at the beginning, but make sure the sound disappears after a few seconds of running the engine.

2. Worn Shim or Lifter

A worn shim/lifter can cause increased friction between components. This usually occurs when these components are not reinstalled in their original positions after the engine is disassembled.

3. Foreign Object in the Cylinder

Small pebbles or spark plug fragments that enter the cylinder chamber can cause a loud knocking sound. If this is the cause, it is best to have it checked at a repair shop immediately to prevent damage to other components.

4. Valve Clearance Too Wide

Older cars usually experience valve clearance widening. The effect? Knocking noises occur more frequently. The solution is to perform regular adjustments or replace worn components.

5. Weak Flywheel Flange (Automatic Cars)

In automatic cars, a damaged flywheel flange can cause a knocking sound because the plate inside hits the engine body.

6. Damper Pulley Wobble

This component functions to balance the engine's work. If it wobbles, a rough sound will appear every time the engine is accelerated.

7. Weakened Auto Valve

Auto valve springs can weaken over time, causing the gap between the valve and rocker arm to widen, resulting in a "clunking" sound.

8. Engine Knocking

This often occurs when using low-octane gasoline. Combustion becomes incomplete, causing the engine to vibrate and produce a distinct knocking sound.

9. Loose Chain

A loose timing chain or cam chain can also cause strange noises in the engine.

How to Fix Clunking Noises

If your car starts making noises, don't delay in checking it out. These simple steps can help:

• Check the engine oil. Make sure the volume is sufficient and the condition is still clean.
• Reset the valve clearance. Use a measuring tool or take it to a repair shop for precise results.
• Check the crankshaft bearings. If they are worn out, replace them immediately.
• Use quality fuel. Avoid low-octane gasoline, which can cause knocking.
• Consult an authorized repair shop or your regular mechanic. Describe the symptoms and when the noise occurs so that the mechanic can make a more accurate diagnosis.

Conclusion

A knocking sound may seem trivial, but it could be an early sign of a serious problem with your car's engine. With regular maintenance, oil checks, and the right choice of fuel, strange noises can be avoided. Because when the engine is healthy, the ride is more comfortable without any drama on the road. 

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Suara Klotok-Klotok di Mesin Mobil, Bahaya atau Wajar?

Pernah dengar suara klotok-klotok pas lagi nyetir? Jangan buru-buru panik, tapi juga jangan disepelekan. Bunyi seperti ini bisa jadi sinyal ada sesuatu yang nggak beres di ruang mesin. Kalau dibiarkan, efek domino-nya bisa bikin komponen lain ikut rusak, dan ujung-ujungnya, bikin dompet ikut “berbunyi”.

Menariknya, nggak semua bunyi klotok-klotok berarti mesin rusak parah. Kadang cuma tanda kecil kalau ada yang butuh dicek. Jadi sebelum makin parah, yuk kenali dulu penyebab dan cara ngatasinnya.

Apa Sih Bunyi Klotok-Klotok Itu?

Bunyi klotok-klotok biasanya terdengar seperti ketukan logam berirama, muncul waktu mesin dinyalakan atau lagi beroperasi. Suara ini sering datang dari ruang mesin dan bisa disebabkan oleh banyak hal, mulai dari komponen aus, oli belum naik, sampai bahan bakar yang nggak sesuai.

Intinya, kalau ada suara aneh, jangan langsung nebak-nebak, lebih baik tahu sumbernya dulu.

Penyebab Mesin Mobil Bunyi Klotok-Klotok

1. Oli Belum Naik

Kalau bunyi muncul pas mesin baru nyala pagi-pagi, kemungkinan besar karena oli belum naik ke kepala silinder. Saat mesin mati, pompa oli juga berhenti, bikin pelumasan nggak jalan. Wajar kalau muncul suara klotok-klotok di awal, tapi pastikan suara itu hilang setelah beberapa detik mesin hidup.

2. Shim atau Lifter Aus

Shim/lifter yang aus bisa bikin gesekan antar komponen makin keras. Biasanya terjadi kalau komponen ini nggak dipasang lagi di posisi semula setelah bongkar mesin.

3. Ada Benda Asing di Silinder

Kerikil kecil atau pecahan busi yang masuk ke ruang silinder bisa bikin bunyi ketukan keras. Kalau ini penyebabnya, sebaiknya segera dicek di bengkel biar nggak merusak komponen lain.

4. Celah Katup Terlalu Lebar

Mobil yang sudah berumur biasanya mengalami pelebaran celah katup. Efeknya? Bunyi klotok-klotok makin sering muncul. Solusinya, lakukan penyetelan rutin atau ganti komponen yang udah aus.

5. Flange Flywheel Lemah (Mobil Matic)

Khusus mobil matik, flange flywheel yang rusak bisa bikin bunyi ketukan karena plat di dalamnya nyenggol bodi mesin.

6. Damper Pulley Oleng

Komponen ini berfungsi menyeimbangkan kerja mesin. Kalau oleng, suara kasar akan muncul tiap kali mesin digas.

7. Auto Klep Melemah

Pegas auto klep bisa melemah seiring waktu, menyebabkan jarak celah klep dan rocker arm renggang, dan muncullah si “klotok-klotok” itu.

8. Engine Knocking

Ini yang sering terjadi kalau pakai bensin oktan rendah. Pembakaran jadi nggak sempurna, bikin mesin bergetar dan bunyi ketukan terdengar jelas.

9. Rantai Keteng Kendur

Rantai keteng atau rantai kamprat yang kendur juga bisa jadi biang suara aneh di mesin.

Cara Mengatasi Bunyi Klotok-Klotok

Kalau mobilmu mulai berisik, jangan ditunda buat cek. Beberapa langkah simpel ini bisa membantu:

• Periksa oli mesin. Pastikan volumenya cukup dan kondisinya masih bersih.
• Setel ulang celah katup. Gunakan alat ukur atau bawa ke bengkel biar hasilnya presisi.
• Cek bantalan poros engkol. Kalau aus, langsung ganti.
• Gunakan bahan bakar berkualitas. Hindari bensin oktan rendah yang bisa sebabkan knocking.
• Konsultasikan ke bengkel resmi atau langganan. Ceritakan gejala dan kapan suara muncul agar mekanik bisa mendiagnosis lebih akurat.

Kesimpulan

Bunyi klotok-klotok mungkin terdengar sepele, tapi bisa jadi tanda awal ada masalah serius di mesin mobil. Dengan perawatan rutin, pengecekan oli, dan pemilihan bahan bakar yang tepat, suara-suara aneh bisa dihindari. Karena kalau mesin sehat, perjalanan pun makin nyaman tanpa drama di jalan.