Monday, September 26, 2016

Causes Of An Engine Block Leak

engine block
The engine block is an integral part of your car's internal combustion engine and should be inspected regularly. The power to drive the vehicle occurs by igniting a mixture of fuel and air to produce an actual "explosion." In other words, your car can't function without the engine block. They are usually made of cast iron and take several people to insert or remove from under the hood.

What does the engine block do? The engine block helps pump water from the radiator to the different parts of the engine, cooling them. It also houses pistons inside cylinders that move the vehicle’s crankshaft, which seals in the lubricating oil through the oil pan. The block holds valves, gaskets, and seals, which all work together to keep your car running.

How do I know I have a cracked engine block? You may notice coolant leaking externally. And if you discover that no gaskets, seals or hoses are leaking, brace yourself: you may have a cracked engine block. Sometimes cracked engine blocks cause internal leaking, that is, coolant gets into your oil, making it look like coffee with cream. As you might imagine, the coolant makes the oil lubricate far less effectively and can cause rust in your engine. Seek help immediately.

How does heat affect the engine block? Heat can destroy the engine block. If your engine block overheats it causes major stress to the metal, which can lead to a crack. When an engine block develops one or more cracks in its casing, you could end up having to replace the entire engine.

Another serious problem involves a "porous" engine block, caused by a defect in manufacturing. A porous engine block can leak antifreeze and/or oil. And because a porous engine is a defect, not an issue caused by your lack of care, if you notice issues shortly after purchasing your car, find out if your engine has the defect.

Note: You can have a cracked engine block inside the cylinder. This issue can be misdiagnosed as a blown head gasket.

Can I save my car? You can keep your car if it has a cracked engine block by using radiator or block sealers. Try to find a leak sealer without "fibers," because they could clog your engine. Look for a radiator and block sealer that will bond with the cast iron, producing a seal that will fix the crack and keep your engine running.




No comments:

Post a Comment