A cracked engine block can cause a wide range of issues that are difficult to identify and diagnose. A cracked block might go undetected during regular operation of your car and only reveal itself under certain conditions, making it incredibly difficult to diagnose.
The vehicle's normal operation and the engine's design and construction can both contribute to a fractured block. When car manufacturers design engines, they want to ensure that the engine is strong and capable of withstanding the stresses and strains placed on it as a result of the combustion process and the heating and cooling cycles that the engine will undergo.
Hence, to know the issue before anything goes worse, here are 7 signs you may have a cracked engine block.
Oil and antifreeze mix
When a crack causes both coolant and oil to leak, the antifreeze will typically mix with the oil and pollute it. If your oil becomes contaminated, it will no longer be able to adequately lubricate your motor, causing the gears to grind down and the motor to eventually seize.
To check the colour and consistency of your oil, remove the dipstick. It has become contaminated with coolant if it appears foamy and yellowish coloured.Visible engine smoke
When your automobile overheats due to a lack of coolant, the only thing that comes out of the hood is white steam. However, if a damaged engine block causes the low coolant, you will notice grey or black smoke coming from the engine.
The dark smoke results from an oil leak caused by a block crack. When the leaky oil comes into contact with the heated metal, it burns and generates smoke. Antifreeze and oil will leak if the crack is large enough, resulting in a mixture of steam and smoke.Overheated engine
The most prevalent cause of broken blocks is overheating. Many narrow channels, sharp edges and tight clearances are cast into engine blocks. Extreme overheating generates localised temperature spikes in the engine block since coolant can only cool what it touches. The metal in certain spots will want to expand away from the cooler sections, literally ripping the engine block apart from the inside.Low compression and poor engine performance
The internal combustion process enables engine compression. Because combustion occurs inside the engine block, any crack will result in reduced compression as air escapes. As a result, the engine's performance will deteriorate.Leaking coolant
A fractured block will almost always result in a slow-starting cooling system leak. It can sometimes be so sluggish that you won't notice the leak until your car is warm, and it will only appear as a small quantity of steam. The crack will grow as you drive until you notice more steam. Then possible coolant drops, and finally a leak that will lose water regardless of whether the engine is warm or cold.Visible cracks
If you genuinely need to determine that you have a crack in the engine block, simply inspect the block visually. Of course, it isn't always as simple as opening the hood. You can pay a technician to do this for you and receive a specific diagnostic if you have no mechanical skills.The car is idling strangely
Your car idling rough is another indicator that you have a broken engine block. Your car should be relatively smooth when waiting for a light to change. However, if your car is experiencing engine troubles, you may notice it is not as smooth as it sat.
It may be bouncy or rough, even if you are not driving it. Unfortunately, this might indicate various issues, but most of them are related to the engine somehow. You should have your car inspected by a mechanic if you observe this sign.
If you see any of these symptoms, your engine block may be broken or cracked. The engine head repair won't cost much if the crack is minor. Taking your automobile to a mechanic who specialises in engine repairs might help you receive a diagnosis and figure out how to fix the problem before it gets worse. This will save you a ton of money and your car will be fixed without much effort.
