A cylinder head is an essential component in your truck critical to proper engine performance. Without the correct maintenance, it can become damaged over time.
Look for signs like milky oil that indicate a head gasket failure is occurring. You may also notice puddles underneath your vehicle that signify coolant leaks into the engine’s cooling system.
Poor Engine Performance
Located at the top of your engine, the cylinder head is essential for combustion. This vital component is also responsible for the seal that keeps fluids out of the engine’s chamber and cylinder block. Unfortunately, like any other part of your car or truck, it can eventually wear down and crack.
Fortunately, there are several signs that you can watch out for to know when your cylinder head needs repairs. One is poor engine performance. If your truck isn’t running as well, it could mean the cylinder head is cracked.
Another sign of a cracked cylinder head is engine oil leaks. You may notice oil puddles or streaks on the ground around your engine. A crack in the cylinder head can allow coolant to intrude into the engine oil passages, creating a mess that must be repaired.
Smoke
Cylinder heads contain oil, so it’s not uncommon for engines to leak oil when they crack. If you see a puddle of oil underneath your car or smell the telltale scent of burning coolant when starting up, it’s time to take your vehicle in for cylinder heads Victoria TX.
If the crack is extensive, your engine overheats more frequently. That’s because the cracked cylinder head isn’t correctly transporting coolant to prevent overheating, so it will likely need replacement soon. One way to fix this problem is through crack pinning, where holes are drilled on either side of the crack, and overlapping pins are installed to hold it in place. It’s a cost-effective and minimally invasive option for aluminum and cast iron cylinder heads.
Oil Leaks
Cylinder heads work alongside the head gasket to seal the combustion chamber and ensure coolant gets to all areas of your engine. If your cylinder head cracks, it will likely leak oil used for lubrication in the mechanical processes inside your engine, and this will cause your car or truck to lose its power or experience jerking sensations as you accelerate.
A cracked cylinder head can also vent exhaust gases through the exhaust system, making white smoke visible from your car or truck’s engine. The smoke indicates that your cylinder head is failing and should be repaired immediately.
Big cracks in the cylinder head could also allow coolant to leak into the combustion chamber, producing white smoke if it comes into contact with heated engine parts. An experienced mechanic should fix a leaking cylinder head as quickly as possible to avoid the damage it causes.
Overheating
Imagine you’re cruising down the road when suddenly your engine starts overheating. You check the temperature gauge and see it steadily climbing from its normal range. Then, you notice a strange smell coming from under the hood. This is typically the scent of leaking coolant, burning as it leaches out of the cracked head.
Leaked coolant can contaminate the oil in the engine, causing it to break down faster than usual. This is a significant problem that requires immediate attention.
If you notice an overheated engine, adding more coolant or driving the car to a service station is essential. Then, a professional can diagnose and repair the issue. You may also need a new radiator. The sooner you take care of the overheating, the less likely it is to damage other engine parts.
Misfiring
Misfires can be more than a nuisance; they can lead to engine damage. And, the longer you go without getting cylinder head repairs when they first appear, the more likely your vehicle will have to be replaced or repaired completely.
If you notice a shuddering sensation in your truck’s acceleration, this is another sign that it’s time for cylinder head repairs. The engine needs fuel, oxygen, and an ignition spark to combust appropriately; if any of these elements are missing at the wrong moment, your truck will misfire.
Cylinder head repair can include milling, sealing, welding, or pinning cracks. The type of repair will depend on how bad the cracks are, with welding being a more advanced method that requires specialized equipment to use correctly.
