How to Determine Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure?
2 Answers
Engine cylinder head gasket failure symptoms: insufficient engine power, weak vehicle performance, poor acceleration; abnormal noise from the intake pipe port during engine idling. The presence of these conditions can indicate engine cylinder head gasket failure. Below are the causes of engine cylinder head gasket failure: Overheating: Prolonged engine operation leads to excessive temperatures, resulting in inadequate cooling and causing cylinder block deformation due to burning; Excessive Pressure: During assembly, uneven tightening of screws between the cylinder head gasket and the cylinder block can cause deformation under high pressure; Quality Issues: Poor-quality cylinder head gaskets with insufficient surface flatness, or bubbles and uneven edges at the corners.
I recently helped a friend deal with car issues and found that engine cylinder head gasket failure is quite common. The first method to diagnose it is to check if the dashboard coolant temperature gauge spikes into the red zone, and the engine feels extremely hot to the touch. Next, observe the tailpipe—if it emits thick white smoke resembling steam, that’s a strong indicator. Open the oil filler cap for inspection; if the engine oil turns milky white or becomes a creamy, viscous substance, it means coolant has mixed into the oil system. Additionally, there’s a noticeable lack of power, sluggish acceleration, and difficulty climbing hills. These symptoms combined are clear signs of a blown head gasket. If not repaired promptly, the engine can easily be ruined—it’s best to get it fixed the same day. Regular attention to coolant cleanliness and replacement frequency can reduce the risk, especially during high summer temperatures when extra caution is needed.
