How to Determine if Coolant Has Entered the Cylinder
2 Answers
Determining if coolant has entered the cylinder involves observing the following symptoms: Coolant entering the cylinder can cause a drop in engine temperature, poor atomization of the air-fuel mixture, and weakened spark plug ignition energy, leading to poor combustion. This results in reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, and slight engine shaking. In severe cases, it can cause engine misfire or even stalling. When using coolant, pay attention to the following: 1. Try to use the same brand of coolant; 2. Most coolants have a validity period of two years; 3. Avoid diluting it with water; 4. For vehicles using coolant, never directly add tap water; instead, use distilled or deionized water.
I first discovered coolant entering the cylinder during a long-distance drive last summer. The car had particularly weak acceleration, and the exhaust pipe emitted thick white smoke like steam, much denser than normal exhaust. Later, upon checking the coolant reservoir, the level dropped from the midline to the minimum within a few days, and refilling it didn't help. Even more astonishing was lifting the oil cap and seeing a layer of milky white foam attached, similar to the froth on milk tea. I immediately thought the cylinder head gasket might be damaged, causing coolant to leak from the cooling system into the combustion chamber. After researching online, many people mentioned this phenomenon is often accompanied by engine overheating or abnormal fuel consumption spikes. Without delay, I drove to the repair shop for inspection, and sure enough, the gasket was damaged—repairing it cost a small fortune. Delaying repairs could corrode the cylinder block or even bend the connecting rod, a lesson learned the hard way. Paying attention to these signals while driving, like excessively white smoke or unexplained rapid coolant loss, can help prevent major issues early on.
