What are the causes of engine air leakage?
2 Answers
Engine air leakage is caused by: During long-term use of the engine, wear of cylinder piston components, wear and erosion of valves and valve seats, and warping of cylinder block and cylinder head sealing surfaces will increase the amount of air leakage in the cylinder, reduce sealing performance, and consequently lead to decreased engine power and increased fuel consumption. Symptoms of engine air leakage: 1. Engine airtightness is one of the important conditions to ensure its normal operation. 2. The better the airtightness of the engine, the higher the cylinder pressure, the greater the instantaneous effective pressure generated during the engine's working stroke, the faster the combustion of the mixture, and the less heat loss from cooling water and exhaust gas, resulting in better power performance and fuel economy. 3. Air leakage from any part, such as the carburetor gasket, intake manifold gasket, cylinder gasket, valves, or cylinders, will lead to reduced cylinder pressure; insufficient power; increased oil and fuel consumption, and even difficulty in starting.
Having driven for decades, I've encountered quite a few instances of engine air leaks. The most common cause is worn piston rings, which over time can lead to compressed gas leakage, making the car lose power. Valve seal issues are also a big deal—if the intake or exhaust valves don't close properly, gases escape from the combustion chamber. Another culprit is a blown cylinder head gasket. This component sits between engine parts, and if the seal fails, coolant or oil can seep into the cylinders, causing even worse leakage. Aging spark plug seals are also frequent offenders, especially in older cars—if not replaced, they can impact overall performance. Whenever I face such issues, I first listen for any hissing sounds from the engine. If detected, I get it checked immediately to prevent major breakdowns, higher repair costs, and compromised daily driving safety. Regular maintenance and part replacements are key—they save a lot of hassle.
