What are the causes of engine cylinder head oil leakage?
2 Answers
Engine cylinder head oil leakage is caused by: 1. Leaking cylinder head cover gasket; 2. Loose oil passage screw; 3. Sand holes in the cylinder head cover body. The function of the engine is to convert the heat energy of gasoline or diesel into mechanical energy by burning and expanding gas in a sealed cylinder to push the piston to do work. The components of the engine include: 1. Valve train; 2. Crank connecting rod mechanism; 3. Ignition system; 4. Cooling system; 5. Lubrication system; 6. Starting system; 7. Supply system. Engine maintenance methods include: 1. Using qualified engine oil; 2. Using qualified coolant and antifreeze; 3. Regularly cleaning the radiator scale; 4. Regularly cleaning engine carbon deposits; 5. Regularly replacing the three filters of the car; 6. Maintaining reasonable engine speed.
I've encountered this issue while repairing several cars. The most common cause of engine cylinder head oil leaks is aging or deformation of the cylinder head gasket. Under prolonged high-temperature and high-pressure operation, the rubber in the gasket tends to harden and crack. Additionally, if the cylinder head bolts aren't tightened to the specified torque or if the tightening sequence is incorrect, leading to uneven pressure distribution, engine oil can seep through the gaps. Another often overlooked factor is cylinder head warping, particularly in engines that have overheated. High temperatures can cause metal distortion, creating gaps. One case I worked on involved a car that frequently ran long distances without timely cleaning of the radiator fins, resulting in insufficient cooling and warping the cylinder head. I recommend regularly checking the temperature gauge and addressing issues before oil leaks become severe.