What Causes an Engine Cylinder to Blow?
2 Answers
The reasons for engine cylinder blow are as follows: 1. The engine operates at high temperatures for extended periods without proper cooling, leading to thermal deformation of the cylinder block. 2. During engine assembly, the screws connecting the cylinder head gasket to the block were not tightened to standard specifications, causing the gasket to fail under high pressure. 3. Uneven surfaces between the cylinder head gasket and the block result in uneven force distribution, allowing high-pressure gases to damage the gasket. 4. Neglecting regular maintenance, such as checking coolant and engine oil levels, can lead to insufficient lubrication and cooling, causing the engine to overheat and increasing wear, which deforms the cylinder block. 5. Prolonged aggressive driving causes fluctuating pressure levels within the cylinder block.
The most common cause of engine cylinder head gasket failure is engine overheating, which can deform or crack the gasket material, allowing coolant to leak into the cylinders or engine oil. I remember once working on a car where a long-term radiator blockage caused the water temperature to skyrocket, leading to the gasket burning out. Improper assembly is another issue, such as unevenly tightened bolts during repairs crushing the gasket. Engine knocking can also trigger this problem, where excessive internal cylinder pressure violently impacts the gasket like an explosion. Don't overlook gasket aging either—cars over ten years old may experience natural wear. Regularly checking the temperature gauge and cooling system is crucial. Once the gasket fails, it requires major repairs, which are costly and troublesome.