What does car cylinder head gasket failure mean?
2 Answers
Car cylinder head gasket failure refers to the burning and damage of the engine cylinder head gasket, which results in poor sealing between the engine cylinders and combustion chambers. The cylinder head gasket must be replaced when damaged, and it should also be replaced whenever the engine cylinder head is removed. The following are symptoms of cylinder head gasket failure: 1. Burn-through between two adjacent cylinders: The car lacks power, the engine runs unevenly, the exhaust pipe makes a "popping" sound, the engine speed fails to increase during rapid acceleration, the carburetor may backfire, and the exhaust pipe may exhibit explosive popping; 2. Bubbles emerging: If the burn-through occurs between the combustion chamber and water jacket, opening the radiator cap while the engine is running will reveal bubbles emerging, and in severe cases, water may spray out or be expelled from the exhaust pipe along with large amounts of white smoke.
The car cylinder head gasket failure, commonly known as a blown head gasket, is a serious issue. I've noticed many car owners don't fully understand this problem, though the principle is quite simple: that thin gasket is designed to seal the interface between the engine block and cylinder head. If it deteriorates or deforms due to overheating, the seal fails. This causes oil and coolant to mix - the most obvious signs being emulsified (whitish) oil on the dipstick and air bubbles or oil slicks in the radiator. I recall a friend's German car had this issue last year - the temperature gauge shot to red zone immediately, and the engine ran rough like a tractor. Never continue driving in this condition - you must shut off the engine immediately and call a tow truck. Otherwise, the entire engine block could crack and become irreparable, with repair costs easily exceeding tens of thousands. Prevention is crucial - change coolant regularly, avoid engine overheating, and for older vehicles, frequently check radiator and oil conditions.
