What does engine cylinder head gasket failure mean?
3 Answers
The so-called engine cylinder head gasket failure refers to a malfunction where the engine's cylinder head gasket becomes burnt or damaged, resulting in poor sealing of the engine cylinders and combustion chambers. This issue has different names in various regions. Here, it is commonly referred to as "cylinder gasket blowout," while in other places, it might be called "cylinder head gasket failure" or "gasket blowout." Regardless of the term, it all refers to the same problem, which is a piece of industry jargon. Below is additional information: Engine combustion chamber: The engine combustion chamber is formed jointly by the cylinder head and the cylinder block. The sealing between these two components is achieved by the cylinder head gasket. It is one of the most critical gaskets in a vehicle, effectively preventing gas, water, and oil leaks between the cylinder block and cylinder head. Given that the engine combustion chamber operates under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, the cylinder head gasket must be heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and possess sufficient strength, elasticity, and thermal conductivity to ensure reliable sealing of the cylinder head.
I've worked in auto repair shops for over a decade and seen many cases of engine cylinder knocking. This essentially means there's an internal problem in the engine cylinders, such as seized pistons or severely worn cylinder liners, producing a metallic 'knocking' sound similar to a punch press. The most common cause is insufficient or degraded engine oil, leading to inadequate lubrication and overheating damage from component friction. While driving, you'll notice increased noise, vehicle shaking, and power loss - in severe cases, the engine may completely stall. Develop the habit of regularly checking your oil and change it every 5,000 kilometers; don't wait until you hear abnormal noises to get repairs. Ignoring this issue not only leads to expensive repairs but could also cause breakdowns or accidents on the road - safety comes first. Learning basic maintenance knowledge can save you a lot of trouble.
Once while driving on a trip, my engine suddenly started making a knocking sound. A friend said it was 'cylinder knocking'. Later I learned this refers to excessive friction between the pistons and cylinder walls, usually caused by not changing old engine oil. Symptoms include loss of power, sudden increase in fuel consumption, and blue smoke from the exhaust. That time I had to tow it to the repair shop and spent thousands replacing parts - a painful lesson. Now I've learned to check the oil level weekly and top it up when low, plus do regular full maintenance. I recommend everyone pay attention to routine maintenance - good habits can prevent such troubles. Never force drive a problematic car; always get professional repairs for safety.
