Why is there high-pressure gas inside the cooling system?
2 Answers
This may be caused by cracks in the engine cylinder block or cylinder head gasket. If there are cracks in the cylinder block or cylinder head gasket, high-pressure gas from the engine can leak into the cooling system, resulting in high-pressure gas inside the cooling system. In such cases, it is necessary to inspect the cylinder block and cylinder head gasket. More details are as follows: 1. How the cooling system works: The cooling system contains coolant, which continuously circulates through the engine during operation, carrying away excess heat from the engine. 2. The importance of coolant: Coolant is crucial for the engine. Without coolant, the engine may suffer from cylinder scuffing due to excessive temperatures.
When there is high-pressure gas in my cooling system, it is usually a normal part of the process. The car's cooling system is designed to be sealed so that the coolant expands and creates pressure when the engine heats up, typically around 15 to 20 pounds per square inch. This high pressure helps raise the boiling point of the liquid, preventing the coolant from boiling at high temperatures and allowing the engine to dissipate heat efficiently. However, if the pressure is too high or gas leaks into the system, it could indicate a problem—such as a worn or damaged pressure cap failing to regulate properly, or something more serious like a blown head gasket allowing combustion gases to enter the cooling system. I've seen many car owners encounter this issue, where coolant overflows or bubbles, and the dashboard temperature warning light comes on, requiring immediate engine shutdown for inspection. To prevent this, I recommend regularly replacing the coolant and checking that the pressure cap seals properly to avoid overheating damage to the engine. It's best to have a technician test the system pressure during every 10,000-kilometer service to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
