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NL Causes of water in the engine
Possible causes are
- Defective cylinder head gasketCylinder head gaskets are used to separate the combustion chamber and cooling ducts from each other. A defective Cylinder head gasket can cause coolant to enter the combustion chamber.
- Crack in cylinder headCracks in the cylinder head can also cause coolant to enter the combustion chamber. This can be caused by overheating of the engine, material fatigue or other damage.
- Cracks in the engine block:
Similar to cracks in the cylinder head, cracks in the engine block can cause coolant to enter the combustion chamber.
Symptoms of water in the engine
If cooling water enters the combustion chamber, the following symptoms occur.
- White smoke from the exhaust:
If cooling water enters the combustion chamber and burns there, excessive smoke may be produced. The smoke often has a whitish color and a sweet smell. - Overheating of the motor:
Cooling water in the combustion chamber can cause the engine to overheat as it impairs the cooling system's ability to cool the engine effectively. Loss of cooling water:
If coolant enters the combustion chamber, considerable coolant losses can occur. If the coolant needs to be topped up regularly without an external leak occurring, this may indicate a problem with the engine. - Engine problems:
The ingress of coolant into the combustion chamber can impair engine performance. The engine may run unevenly, become unresponsive, lose power or fail completely.
If coolant enters the combustion chamber, it can cause serious damage to the engine, including damage to the piston and cylinder head. It is therefore important to rectify such problems as quickly as possible.
What is water hammer?
Water hammer occurs when water enters the combustion chamber of the engine while the piston is on the compression stroke. This can happen, for example, if cooling water enters the combustion chamber through a leaking cylinder head gasket or a defective cylinder head. Water hammer is a serious problem and causes severe damage to the engine.
Consequences of a water hammer for the engine
The effects of water hammers on a motor are:
- Bent or broken piston rodsIf water enters the combustion chamber during the compression stroke of the piston, this can lead to a sudden increase in pressure and bending or even breakage of the piston rod.
- Damage to the cylinder wallSudden ingress of water into the combustion chamber can lead to considerable thermal stresses in the cylinder walls, resulting in cracks and deformation.
- Bending or breaking of the crankshaftIf a sudden increase in pressure occurs due to water ingress, the crankshaft cannot withstand the enormous forces and may bend or even break.
- Damage to valves and valve seatsWater hammers can damage valves and valve seats by overloading them in the event of a sudden increase in pressure.
- Destruction of the cylinder headWater hammers can also damage or crack the cylinder head, especially if the water cannot escape due to the pressure in the combustion chamber.
ConclusionA water hammer can cause serious damage to your engine, often requiring major engine repairs or replacement. It is therefore important to take immediate action at the first signs of water hammer, such as excessive coolant loss or white smoke from the exhaust, and to stop starting the engine to prevent further damage.
Cost-effective solution for water in the engine
Good news! Steel Seal® is a cost-effective repair solution for water in the engine and can be used for all 3 possible causes mentioned above to provide a permanent remedy, without tools and without disassembly!
Steel Seal® has long proven itself in specialist circles as an inexpensive and the only real alternative to replacing the cylinder-head gasket. It can be used as a solution before further engine damage occurs. When applied in time, ideally at the first sign of symptoms, Steel Seal® ensures that the combustion chamber is permanently sealed to the cooling water channels. This achieves the same result as the time-consuming replacement of the seal in a specialist garage.
Do you still have questions or are you not sure whether Steel Seal® is the right product for your problem? Give us a call! We will advise you free of charge and without obligation at +4991019018160 (German landline) or +4319962116 (Austrian landline) from Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 16:00.
