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NL How to recognize the classic symptoms of a defective Cylinder head gasket such as loss of cooling water, in order to take the right measures in good time
You will find an answer to this in the following article. We receive dozens of calls every day about cylinder head gaskets, especially questions about the typical symptoms of coolant loss and the first signs of damage. Because those who act in good time have a clear advantage and can prevent total engine damage. Our non-binding assessment saves our customers valuable time and the cost of a visit to a garage to obtain a diagnosis.
The following list of the most common symptoms that can occur with a leaking cylinder head gasket can be used to narrow down the problem and make a reliable self-diagnosis.
Cooling water loss without leakage
Slowly, almost insidiously at first, you will notice a regular loss of coolant. Coolant loss without leakage often remains undetected until the coolant level indicator lights up because the coolant level in the cooling system is too low. The loss of coolant can only be observed by regularly checking the coolant level in the radiator or expansion tank (e.g. in the morning when the engine is cold). Particularly typical with a leaking Cylinder head gasket is an overflow of cooling water into one of the engine's cylinders or combustion chambers. This usually remains undetected at first, as it can only be recognized externally by the absence of cooling water.
Motor overheats
You should always keep an eye on the engine temperature while driving. You can read this from the coolant temperature gauge installed in most vehicles on the dashboard. If it rises above the normal range at any time during the journey, switch off the engine immediately. Under no circumstances should you continue driving. There is a risk of further damage or even a total loss if the engine is not cooled sufficiently. If the Motor overheatsand this happens regularly, it can be a sign of a defective cylinder head gasket. In combination with other typical symptoms, conclusions can be drawn as to the exact cause.
Exhaust gases in the cooling water
Do you notice bubbles or foam forming in the cooling water when opening the radiator or expansion tank? These could be combustion gases that enter the cooling system from the combustion chambers or "cylinders" of the engine through the combustion process via a leak in the cylinder head gasket. If too many Exhaust gases in the cooling circuit The cooling capacity is reduced and the engine can overheat. The vehicle heating often fails because exhaust gases enter the heat exchanger and reduce the circulation of the cooling water. Exhaust gases in the cooling system are a clear sign of a defective cylinder-head gasket.
White smoke from the exhaust when accelerating
The exhaust gases from a normal combustion engine consist of nitrogen, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor and are colorless under normal conditions. If you notice white smoke coming from the exhaust when starting the engine, and especially when accelerating, this clearly indicates a defective cylinder-head gasket. In contrast to condensation, which only occurs at cold temperatures in winter and disappears after a few minutes of driving, the white smoke caused by a leaking head gasket is more visible and more intense. The smoke often persists even while driving. This happens because cooling water gets into the combustion chamber of the engine and is co-combusted by the engine during the combustion process of the fuel-air mixture. This produces water vapor, which can be seen as white smoke from the exhaust. In conjunction with loss of cooling water, this is a clear sign of a defective cylinder-head gasket.
Overpressure in the cooling system
When combustion pressure builds up in the cooling system, cooling water hoses inflate and become extremely hard. The entire cooling system is under pressure and can often only be drained by opening the radiator or coolant tank. This is a clear sign of a defective cylinder-head gasket. The leak between the combustion chamber and the cooling system should be sealed as quickly as possible to prevent even greater damage and restore the engine's cooling capacity. Please also refer to our "Additional instructions for use in the event of combustion pressure in the cooling system" in the Instructions for use.
Engine starts poorly and stutters when accelerating
Is the engine difficult to start and runs unevenly when accelerating? Perhaps the compression is also reduced and the engine performance is noticeably reduced? These could also be signs of a leaking cylinder-head gasket. If cooling water runs into the combustion chamber via a leak in the cylinder-head gasket when the engine is switched off, it will be difficult to start. Water is difficult or impossible to compress and this prevents the engine from running smoothly.
Repair a broken cylinder head gasket yourself at low cost
Simply pour the correct amount into the radiator or expansion tank, allow the engine to warm up, cool down and continue driving as usual.
