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Common Symptoms of a Faulty Engine Block Assembly

By R&D
Published on December 30th, 2024

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The Engine Block Assembly is a complex component, housing major critical components including the pistons, crankshaft, and connecting rods. It also includes elements such as coolant passages and oil galleries, which facilitate lubrication and temperature control for various internal engine components affected by friction. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and proper functioning of the engine. A crack in the Engine Block Assembly is a significantly serious issue that will affect engine performance and lead to costly repairs. This article highlights the common symptoms of a malfunctioning Engine Block Assembly, helping you identify potential problems and their underlying causes.

Common Symptoms of a Faulty Engine Block Assembly

What Causes Engine Block Assembly Failures?

Physical Damage: Physical damage from vibrations, abnormal combustion (detonation) and collisions can all contribute to Engine Block Assembly failures in vehicles, leading to cracking of the engine block.

Overheating: Excessive engine temperatures can cause the metal in the engine block to expand rapidly, causing thermal stress on the block. This stress can lead to cracks and warping.

Age and Wear: Over time, the constant stress and strain on the engine block from the combustion process can lead to material fatigue, accelerating wear and reducing the lifespan of the engine block.

Common Symptoms of a Faulty Engine Block Assembly

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminates

A damaged Engine Block Assembly will cause coolant leaks, misfires, and other problems, triggering the vehicle's Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) system to illuminate the MIL and store a corresponding Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its memory. An Innova Scan Tool can quickly identify the root cause of which DTC has caused the MIL to illuminate.

Engine Overheating

A cracked Engine Block causes coolant to escape and prevents the coolant in your vehicle’s cooling system from circulating properly, reducing its ability to absorb and dissipate heat from the engine. This leads to persistent overheating despite a functioning cooling system.

White Exhaust Smoke

When the Engine Block Assembly is cracked, coolant enters the combustion chambers and burns,producing white smoke from the vehicle’s tailpipe, often accompanied by a sweet smell.

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Oil Leaks

Damage to the engine block can cause oil to leak from these cracks, leading to visible oil accumulation under the vehicle, reduced oil levels, and oil burning on hot engine parts.

Decreased Engine Performance

A cracked engine block can cause a loss of compression in the cylinders, leading to incomplete combustion, resulting in misfires, reduced power, and poor acceleration.