Can You Drive With a Damaged Cylinder Head?

Signs of a Damaged Cylinder Head

What is a cylinder head and how does it work exactly? The cylinder head sits at the top of a cylinder and closes it off to contain gases and air. In the cylinders, a spark is set off, thus producing a combustion that powers an engine. These heads are important for ensuring a timed and efficiently operating engine. However, over time and due to unforeseen circumstances, Cylinder Heads can become damaged. So how do you know if something is wrong? The need for brake service in Sugar Hill, GA can seem easier to spot than a damaged cylinder head, but there are a few signs to pay attention for. 

• Leaking Oil: Oil is necessary to provide lubrication for the cylinder head as well as helping to remove heat from the engine. A cracked or damaged cylinder head will likely start to leak that oil. You may notice this after your car has been parked for a while or your check engine light may come on. 
• Leaking Coolant: In almost every engine, coolant is deployed all around the area where the cylinders are. This helps to reduce the amount of heat within the block so your vehicle doesn’t overheat. Again, cracked or damaged heads will leak. You’ll see this possibly mixed with leaking oil or as a pool by itself. 
• Poor Performance: Because cylinders and cylinder heads are so important for a combustion engine to work, when something is wrong with them, the engine performance will fail. This is obvious if you are trying to drive up an incline or moving after being stopped for a period of time, like at a red light. 
• Misfiring: Based on how the cylinders work in an engine, when the head is cracked or damaged, it prevents the necessary build up of air and gases. This results in an engine that misfires. Rather than operate efficiently, your vehicle engine will be at a greater risk for damage and issue. 
• Smoke: And of course, the most obvious sign of engine trouble is smoke. A seriously damaged head will leak exhaust gases directly into the engine space, appearing to you as smoke. If this happens repairs or replacement services need to happen immediately.

Knowing what to look for the question you may be asking is why get cylinder repairs? You need to get repairs because, without them, your engine will suffer. Driving with a damaged or cracked cylinder head can result in serious problems and damages to your engine overall.