Cracked Cylinder Head Symptoms

side engine view

Signs of a Cracked Cylinder Head

How to Spot Engine, Oil, and Coolant Issues

A small crack in a cylinder head can go unnoticed for some time, but more significant damage often shows clear warning signs. Recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent costly repairs.

Poor Engine Performance

A noticeable loss of engine power is often the first sign of a cracked cylinder head. Cracks allow compressed air to escape the combustion chamber, causing the engine to run slower or feel unsteady.

Oil Leaks

A cracked cylinder head can lead to oil leaks, often triggering the oil pressure warning light on your dashboard. Check for oil near the cylinder head under the hood. If the leak is internal, you may not see a puddle but could notice blue smoke coming from the exhaust.

Coolant leaks

Coolant leaks are another common sign of a cracked cylinder head. External leaks can cause overheating, often indicated by dashboard warnings. Internal leaks may mix coolant with oil or send it into the combustion chamber. Check coolant levels regularly and stop driving if you notice visible leaks.

sports engine brilliantly clean

Other Warning Signs of a Cracked Cylinder Head

Don't Ignore These Indicators

Engine Misfire

A severe crack in the cylinder head can disrupt the combustion process, causing misfires. This means the engine may struggle to burn fuel properly or even stall while driving, requiring frequent restarts.

An engine misfire is a major indicator that something is wrong, and the team at Thomas Auto can provide affordable cylinder head repairs.

Engine Smoke

While rare, engine smoke can result from a cracked cylinder head. Large cracks can allow coolant to leak into the combustion chamber, producing white smoke.

Additionally, leaking oil can burn on hot engine components, creating smoke. If you notice smoke, it’s a clear sign of a serious issue, and our team can repair the damage and get your vehicle running smoothly again.

engine mid repair