Some problems you run into with your car are small problems. Cracked radiator hoses, blown fuses, or worn brakes are all problems that can leave you stranded but in the end are simple fixes that can get you back on the road quickly and easily. On the other hand, some problems can make you start to wonder if it’s time to get a new car or at least a new motor for your old car. These can include blown head gaskets, worn piston rings or a cracked engine block. These types of problems usually require major overhauls, lots of labor costs and sometimes weeks of downtime for your car.
Today we’re going to talk about a cracked engine block, how it happens and what your options are. A cracked engine block is such a big deal because of what your engine block is made out of. Most of the time when metal breaks, the answer is simple: weld it back together! In the case of your engine block, this, unfortunately, isn’t possible. Cast Iron has different properties than most carbon steels that make it impossible to weld. The extreme heat that it takes to weld most metals is enough to cause problems with cast iron and cause the surrounding area to be surprisingly brittle and weak after the weld.
You can get a crack in your engine block a few different ways. First, engine blocks can crack from excessive heat. Too much heat will cause enough expansion and contraction on mating surfaces and bolted joints to cause the faces to start cracking. In just the opposite scenario, very cold weather can cause your engine block to crack as well. Whether it is from the wrong mix of antifreeze and water, or you simply live in a very cold area, extremely low temperatures in the winter can cause the coolant in your engine to begin to freeze. Since water expands when it freezes it can push the walls of your engine block out enough to cause them to crack.
You may find out that your engine block is crack a few different ways. First you may notice coolant leaking externally. If you find drips of coolant with no leaking gaskets, seals or hoses, you may have a cracked engine block. In this case, make sure it isn’t simply a leaking freeze plug that is causing your leak! In some cases, you may also have a cracked engine block that is leaking internally. In this case, you will find coolant in your engine oil which will turn your oil milky white or light brown. This can be catastrophic for your engine as watery oil is a very bad lubricant and can start to rust and pit vital bearing surfaces in your engine very quickly. Lastly, it is possible to have a cracked engine block inside your cylinder. This type of cracked engine block will give the same symptoms of a blown head gasket and can be very difficult to diagnose.
If you have a vehicle with a cracked engine block it can be tempting to simply junk the car or replace the entire engine. This can be a very expensive process or leave you with a vehicle. Rather than costly repairs, use BlueDevil Radiator and Block Sealer to seal the crack in your block and keep your car on the road. Unlike many leak sealers, BlueDevil Radiator and Block Sealer does not contain any fibers or particulates that simply clog the leak. BlueDevil Radiator and Block Sealer will actually bond to the cast iron block of your vehicle permanently sealing the crack in your block and keeping you on the road. We’re so confident BlueDevil Radiator and Block Sealer will stop your leak it is backed by our leak seal guarantee!
For more information about BlueDevil Radiator and Block sealer and our guarantee, click here:
When you’re ready to seal your cracked engine block, stop by any of our partnering local auto parts stores today!
- AutoZone
- Advance Auto Parts
- Bennett Auto Supply
- CarQuest Auto parts
- NAPA Auto Parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- Fast Track
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists
- S&E Quick Lube Distributer
- DYK Automotive
Pictures provided by:
cracked_engine_block.jpg – By Saibo – Licensed By Creative Commons Via Wikimedia – Original Link
cracked_engine.jpg By Loeth – Licensed By Creative Commons Via Wikimedia – Original Link
