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Why is coolant leaking from engine block?
Anywhere there’s a leak, apparently, a crack is somewhere close or a loosened cap. If you notice coolant leaking from engine block, it’s a sign that the particular engine block – where the coolant is leaking from – has a cracked spot. So, you need to check for the cracked spot and get it fixed (patched).
Cracked engine blocks can cause quite a lot of stuff to happen, and which coolant leak is one of them. Apparently, if the leaky spot on the engine block is not fixed, it can lead to engine overheating, as the coolant liquid would leak away, and there won’t be enough to keep the engine cool and running at operating temperature.
Why is Coolant Leaking From Engine Block?
There are a few explanations as to why the leak is coming from your car’s engine block; you should inspect the source carefully.
1. Cracked Engine Block
It’s simple, the engine block has a crack, and depending on the wideness of the crack, the leak could be much or miniature. There are pretty different reasons why an engine block may crack, providing a path for coolant liquid to leak out from.
If you could prevent the engine block from cracking, you might as well have checkmated coolant leak possibilities.
2. Radiator Problems
In some cases, the leak may not be coming from the engine block directly; it could be from the radiator; either there is a crack or hole on the radiator, or the cap is cracked.
Also, a loose radiator cap can allow hot steams of coolant liquid to escape and flow/leak from any available space. The leak could possibly be from the hose passing the liquid to the engine; simply have the radiator checked properly.
3. Water Pump
A failed water pump could also be the reason why coolant is leaking around the engine block. The water pump helps circulate the coolant liquid throughout the engine to keep it running at normal temperatures. So, water pump failure can be a contributing factor to why your car is leaking coolant.
4. Blown Head Gasket
In every vehicle, the head gasket sits between the engine block and cylinder head(s). The head gasket is part of the engine block components; it plays a vital role in every vehicle.
However, the head gasket is liable to blow out or crack due to quite several reasons. It is advisable to check if you’ve got a blown head gasket when you notice leaks from the engine block region.
What Causes The Engine Block To Crack?
Excessive overheating, hard impact, excessive wear, and head gasket failure are some of the commonest reasons why the engine block may crack or get badly damaged.
Any problem with the engine block should be taken seriously, as it could lead to fatal engine damage, which may imply you get a new engine.
One way to keep the engine block from cracking or getting damaged is to keep up with your maintenance schedules and go for oil changes when due.
If you detect small leaks, trace the root and get it fixed as soon as possible before other components get affected, and then it turns into a costly fix that may burn a hole in your pocket.
How To Fix Leaks Coming From The Engine Block
Most drivers simply buy a compound like the K-Seal HD and apply it on the leaky spot to patch the area and stop the leak. However, this should be a temporary fix because the seal may not last for a very long time – even though some drivers allege that the seal lasted a long time.
Leaks may look like they’re a minor problem to deal with, but they are a serious one. If the leaks don’t stop after patching the engine block, then it’s obvious you’ve got a blown head gasket, cracked radiator cap, or a failed water pump. If any of these is the problem, you have to fix or replace the unit.
Final Thoughts
Coolant leaking from engine block is a sign of a cracked engine block, failed water pump, or a blown head gasket.
Whichever the case may be, you need to figure out where exactly the leak is coming from and get it fixed as soon as possible. Leaks are never a good thing and can contribute to fatal engine damage.