How to Know if Car Engine is Blown

If your car engine is making a loud noise and you’re not sure what’s causing it, here’s how to find out.

Start by checking for signs of a blown engine

If you are unsure if your engine is blown, start by checking for signs of a blown engine. There may not be any obvious signs, but you should always check your engine for these:

-Smoke or flames coming from the exhaust
-The car not starting
-The car having a rough ride
-Strange noises from the engine

If you notice any of the following, it’s likely your engine is blown:

-The engine stalls or has trouble starting
-The engine makes a loud noise when started
-The engine light comes on and stays on

-Rapid loss of power

-Engine noise changes
-No oil pressure or coolant

-Smoke coming from the engine

If you see black smoke coming from your engine, it’s time to take action. Your car may be blown out and require a tow or a mechanic. Follow these steps to determine if your engine is blown:

1) Park your car in a safe location with the hazard lights on.
2) Open the hood and look for any visible signs of fire or smoke. If you see either, start calling for help immediately!
3) Check the oil level and temperature. If either are low, it could mean your engine is on fire. If both are normal, continue checking other indicators.
4) Listen for the sound of an Exploding Head Gasket (EHG). This will mean your engine is catastrophically blown and likely needs to be replaced.
5) If you don’t hear an EHG, listen for any strange noises coming from your engine. These could include grinding, popping, or hissing sounds. If you hear any of these, it’s time to call a mechanic!

See also  Does Ethanol Damage Car Engines

-The engine making unusual sounds

-What to do if engine is blown
-What to do if car won’t start

If your engine is blown, don’t try to fix it! Get professional help as soon as possible.

There’s no mistaking a blown engine. The noise it makes is unmistakable, and if you’re not sure whether your engine is blown, there are some quick and easy tests you can do to figure out for sure. Here’s how to know if your car engine is blown:

1. Listen for the sound of an engine that’s about to blow. If your engine has been running fine until now, chances are it’s blown already. When the engine starts making this weird noise, it’s time to seek professional help.

2. Look for oil and fuel leaking from the engine. If you see any oil or fuel leaking from the engine, it means that the seal between the piston and cylinder has started to break down. This means your engine is probably blown.

3. Feel the heat coming from the exhaust pipe. If the exhaust pipe feels hot to the touch, it means that there’s a lot of heat and pressure inside the engine. This means that the seal between the piston and cylinder has also started to break down, and your engine is most likely blown.

4. Listen for knocking or grinding noises coming from under the hood.

DynoCar is the best place to find information on all things cars, whether it be a car buying guide or how to change your oil. We’ve made finding and staying in touch with car information easy and fast.

Resources

Guides

About Us

Contact

Contact

DynoCar - All About Cars

(440) 999 3699

590 Monterey Blvd San Francisco, CA 94127

Information contained herein is for informational purposes only, and that you should consult with a qualified mechanic or other professional to verify the accuracy of any information. DynoCar.org shall not be liable for any informational error or for any action taken in reliance on information contained herein.