A blown engine is every driver’s worst nightmare. Not only is it expensive to fix, but it can cause you a great deal of inconvenience, sometimes even making your car unworkable.
If you recognize the symptoms of a blown engine early, you can save yourself some money and decide what to do in no time. But how to know if your engine is blown?
You might get strange noises and lots of smoke, or you’ll lose power and overheat, and these signals are not to be taken lightly.
In this article, we’ll learn about common signs of a blown engine and what to do if you think your engine is on the brink to save you time, hassle, and money.
Article Summary
How To Know If Your Engine is Blown: Signs of a Blown Engine
A car engine failure is one of the worst car problems, and it is the most costly to fix or requires an engine replacement completely. But what if your engine is blown?
So here’s how you know what to look for and what you can do if you have an engine issue.
Loud Knocking or Rattling Sounds
A blown engine will usually be detected by a whining or rattling noise from under the hood. This noise generally means something severe is wrong internally, such as a damaged connecting rod or crankshaft.
Make sure to pull over quickly in case you get sick of driving and hear something uncanny and repeated.
Excessive Smoke From the Exhaust
It’s the color of your exhaust smoke that can be a very good indicator of your engine’s health:
- White Smoke: It may be a blown head gasket where coolant gets mixed in with the oil.
- Blue Smoke: Often results from oil burning out from damaged piston rings.
- Black Smoke: Usually indicative of a high-compression fuel blend or very bad combustion.
Intense, regular smoke is usually a sign that something major has occurred in your engine.
Loss of Power And Poor Performance
If your car suddenly stops turning, cannot accelerate, or is sluggish, it could have a lot of engine damage. Blown engines can not hold RPMs or slow in idle, and they may stop and lose performance.
Coolant And Oil Mix Together
Oil and coolant is the easiest way to tell that you have a blown engine. Somewhat little milky residue may appear on your oil cap or dipstick.
This mixture generally means a blown head gasket or a cracked engine block, leading to engine damage and total engine failure.
Overheating Issues
Overheating all the time is usually an indication of a faulty engine. A burnt head gasket or bent engine block may let coolant leak, which means the engine can’t keep up with the heat. When your car is constantly overheating, check it immediately to avoid damaging it.
The Engine Won’t Start or is Completely Seized
When an engine is blown, it won’t turn over, or you will hear clicking when you turn the key. If the engine becomes stuck, then the parts are fixed, and nothing burns or moves.
It’s normally the result of extreme overheating or low oil levels, and the whole engine dies.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Engine is Blown?
And if any of these symptoms have come to you, here’s what you need to do:
- Stop Driving Immediately: Staying behind the wheel is just making it worse.
- Get a Professional Diagnosis: Tow your car to a certified mechanic or dealership to get it checked.
- Consider Repair or Replacement Options: You might have to choose repair, rebuild, or replacement, depending on the damage.
If you know these symptoms, you can get an engine trouble diagnosis in advance and save yourself some money.
If you recognize symptoms early, you can fix small problems before they become severe enough to completely shut down the engine.
Will a Blown Engine Still Run?
The blown engine may work sometimes, but not very long. Depending on the extent of the damage, the blown engine will sometimes start and idle for a few minutes. But then it’ll be riddled with problems, such as strange knocking, smoke, or hyper heating.
Small engine problems like a broken head gasket can let the engine run limited, but operating it in that state will cause even more damage.
The engine won’t normally turn over if there’s any major internal damage (broken connecting rod, stuck engine).
Driving a car with a blown engine is dangerous and can end up in the engine. If your engine has gone out, do not drive it. Call a mechanic.
How To Fix A Blown Engine?
A blown engine is hard and expensive to repair. So here’s an idea of what to do:
1. Diagnose the Extent of the Damage
Begin by having an expert mechanic look at the engine to see what’s wrong. This might include compression tests, inspection, and looking for leaks in oil and coolant.
2. Assess Repair vs. Replacement
Minor Damage: It can be replaced if it costs less than $100, such as a blown head gasket or a bent piston ring. It can be dismantled in parts, which saves you money.
Severe Damage: For serious internal damage like a stuck engine or cracked block, an engine replacement/rebuild can often make more sense.
3. Engine Rebuild
An engine rebuild entails removing the engine, examining and repairing damaged parts (e.g., pistons, bearings, gaskets), and putting it back together. Rebuilding will be cheaper than replacing it if the block and major components remain.
4. Engine Replacement
The most economical solution is to swap the engine for a new or used one if the damage is severe. You can opt for:
- New Engine: High-quality but expensive.
- Remanufactured Engine: Remanufactured in the factory, which is cheaper than a new engine.
- Pre-owned Engine: Lowest price but can have its wear and tear.
5. Regular Maintenance To Prevent Future Issues
After repairs, keep up with oil changes, coolant levels, and a quick diagnosis of minor issues so you do not damage the engine in the future.
6. When To Consider a New Vehicle
Repairing a badly damaged engine will make more money if it isn’t worth keeping, and you may as well buy a new one.
FAQs on How To Know If Your Engine is Blown
What Are the First Signs of a Blown Engine?
There are knocking noises, black exhaust fumes, and power loss, which are all common warning signs. These signs usually signal severe internal engine damage.
Can a Blown Engine Be Repaired, or Does It Need Replacement?
Depends on the extent of the harm. Some minor tinkering might be involved, but the engine will almost always need to be rebuilt or replaced from the inside.
Why Does My Engine Overheat Frequently?
When the car runs hot enough time, it could be caused by a blown head gasket or leaks in the coolant. In a case that is not taken care of, this problem can cause a blown engine.
What Causes an Engine To Seize?
Lack of Lubrication (Oil) or Overheating are the most typical causes. Internal organs won’t be able to move freely, and the engine will sag, which is often irreparable.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix a Blown Engine?
Price varies depending on the extent of the damage, between $1,000 for minor repairs and $4,000+ for full replacement, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Conclusion
Identifying a blown engine before it gets too late can save you money on expensive repairs and breakdowns.
Stop driving and get your vehicle checked out by a professional mechanic if you hear a strange noise, smoke, or overheat.
Don’t delay before it is too late to repair or replace it. Understanding these symptoms prepares you and will help save your engine’s life.
