Are you a Subaru owner who is fed up with dealing with blown cylinder heads? You're not alone. This common problem can be incredibly annoying and costly to repair, not to mention the fact that it significantly reduces your vehicle's performance levels.
The good news is that this issue isn't as common in Subarus made today as compared to older models. However, those who have experienced blown Subaru cylinder heads know just how stressful of a situation this can be – especially if the cause wasn't anticipated or preventable. A professional company that offers Subaru parts, such as Specialised Parts, can help with cylinder head repair and replacement procedures.
In this article, we'll go over why Subaru cylinder heads fail and what preventive measures can be taken so you don't end up dealing with a broken engine because of it.
What Are Cylinder Heads?
Before we delve into the reasons behind cylinder head failure, it's important to understand what cylinder heads are. In a car's engine, the cylinder head is a crucial component that sits on top of the engine block. It houses the combustion chamber, which is responsible for generating power by burning fuel and air.
Identifying The Signs Of A Failing Cylinder Head
When diagnosing an issue with a Subaru cylinder head, it is important to pay attention to warning signs before ultimate failure. To diagnose the problem, you may want to look for indicators such as exhaust smoke that has a blue or white tint—this is a sign of coolant entering the combustion chambers.
You may also hear a knocking noise coming from the engine that could indicate damage in one or more of the cylinder heads' valves. Furthermore, oil leakage can be identified if there are puddles of oil found outside below the engine, as this can mean there is a crack in one of the cylinder heads.
You should also consider having your mechanic check for unusual wear and tear by performing a compression test on each cylinder head. By identifying these signs early on, you can save yourself time and money by preventing further repairs down the road.
Common Causes Of Cylinder Head Failure
Understanding the causes of cylinder head failure is crucial for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of a Subaru engine. While many factors may cause head failures, some of the more common ones include the following:
Manufacturing Defect
Subaru cylinder head failure can also be caused by faulty or worn-out parts. This can include worn-out valve guides, valve seats, and valve seals, which can cause issues with compression and lead to engine failure. In some cases, faulty parts can also cause oil leaks, which can lead to issues with the cylinder head gasket.
Overheating
One of the most common reasons for Subaru cylinder head failure is overheating. Overheating can occur when the engine is running too hot, which can cause damage to the cylinder head gasket and warp the cylinder head. This can lead to coolant leaks and engine failure if left unchecked.
Incorrect Installation
Incorrect installation of the cylinder head can also lead to failure. This can occur if the head bolts are not tightened properly or if the cylinder head gasket is not installed correctly. In some cases, improper installation can cause issues with coolant flow, which can lead to overheating and engine failure.
In some cases, even without visible damage to the cylinder head, warping can result from uneven cooling or heating; this often happens when air/fuel mixtures are not correctly adjusted, leading to increased temperatures inside the engine.
Corrosion
Another culprit behind head failure is corrosion; if oil changes are neglected for extended periods, it can cause corrosion of vulnerable parts, eventually leading to metal fatigue and subsequent cylinder head damage.
Timing Belt Failure
The timing belt is responsible for synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft to ensure proper engine timing. If the timing belt breaks, it can cause the pistons to hit the valves, leading to bent valves and cylinder head damage.
Also Read: What Makes It Superior To Standard Pans?
Improper Maintenance
Improper maintenance, such as lack of oil changes, can lead to debris buildup in the engine, leading to reduced oil flow and overheating. Lack of maintenance can also cause premature wear and tear of engine components, including the cylinder head.
Worn Out Valve Guides
Valve guides play a crucial role in controlling the flow of air and fuel to the engine. If the valve guides wear out, they can cause the valves to wobble, leading to cylinder head damage.
Faulty Head Gaskets
Faulty head gaskets can cause coolant leaks or loss of compression, leading to overheating and cylinder head failure.
Conclusion
Cylinder head failure can be a costly and time-consuming problem for Subaru owners. However, with proper maintenance and timely repairs with the help of proper kits, such as the Oil Pressure Repair Kit, it can be prevented. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, using quality replacement parts, and proper cooling system maintenance are some of the ways to prevent cylinder head failure.
No comments yet