Car engines can be tricky things. They need to be in good condition to run smoothly, but if something goes wrong, they can quickly fail and create a dangerous situation. If you’re having trouble telling if your car’s engine is blown, read on for some tips on how to determine the problem.
The Symptoms of a Blown Car Engine
A blown engine can cause a lot of different symptoms, but some of the most common are: a loss of power, a rough ride, and a roaring noise. Here are some tips to help you figure out if your engine is blown:
-If your car is not starting, it’s likely that your engine is blown. Try cranking the engine over with a battery or jumper cables. If it starts, then the engine probably isn’t blown. If it doesn’t start, then the engine most likely is blown.
-If you’re having trouble accelerating or braking, your engine may be blown. If you’re having to push the car to get it started, the engine may be blown. If you’re having to pump the brakes to stop quickly, the engine may be blown.
-If you have an odd smell coming from your car, like gas or oil, your engine may be blown. A blown engine will produce these smells as hot gasses escape from the cylinders and into the atmosphere.
-If your car has lost power (especially at high speeds), or if it’s difficult to shift gears, your engine may be blown.
How to Test if Your Car Engine is Blown
If you have a car that starts and runs but the engine sounds like it’s blowing, there’s a good chance it’s blown. In order to test if your engine is blown, you’ll need:
-A car that starts and runs.
-A voltmeter.
-A compression gauge.
-An engine block heater.
-A can of compressed air.
-A screwdriver or wrench.
-New spark plugs.
-Old spark plugs (if your engine was rebuilt).
1) Start your car and let it idle for at least 10 minutes so the engine has a chance to warm up.
2) Remove the battery cable to prevent any electrical interference.
3) Connect the voltmeter to one lead of the battery and the other lead to an earth ground (a bolt on the engine block or a metal part of the chassis). Turn the key to “Start” and hold down the button until the engine starts.
4) Let go of the button and watch as the voltage reading drops quickly (within 1 second or so). The voltage should be below 12 volts when your car starts, but can increase during normal operation (due to electricity flowing in the engine). If the voltage is high (>16 volts), your engine may be blown.
5) Disconnect the voltmeter and measure the voltage at the battery while the car is running. The reading should be below 12 volts. If it’s not, your engine may be blown.
6) Check the compression gauge while the car is running. The reading should be at least 80 psi (lbs/in2). If it’s not, your engine may be blown.
7) Connect an engine block heater to one end of a spark plug wire and connect the other end to an earth ground (a bolt on the engine block or a metal part of the chassis). Turn on the block heater and hold down the spark plug wire until it sparks. The spark should last for 1-2 seconds. If it doesn’t, your engine may be blown.
8) Disconnect the spark plugs and remove them from the cylinder head. Check each one for signs of wear (flat spots, etc.). If any are worn, replace them with new plugs.
9) Install new spark plugs and reattach the wires to their respective plugs. Tighten them just enough so they don’t move (but don’t over-tighten
DIY Engine Repair for a Blowout
If you’re experiencing a car engine blowout, your first step is to determine if it’s a simple fix or something more complicated. A blown engine can be either expensive to repair or impossible to fix. If you think your engine may be blown, the best course of action is to take it to a mechanic. If you’re comfortable with fixing engines yourself, see our DIY guide below for some help diagnosing and repairing a blown engine.
If you think your engine may be blown, the best course of action is to take it to a mechanic.
Conclusion
If your car engine is making strange noises and you’re not sure what’s wrong, it might be time to take it in for a tune-up. While the causes of blown engines can vary significantly, most of the time there is an easy fix if you know where to look. If your car has been sitting for a while or if it’s been driven hard in recent weeks, there’s a greater chance that something will go wrong with the engine. However, even if everything looks fine on the surface, it’s always worth taking your car in for a checkup just to be safe.