What Causes a Block to Crack

While there are a number of problems that can result in a cracked engine block, most involve excess heat, which is usually caused by an issue with coolant. When this occurs, the overheated portions of the engine expand, while the cooler areas do not.

What will cause engine block to crack?

What Causes a Cracked Engine Block? Engine overheating is the most common cause of a cracked block. When the engine gets too hot, the block can crack as a result of thermal stress. Also, the block can crack in freezing temperatures if the cooling system is filled with too much water and not enough antifreeze.

Can you drive with a cracked block?

Block cracks can also be internal between the oil galleries and the coolant passages, causing the oil and antifreeze to mix. … It’s still always inadvisable to be driving with a cracked engine block. Once the damage gets worse, the more obvious symptoms of a cracked block are engine smoke, and your engine overheating.