Coolant performs an important function in maintaining the operating temperature of the power unit, protecting it from overheating, rust, and crystallization at low temperatures. When its volume in the system gradually decreases and no external leaks are detected, there is reason to suspect that the fluid is penetrating inside the engine. If you turn a blind eye to this, you may face expensive repairs, up to a complete engine overhaul.

Symptoms of antifreeze entering the engine

The fact that coolant has ended up in the cylinders or the oil pan can be guessed by a number of characteristic manifestations. 1. Thick white smoke from the exhaust
When antifreeze burns in the combustion chamber, dense white vapor pours from the exhaust pipe, which is clearly visible on a cold engine. If the smoking does not stop after reaching operating temperature, this is an alarming symptom. 2. Emulsion on the oil filler cap
By unscrewing the oil filler cap, you can find a light pasty substance — a sure sign that the fluid has mixed with the lubricant. Most often this indicates a blown head gasket. 3. Gas bubbles in the expansion tank
On a running engine, air bubbles can be noticed inside the tank, and sometimes the fluid even splashes out. This indicates that exhaust gases are breaking through into the cooling circuit. 4. Rapid fluid loss without visible leaks
If you have to regularly top up antifreeze and there are no puddles under the car, most likely it is going into the internal cavities of the engine. 5. Increase in engine temperature
An insufficient amount of fluid impairs heat removal, causing the power unit to overheat even during moderate driving.

Causes of internal antifreeze leakage

The most common culprit is a damaged cylinder head gasket. In addition, the problem may lie in cracks in the cylinder head or block itself, as well as in worn sealing rings. In some cases, a rusted oil cooler is to blame, through which the fluid mixes with the lubricant.

Methods of accurate diagnostics

To make sure that antifreeze really gets into the engine, it is worth carrying out the following checks:
  • Use a special reagent to determine CO? in the cooling system;
  • Measure compression in the cylinders — reduced readings in one or several will indicate a leaking gasket;
  • Send the oil for laboratory analysis — detection of glycol in it will confirm mixing with antifreeze.

What such a malfunction threatens

If you do not deal with the elimination in time, mixing the lubricant with coolant will deprive the oil of its properties, which will lead to wear of the crankshaft bearings, overheating, and ultimately engine seizure. Repair in such a situation will be complex and financially costly.
Result: understanding the symptoms of antifreeze going into the engine, you can timely detect the malfunction and avoid serious consequences. At the slightest suspicion of an internal leak, do not delay the check — eliminating the breakdown at an early stage will be much cheaper and extend the life of the engine.