Some makes like KIA make a point of having aluminum engines. I thought this was for weight, but was more prone to failure, especially in a high mileage car.
2006-10-03 14:52:04 · 10 answers · asked by d1grubb 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Aluminium engines have a lot of steel parts in it ( crank shaft. connecting rods, cam shafts etc. These parts take the most wear. The only real problem with aluminium engines is over heating. Aluminium will warp quicker than cast steel blocks.
2006-10-03 14:59:56 · answer #1 · answered by Lab 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ALuminum engines are close to durablity of the Iron Engines based on the assumption that you use aluminum engines only for gasoline engines. THe pressure and temperature inside it will be 2-3Mpa and 1000 degrees celsius. If you have very efficient radiator, there is not much damage to the material. The only factors that might reduce its life would be operating it in a higher temperature for a longer time. Lets say driving it in desert with A/C on and with less lubricating oil for a long duration everyday throughout the year. But ignoring the above case, aluminum are close to the durablity of the Iron engines.
2006-10-03 15:23:22 · answer #2 · answered by vssrm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends. i had a 79 F150, obviously engine made of steel. I let the water run out, the oil run out, the tranny fluid run out, etc. Couldnt kill that truck. I think the aluminum engines built today are fine, depending on the manufacturer. You cant run these engines into the ground though. I have had hondas and toyotas that ran forever with aluminum engines. Chrysler (dodge and plymouth) aluminum engines i have found are junk. I have been told by people who know to never buy a kia. if you can't afford a new car, buy a used one, like toyota, honda, never a nissan though. engines are just as good but the rest of the car is made out of pot metal. mazda is my favorite and many a ford has mazda engineering inside. the ford escape 4 cylinder is what i drive. it has a mazda engine.
2006-10-03 15:13:31 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aluminum is touchy with heat, in comparison to steel.
Generally the cylinder sleeves and berring surfaces are steel lined for durability.
If you have a good radiator and thermostat, there is no reason the aluminum engine will not last 200,000 miles or more.
2006-10-03 14:57:32 · answer #4 · answered by homer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
aluminum is a very flexible and heat intolerant metal. It is used to save weight....period. Normal use is fine but more frequent cooling system maintenance is required. Never overheat an aluminum engine as you'll let the magic smoke out when it warps every piece in it
2006-10-03 15:03:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
today i serviced a 92 accord with 452,000 miles.it has the original(aluminum) engine & has never been rebuilt.it still runs great.the point is,with proper maintenance aluminum can be very durable.
2006-10-03 19:20:19 · answer #6 · answered by lizardhead 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
aluminium is a softer metal and a lower melting point than cast and steel. while it dissipates heat away faster it is still more prone to heat damage. as far as high milage with good care they will last a reasonable time. where as steel will not wear as fast and is apt to last longer.
2006-10-03 15:01:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Not at all. But they produce more horsepower. They are quicker and faster.
Since when did reliability come into it?
2006-10-03 14:57:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is as durable.
2006-10-07 13:20:24 · answer #9 · answered by duc602 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-10-03 14:59:24 · answer #10 · answered by dWs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋