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Can a car start with damaged cylinder head?

No, a car cannot start with a damaged cylinder head. The cylinder head is a critical component of the engine that forms the combustion chamber where fuel and air are mixed and ignited to produce power. If the cylinder head is damaged, such as a crack or a blown head gasket, it will affect engine compression, cylinder sealing, and cooling, leading to various issues that will prevent the engine from starting or running properly. Some common problems associated with a damaged cylinder head include:

- Loss of compression: A damaged cylinder head can cause loss of compression, which is essential for the engine to build up enough pressure to ignite the fuel mixture and produce power. Without adequate compression, the engine will struggle to start or may even fail to start at all.

- Coolant leaks: A damaged cylinder head can lead to coolant leaks, mixing coolant with oil, resulting in a milky substance known as "mayonnaise" in the oil. Coolant leaks can also lead to overheating and other issues.

- Combustion leaks: A damaged cylinder head can allow combustion gases to leak into the cooling system, causing the coolant to bubble or overflow the coolant reservoir. Combustion gases in the cooling system can also cause overheating.

- Rough running or misfiring: A damaged cylinder head can result in rough engine idle and misfiring due to poor cylinder sealing and compression. Misfires can cause engine vibration, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption.

Overall, a damaged cylinder head can cause numerous issues that will prevent the engine from starting or running properly. If you suspect a cylinder head issue, it's important to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic to ensure safe and reliable engine operation.