Just when you think you've seen it all, a customer comes along and brings his Hyundai HB20 to the shop for the third time, with the same old problem: the cylinder head. Yes, the same problem three times, and worst of all, with the Hyundai's 3-cylinder engine still boiling like a cauldron. It sounds like something out of a soap opera, but it's the reality for many drivers who face this chronic problem.
The Hyundai HB20, with its modern 3-cylinder Hyundai engine, it has won over many Brazilians for its design and efficiency. However, a chronic defect in the cylinder head has left owners frustrated and with constant visits to the workshop. CPG (Click Petróleo e Gás) spoke to a specialist from High Torque to understand why the car continues to face this problem and what can be done to avoid further headaches.
The Hyundai HB20 model with the 3-cylinder engine began to present this configuration from the second generation, launched in 2019. This chronic defect in the cylinder head has been more common in vehicles produced from that year onwards, especially in models with the 1.0 3-cylinder engine.
The chronic defect: the cylinder head and the 3-cylinder engine of the Hyundai HB20
The first time the customer took his Hyundai HB20 to the workshop, he already had a new one head installed. However, the car continued to boil, and the problems worsened. According to the High Torque mechanic, this defect is common in Hyundai 3 cylinder engine. “The head seems to have a very low tolerance for failure, and any small error in assembly could result in water leakage or overheating”, explains the expert.
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Cylinder head made three times: what went wrong?
The first problem detected was an excess of glue on the head gasket. The improvised solution, with red silicone, ended up clogging the radiator and causing more problems in the cooling system. “The glue not only clogged the radiator but also caused cylinder head failure, forcing a second replacement”, adds the mechanic. Even after the replacement, the problems did not stop. The customer had to take the car back to the workshop to have the engine block planed, as the warping was evident.
Water leakage: a chronic problem in the Hyundai HB20
In addition to the problems with the cylinder head, the Hyundai's 3-cylinder engine had a chronic water leak, mainly in the pipe that connects to the radiator. According to the High Torque specialist, this type of leak is very common in HB20 models, so much so that even vehicles belonging to employees at the workshop had the same problem. “This original water pipe has a manufacturing defect, and leakage is inevitable over time”, warned the mechanic.
Solutions to the problem: tips to avoid further headaches
For those who are facing the same problem with their Hyundai HB20, the expert suggests some important tips to avoid constant replacement of the cylinder head. “Always use a fiber gasket instead of a metal one to avoid increasing compression, which can make problems worse”, Explica. “Also, change the water pipe regularly, especially if it is the original one, to avoid unexpected leaks”.
When the block warps: what to do?
Another recurring problem in Hyundai's 3-cylinder engine is block warping, especially in aluminum engines. “Aluminum blocks warp much more easily than iron ones”, warns the expert. In this case, the only solution is to disassemble the engine and plane the block. Otherwise, the car will continue to have overheating problems and cylinder head failures.
With all these details, it is clear that the Hyundai HB20 with a 3-cylinder engine from Hyundai has a chronic defect that requires special attention. From excess glue on the head gasket to leaking water pipes, these are problems that can be avoided with the right tips and constant care.
Now, the question remains: Have you ever faced similar problems with your Hyundai HB20? How did you solve it? Leave a comment!
Car manufacturers need to understand and put an end to these disposable engines. We need to restart the world of 2020.
Ah, another piece of junk from Hyundai! Who needs 3 cylinders if you have 4 or 6?
I have a 20 HB2024 with zero problems!