Overheating can be extremely bad
for a car. Back in the days of carburetors, when engines were made of steel,
overheating was much more common, and less damaging. But the modern engine has
far less tolerance, with its aluminum blocks and, often, aluminum heads.
Many head gaskets have been blown
out by overheat issues. Many heads have been cracked. These are not cheap
repairs. Therefore, be vigilant and watch that heat gauge (thermometer). If
your car starts to overheat, pull to the side of the road, and let it idle and,
if that does not seem to be working, shut it off.
An overheated engine can be
caused by anything that decreases the cooling system’s ability to absorb,
transport and dissipate heat; therefore engines can overheat for a variety of
reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes.
Cooling System Leaks
This is the primary cause of
engine overheating. Possible leak points include hoses, the radiator, water
pump, thermostat housing, heater core, head gasket, freeze plugs, automatic
transmission oil cooler, cylinder heads and block. Perform a pressure test. A
leak-free system should hold pressure for at least one minute.
Wrong Coolant Concentration
Be sure to use the coolant
recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. The wrong type of coolant and/or
mixing the incorrect concentration of coolant and distilled water can also
result in engine overheating. The best bet is to perform a complete flush and
fill.
Bad Thermostat
A thermostat is a heat-sensitive
valve that opens and closes in response to engine temperature. Heated engine
coolant passes through to the radiator when the thermostat is in the open
position. In the closed position, it prevents the flow of coolant to speed up
the warming of a cold engine. When the thermostat gets stuck in the closed
position, coolant stays in the engine and quickly becomes overheated, resulting
in engine overheating.
Blocked Coolant Passageways
Rust, dirt and sediment can all
block or greatly impede the flow of coolant through the cooling system. This
can limit the system’s ability to control engine temperature, which may result
in higher operating temperatures and engine overheating. Once again, a flush
and fill is recommended to remove debris.
Faulty Radiator
By passing through a series of
tubes and fins, coolant temperature is reduced in the radiator. Leaks and clogging
are some of the most common causes of radiator failure. Any disruption in the
radiator’s function can lead to elevated engine temperature and overheating.
Worn/Burst Hoses
A hose that contains visual
cracks or holes, or has burst will result in leaks and disrupt the flow of
engine coolant. This can result in overheating.
Bad Radiator Fan
A fan blows air across the
radiator fins to assist in reducing the temperature of the coolant. A fan that
wobbles, spins freely when the engine is off, or has broken shrouds will not be
able to reduce the temperature to proper level, thus possibly resulting in
engine overheating.
Loose or Broken Belt
A belt is often the driving link
that turns the water pump at the correct speed for proper coolant flow through
the cooling system. If a belt is loose or broken, it cannot maintain the proper
speed, thus resulting in poor coolant flow and ultimately, engine overheating.
Faulty Water Pump
Known as the ‘heart’ of the
cooling system, the water pump is responsible for pressurizing and propelling
engine coolant through the cooling system. Any malfunction of the water pump,
including eroded impeller vanes, seepage or wobble in the pump shaft, can
prevent adequate coolant flow and result in engine overheating.
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