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Overheating (Engines)

Engine overheating can be a common problem, but it has a variety of causes. It is good to know how to troubleshoot your overheating issues, as well as what to do when it happens.

395 Questions

Why does my 2000 Chevy Tahoe with 5.3 engine show its overheating only when you pull a trailer an usually when you get over 55mph?

Sounds like a stopped up radiator. Do this to check it. Drive it about 4 to 5 miles and then bring it back home and turn it off. Open the hood and take your hand and reach inside of the fan shroud and lay your hand on the radiator at the top and slide your hand down the radiator to the bottom. If the radiator feels COLD at the top or the bottom then replace the radiator. But first I would replace the thermostat and gasket.

I changed the thermostat. It does not overheat unless pulling a trailer. I put a new transmission cooler on and that didnt help either.

Like I said, Did you check the radiator with your hand ? You may also have a radiator HOSE that might be sucking closed when under a load. Check hoses and make sure there not TO soft.

How can you find out if your engine is ruined from your car overheating Why is it not cranking since your engine ran hot?

If it won't turn at all you may have caused a problem. Check to see if you can turn the engine by hand. Does the starter click and the engine start to move? I guess I don't understand what you mean when you say it is not cranking. If you want to pursue this problem any further, contact me at: a_d_kirkwood@excite.com

Your 2003 vw jetta is overheating and the engine light is staying on the coolant level is fine is this your thermostat?

Probably not. It could be the cooling fans, or the water pump. Does the temp go down to normal when you are going down the hwy? If so, its probably the fans. If the temp gets to 260 the fans should kick on, if not, I would look at the fan circuit, fan module, and fan assembly.

Why is it dangerous of overheating cables?

overheating cables can cause the insulation and other wires to melt and this removes dangerous fumes. this can also lead to a fire or an explosion.By: Aleeq Salim

What do you pour water in when your car overheats?

The radiator. It should have a fill cap.

BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL if you are trying to put it in while it's hot. The cap on most vehicles will puke out extremely hot anti freeze when you loosen it.

Some vehicles have a reservoir with the cap on it instead of the cap being on the radiator itself. If there is not a cap on the radiator then use the reservoir instead.

It's best to let it cool for about an hour or so if possible. If you can't wait and you have a water hose available you can use it to cool the OUTSIDE of the radiator for a few minutes but don't get any on the motor, it could crack the engine block. After SLOWLY taking the cap off start the engine and let it idle while you SLOWLY add water in. (preferably add anti freeze) Too much cold water too soon can also crack the engine block.

Always have the right mixture of antifreeze for the car as it will let the fluid get hotter before it comes to a boil and also has rust inhibiters. Straight water will boil faster then antifreeze. Most modern vehicles use a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze.

Be aware tho that some vehicle use a certain type of antifreeze so if you don't know which is which then add water as it probably needs to be flushed and fresh fluid installed anyway.

The antifreeze should be replaced in 3 to 5 years on average.

Why is the engine overheating but the radiator is in good condition?

Could be a number of reasons from minor to major problems. Could be as simple as a faulty thermostat, faulty fan clutch (if applicable), missing or damaged fan shroud or more serious problems like a cracked head or bad head gasket.

Is Overcooling an engine is as bad as overheating?

Overcooling can cause as much damage to an engine as overheating. Overcooling most commonly occurs when the coolant bypasses a defective water temperature regulator and flows directly to the radiator preventing the engine from reaching normal operating temperature.

Routinely check water temperature regulators to ensure that they open and close properly and that they are free of any defects. Check bonnet type regulators for dents or grooves that can prevent them from sealing properly. Coolant can also flow around a water temperature regulator that is working properly, which can falsely indicate overcooling.

Low ambient temperature, combined with a light load, will also cause overcooling, even though the coolant does not flow through the radiator under these conditions. Always make sure temperature gauges are working properly. Check them for accuracy by comparing the coolants in the water temperature regulator housing to what the gauge indicates. Confirm coolant temperature using a Thermistor Thermometer. Replace any defective gauges immediately.

Inspect the water temperature regulator housing and counterbores that the regulators fit in to. Be sure all surfaces are clean, smooth and free from any foreign material. Check the radiator housing seal for "cocking," which can also cause the coolant to flow past the regulator and seal. If there is a bleed hole, make sure it's open.

Open vent lines can cause overcooling during low loads or while idling the engine overnight, installing a check valve typically corrects this problem.

How do you know if engine overheating has warped or cracked the heads or blown gasket?

You will have to remove the head, inspect the gasket for breaks, check the head for flatness, and have a machine shop test the head.

You will have to remove the head, inspect the gasket for breaks, check the head for flatness, and have a machine shop test the head.

What is a common problem of the engine overheating?

Could be a fan motor turn the ac on and see if the fan cuts on,could. E thermostat, just go through a simple look over on all your hoses and if not take it to auto zone or advanced I think they have a diagnostic machine

Why does your car overheat sometimes?

Your car may overheat due to several reasons, including low coolant levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a broken water pump that fails to circulate coolant effectively. Additionally, a clogged radiator or a failed cooling fan can impede heat dissipation. It's important to regularly check and maintain these components to prevent overheating and potential engine damage. If your car frequently overheats, it's advisable to have it inspected by a professional mechanic.

How do you stop a small block chevy engine from overheating?

It depends on the situation, but make sure you have a nice, big radiator, a good fan, an excellent shroud, and fresh coolant.

There are different kinds of thermostats you can try, and don't overlook the possibility of just using a restrictor plate.

Why does car overheat with blown head gasket?

I'm pretty sure your engine block needs a precise mixture of oxygen and gas etc and the gaskets on your heads are the main air tight place where when cracked or blown gaskets happen oxygen leaks into your expansion chamber in the engine and more oxygen higher explosion temp to push ur piston therefore your engine gets hotter faster new gasket will solve your problem I beliave if not thermostat and radiator

Overheating the engine can cause what problems?

ive been through this before. seals can blow easier, and running the engine hotter will cause the gas to some what evaporate before it has time to explode, decreasing power. the only other problems i can think of would be burning your oil which causes it to get chunky and not lubricate properly, short term in an emergency, you might make it 2-3 miles with no coolant. before your engine blows. safely, maybe a mile if you coast for a while and are on high way not city. increasing rpms increases heat

Why does my northstar engine overheat and spill coolant?

I had the same problem with my 1996 Cadillac SLS. Had it diagnosed at a dealer, said head bolts are "lifting", a common problem with Northstar engines. Dealer could not guarantee a fix. I found a 100% success rate fix on the internet. Try looking for "Northstar Engine Head Bolt Repair Kit" on the web. Here is a retired tool and die maker who had the same problem, and made longer head bolts than the factory bolts. Pretty inexpensive, but the labor to pull your motor, heads, machine shop, etc, could be several thousands.