What you have to learn about an overheating engine

Running an engine on internal combustion is very fuel-intense. Even probably the most efficient gas-run engines use only about 38 percent of the stored energy of gas for powering the vehicle – the rest becomes waste heat. An engine is severely damaged if it runs outside its relatively narrow temperature range.

Source for this article: The basics of an overheating engine

The anatomy of an overheating engine

When an engine starts to overheat, a wide range of other things start to go wrong inside the engine. A normally-functioning engine will run between 195 and 220 degrees F. At hotter than about 220 degrees, the engine may start misfiring as fuel combusts in places other than the combustion chamber. Rubber will begin to soften once the engine goes above 250 degrees. Metal inside the engine, including aluminum, will start to soften at 265 degrees. Boiling coolant can also cause the radiator to burst, the head gasket could be crushed, and old hoses can develop holes.

What to do if your engine overheats

The temperature of most engines can be viewed on a dial or gauge on the dashboard. You should keep as close an eye on this gauge as you do on the fuel. If you notice the temperature is consistently above 225 degrees or if the “hot” warning light goes on, stop driving the automobile.Pull over and check the coolant levels inside your engine. Add coolant if the levels are low. If you don't have coolant, top it off with water. As soon as you possibly can, have the engine checked out by a mechanic. Do not attempt to open the radiator cap until the engine has entirely cooled off – it is under pressure and could cause injuries.

An overheating engine – what might be to blame

You will find various parts of an engine that can cause overheating. The five most common things that cause an overheating engine include:

• Leak in the cooling system – probably the most common cause, and most easily found with a pressure test.
• Thermostat difficulties – either mechanical or computer-controlled, this is one of the most common reasons.
• Cooling fan – see if it is still working, and if the fan clutch is operational.
• A dirty radiator – radiators can be blocked by dirt and grime from the road.
• Overworking the engine – if you are towing a load or driving very fast, your engine could simply not be able to keep up.