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Why Does a Car Engine Overheat?
05/21/12
by: Jakob Jelling
There are many different reasons that can cause an engine overheat, but they
all have in common three aspects. The three aspects which all engine overheat
factors have in common are that they cause that the heating system can not get
rid of heat, they cause a loss of coolant or they directly cause too much heat
in the engine.
One first problem which might be the cause of an engine overheat is a problem
with the radiator cap and the pressure it holds. If the radiator cap does not
hold pressure correctly then coolant could boil and therefore the engine would
overheat. Another reason might be caused by thermostat failures; it is recommendable
that you check it.
The car engine might also overheat due to coolant leaks such as those from
the radiator, the hoses, the water pump, the freeze plugs or any others. Also,
problems in the water pump could be the cause and therefore you should check
it and replace it in case it is needed.
Some other reasons by which the car engine could overheat are problems in the
exhaust system which you can discover by checking vacuum readings, pipes and
converter. Besides, you should also make sure that the radiator hose has not
collapsed and the ignition timing is working properly.
You should also check the electric cooling fan by making sure that the fan
motor, the relay and temperature are correct or otherwise it could cause the
engine to overheat. Besides this, you should also check the radiator in case
there are any debris in it as well as you should check its hose in case it has
collapsed.
It is also recommendable that you check the antifreeze concentration which
should be 50/50 in order to be correct, otherwise it could cause the car engine
to overheat. If you do not find why your engine does overheat, you should ask
a mechanic or an expert for advice. You should not try to fix this if you do
not have the proper tools and general car knowledge necessary for it.
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