An overheating engine – what to do

An internal combustion engine is not particularly efficient. Even the most efficient gas-run engines use only about 38 percent of the stored energy of gas for powering the automobile – the rest becomes waste heat. When an engine overheats, it can be very severely damaged.

Source for this article: The basics of an overheating engine By Car Deal Expert

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. The engine will start misfiring above 220 degrees. At 250 degrees, rubber and plastic parts of the engine start softening. At 265 degrees, most of the metals in the engine will start to soften and stress. The radiator might also burst after long periods of high temperatures.

What you need to do

Most engines have a dial or gauge that will show you at least the general temperature of the engine. You should keep as close an eye on this gauge as you do on the fuel. Pull over quickly if the engine stays consistently above 225 degrees.Take a look first at the coolant levels in the reservoir. If the level is low, add coolant – or water if that is your only option. Go right to a mechanic to have the engine checked out. Do not attempt to open the radiator cap until the engine has entirely cooled off – it is under pressure and could cause injuries.

What may be causing an overheating engine

The temperature of an engine can go off in a number of places. The five most common things that cause an overheating engine contain:

• Leak within the cooling system – the most common cause, and most easily found with a pressure test.
• Thermostat issues – they might be a mechanical problem or a sensor problem.
• Make certain the cooling fan is entirely operational.
• Dirty radiator – if the airflow through a radiator is blocked by dust and dirt, it can overheat the engine.
• Overworked engine – if you’re working the engine hard with an extra-heavy load, towing or driving fast on mountains in the summer, your engine may naturally overheat.