Does an Engine Boiling Over Require an Overhaul?
2 Answers
An engine boiling over does not require an overhaul. When an engine boils over, a large amount of white steam will emerge from the engine cover, which is very easy to notice. At this point, you only need to immediately stop the vehicle, turn off the engine, and let it cool down naturally. As long as the operation is standardized, it is rare for an overhaul to be necessary. Causes: There are many reasons for a car boiling over. Apart from hot weather, overloaded air conditioning operation and faulty cooling components can also cause the car to boil over. Conducting a comprehensive inspection of the car's cooling system is the primary method to prevent boiling over. Check whether the cooling fan is working properly, whether the radiator is leaking, and whether there is a lack of coolant. If the radiator is leaking, it needs to be repaired or replaced promptly. If the radiator is low on coolant, it should be replenished in time. If the coolant becomes turbid or deteriorated, it needs to be replaced. Solution for a Boiling Over Car: The first thing to do when noticing the engine boiling over is to immediately pull over and stop the car. Boiling over means the engine is losing its cooling capacity, and the internal temperature of the engine will rise rapidly at this time. If the cooling is not sufficient immediately or the operation is not standardized enough, it can easily affect the strength of internal components such as pistons, piston rings, and connecting rods, causing them to weaken, deform, or even be damaged. In severe cases, it may lead to the engine being directly scrapped.
With 20 years of driving experience, I've seen many cases of engine overheating, and not all require major repairs. Last time, my colleague's old SUV suddenly had its temperature gauge spike red on the highway, emitting white smoke before pulling over to the emergency lane. After towing it to the repair shop, they found it was just a leaking radiator cap due to a worn-out rubber seal. Replacing the radiator and some small parts fixed the issue. However, if you suddenly lose power while driving and hear metal clashing sounds from the engine bay, it could indicate a blown head gasket or even a seized engine—definitely requiring major repairs. My advice is to immediately turn off the engine if it overheats and avoid forcing it to run. While waiting for rescue, open the hood to help dissipate heat. During repairs, ask the mechanic to focus on checking critical points like the cylinder head flatness and any scoring on the cylinder walls.
