What are the causes of the engine overheating fault phenomenon?
3 Answers
The causes of the engine overheating fault phenomenon are: 1. Cooling system leakage or insufficient coolant; 2. Inaccurate or malfunctioning temperature gauge; 3. Excessive scale buildup in the cooling system; 4. Radiator grille or radiator core ventilation ducts blocked by debris; 5. Loose or broken water pump or fan belt; 6. Damaged water pump, incorrectly installed or deformed fan blades; 7. Thermostat stuck in the closed position; 8. Engine operating under prolonged overload or delayed fuel supply timing. Solutions: 1. Inspect and repair the water pump; 2. Adjust the fan blade angle, appropriately bend the blade tips, or replace the fan blades; 3. Replace the thermal switch, replace fuses, and check the electrical circuit.
Oh, I've encountered the issue of overheating coolant before. It happened while driving on the highway, and the temperature warning light on the dashboard was frighteningly bright. The main causes were insufficient coolant or leaks, possibly due to aging hoses or loose connections allowing leakage. Another reason could be a faulty water pump, where worn impellers hinder proper circulation, causing heat to accumulate in the engine. The fan is also crucial; if the relay is broken or the radiator is clogged, the fan won't spin, and heat can't dissipate. If the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position, coolant can't enter the main circulation loop, causing the temperature to rise rapidly. Lastly, poor engine combustion can exacerbate overheating, such as incorrect ignition timing or prolonged high-speed driving under heavy load. I recommend checking the coolant level and system integrity immediately. Don't delay, as overheating can lead to cylinder head deformation or even engine seizure, resulting in costly repairs. Regular maintenance can prevent this—just clean the radiator and replace the antifreeze periodically.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I've seen many cases of overheating. The most common issue is a faulty thermostat that gets stuck and fails to open the major coolant circulation pathway. Water pump problems are also frequent, such as damaged impeller blades or worn bearings, which reduce coolant flow rate and cause heat buildup. If the radiator is clogged or the fan malfunctions—like due to poor relay contact—heat dissipation efficiency drops significantly. Insufficient or contaminated coolant affects heat transfer efficiency, and scale buildup inside hoses can block circulation. Excessive engine load or ignition system issues leading to incomplete combustion generate extra heat. All these can cause a sudden spike in water temperature, damaging cylinder head gasket seals. You should pull over promptly to check for coolant leaks or replace the thermostat, avoiding severe engine burn damage. For routine maintenance, flush the radiator and regularly inspect fan operation frequency to prevent failures.
