What are the effects on the engine after it overheats?
2 Answers
Engine overheating mainly occurs due to issues in the engine cooling system. For example, malfunctions in components such as the water temperature sensor, radiator, water pump, or fan can lead to the "overheating" phenomenon. More detailed information is as follows: 1. Consequences of engine overheating: In mild cases, it can cause deformation of the cylinder head and cylinder gasket, while in severe cases, it can lead to deformation of internal engine parts or even engine failure. 2. Consequences of delayed action: If the excessive heat is not dissipated promptly and high-load driving continues, the strength of components like the piston, piston rings, and connecting rod can decrease, or they may even deform. The engine will no longer be able to handle normal loads, and the normal gaps between parts will be disrupted, preventing the formation of proper oil films. In mild cases, this can cause cylinder scuffing or bearing seizure, while in severe cases, it can result in complete engine damage or failure.
I've been driving heavy trucks for over a decade and witnessed numerous engine overheating incidents. Engine overheating is extremely serious - high temperatures can cause aluminum cylinder heads to warp and deform, leading to uneven sealing surfaces that result in gas and fluid leaks. Even worse, the piston ring-to-cylinder liner clearance shrinks, causing lubrication failure and cylinder scoring. The most catastrophic failure is blown head gaskets where coolant mixes with engine oil, completely destroying the entire engine. That time when I was hauling cargo through mountain roads, the coolant temperature suddenly spiked off the charts. I had to pull over, shift to neutral and let the cooling fan do its job. After overheating, engines require complete disassembly and major repairs - cylinder boring, piston ring replacement and cylinder head swaps become routine. Mechanics say high temperatures also damage electronic components' lifespan. If overheating occurs frequently, the engine will likely need scrapping within two years.