What are the reasons for a car not starting when the engine is overheated?
2 Answers
Car engine not starting after overheating can be due to the following reasons: 1. Excessive carbon deposits: A large amount of carbon deposits can absorb gasoline, causing a short-term lean air-fuel mixture. 2. Fuel injector dripping: After turning off the engine, if the fuel injector does not seal properly, it can lead to cylinder soaking and an overly rich air-fuel mixture, making it difficult to start. 3. Insufficient fuel pressure: The main causes of insufficient fuel pressure are gasoline and fuel pressure valve malfunctions. 4. Faulty coolant temperature sensor and intake pressure sensor: These sensors sending incorrect signals can result in an overly rich or lean air-fuel mixture. 5. Faulty ignition coil: A malfunctioning ignition coil can cause resistance value changes, leading to excessively low secondary voltage and difficulty in starting.
From years of car repair experience, I've found that engine overheating and failure to start are mostly caused by cooling system issues. For example, a clogged radiator or non-functioning fan prevents heat dissipation, causing engine temperature to skyrocket, potentially leading to seized pistons or burnt/coagulated engine oil, making startup impossible. A faulty water pump can also disrupt coolant circulation, especially after prolonged summer driving. Coolant leaks leading to low levels worsen overheating, while burnt-out fan motors or electrical faults can also cause cooling failure. Never force-start the engine in such cases to avoid complete engine failure. It's best to call a tow truck for professional inspection – usually replacing the water pump or cleaning the radiator solves the problem. Regular coolant level checks and radiator fin cleaning can prevent such issues.
