What are the reasons for the Wuling Zhiguang engine always running hot?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons for the Wuling Zhiguang engine running hot: 1. Lack of coolant: Insufficient coolant in the engine cooling system, possibly due to leaks in the engine, such as water pump leakage, pipe damage, or radiator damage. 2. Thermostat malfunction: A faulty thermostat causes the water temperature to rise too high because it fails to open, obstructing the flow of coolant inside the engine, leading to excessive coolant temperature. 3. Cooling fan malfunction: The cooling fan not working properly results in poor heat dissipation of the coolant. This causes the water temperature light to come on and the coolant temperature to become too high.
Last year when I was driving the Wuling Sunshine, I encountered persistent engine overheating issues. During summer long-distance trips, the temperature would spike whenever the vehicle stopped. After thorough inspection, the key problem was identified as an inefficient cooling system. While the Wuling Sunshine has strong load-carrying capacity, heavy loads can easily lead to inadequate cooling - such as scale buildup in the radiator blocking cooling channels, or insufficient coolant that wasn't promptly replenished. Non-functional cooling fans are another common cause; in my case, the fan motor failed and wouldn't respond when temperatures rose. If the water pump ages or leaks, preventing coolant circulation, temperatures naturally increase. Additionally, a thermostat stuck in the closed position can trap heat. I recommend first trying to add coolant, then checking for uneven radiator temperature by hand; otherwise, visit a repair shop for radiator cleaning or part replacement. Prolonged overheating seriously damages engines - at minimum causing power loss, at worst burning out cylinders - so don't delay addressing it.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I've found that engine overheating in the Wuling Zhiguang is mostly related to cooling issues. Having driven several microvan models, I can say the Wuling Zhiguang is practically designed, but struggles with heat dissipation during high-speed driving or heavy cargo loads. There are several reasons for this: first, insufficient or degraded coolant - when oil and water mix, cooling efficiency drops significantly; second, worn water pump blades impede water flow, causing rapid heat buildup; third, loose fan belts or faulty relays delay fan activation; fourth, potential rust or deposits in the coolant passages affecting heat transfer. I once helped a friend repair one where the issue was a stuck thermostat that should have opened to release heat. Sometimes it's poor driving habits too, like prolonged low-speed hill climbing causing overload. The inspection method is simple: open the hood to check coolant level and radiator cleanliness, listen for abnormal fan noises, and seek immediate repair if any issues are found to prevent engine block damage.
