What Causes a Diesel Engine to Overheat?
2 Answers
The causes of a diesel engine overheating include insufficient coolant, a loose or faulty fan belt, and poor radiator performance. Below are detailed explanations and solutions: 1. Insufficient Coolant: Solution: Regularly check the coolant level in the radiator and expansion tank, and replenish it promptly if the level is low. A lack of coolant in the diesel engine's cooling system can affect heat dissipation, leading to engine overheating. 2. Loose or Faulty Fan Belt: Solution: Tighten the fan belt or replace it directly. If the cooling fan is faulty, the motor and circuit need to be inspected and repaired. 3. Poor Radiator Performance: Solution: If the radiator surface is covered with debris, reducing its cooling capacity, it can be cleaned at a 4S shop.
Having driven diesel vehicles for many years, boiling over is quite common. One of the common reasons is a problem with the cooling system. For example, the radiator is clogged with dust or leaves, causing poor circulation. Another issue could be a water pump that has stopped working or is leaking, leading to insufficient coolant supply. Another cause is a faulty fan, especially when the electric fan doesn't receive a signal to activate. The lubrication system can also contribute to the problem—an oil filter blockage may cause excessive oil pressure, generating heat through friction. Overloading, such as climbing steep hills or towing heavy loads, can force the engine to work under high stress for prolonged periods. Insufficient antifreeze or mixing different brands can also lead to boiling over. I remember once on a long trip, the fan belt loosened, causing the engine to boil over, forcing me to stop and add water to cool it down. Regularly check the coolant level and pressure to avoid such issues.
