Will an Engine Temperature of 120 Degrees Cause Cylinder Scoring?
3 Answers
An engine temperature of 120 degrees can cause cylinder scoring. The normal operating temperature is around 90 degrees, so 120 degrees is considered high. If the temperature continues to rise while driving, it's best to pull over and call for roadside assistance. The following situations can lead to excessively high engine temperatures: Insufficient Coolant: Coolant leaks or low coolant levels can cause the engine temperature to rise. In such cases, check the coolant level and top it up to the appropriate level if necessary. Monitor the coolant level over the next few days to see if it drops significantly, which would indicate a leak. Radiator Fan Malfunction: If the radiator fan fails, the heat generated during high-speed driving cannot be effectively dissipated to the coolant, leading to overheating and potential boiling. Water Pump Failure: Water pump issues can include seized bearings or damaged impellers. While seized bearings are rare, damaged impellers—such as cracked impellers or impellers that have come loose from the pump shaft—can slow down coolant circulation, increasing the risk of engine overheating.
I've been driving for decades, and a coolant temperature of 120°C is absolutely a disaster signal. Last month, I encountered an old car whose coolant temperature soared to 118°C, and the engine shut down within ten minutes. Upon inspection, the cylinder walls were severely scratched—clear signs of cylinder scoring. The main reason was that the high temperature thinned the engine oil to the consistency of water, causing it to lose its lubricating properties. This led to increased friction between the pistons and cylinders, resulting in direct metal-on-metal scraping. Cooling system failures are common triggers, such as a broken fan or a leaking radiator. It's essential to make a habit of monitoring the coolant temperature gauge—normal operating temperature should be between 85-95°C. If it exceeds 100°C, stop the car immediately, turn off the engine, and inspect the issue. Don't assume you can tough it out; high temperatures can cause cylinder block deformation and trigger chain reactions, like a blown head gasket. Prevention is simple: change the engine oil and coolant every six months, and ensure the radiator is clean and unclogged. Safe driving depends on attention to detail—never cut corners on this.
An engine temperature rising to 120°C can easily cause cylinder scuffing, as high temperatures reduce oil viscosity, leading to insufficient lubrication and increased wear. Cooling system failures are the primary cause, such as a malfunctioning water pump or a stuck fan. Once the oil film is compromised, the piston rings can expand due to heat and scrape against the cylinder walls. Routine maintenance is crucial: check the coolant level, and if the temperature rises too high, stop the vehicle within three minutes—do not continue driving. Long-term prevention includes changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers and replacing the coolant every two years. Additionally, avoid overloading the engine in poor road conditions. Simply put, a 120°C engine temperature is a major warning—addressing it promptly can save on repair costs.
