The likelihood of engine overheating is present in both summer and winter seasons. Overheating most often occurs in summer at high ambient temperatures, and in spring after prolonged use in harsh conditions and due to lack of maintenance. Often the cause of overheating can be an inoperative fan of the cooling system, the breakdown of which went unnoticed during the winter.
Instructions
Step 1
In theory, engine overheating can be detected by the coolant temperature gauge. However, in practice, in heavy traffic conditions, critical readings of this device go unnoticed or are detected too late. Based on this, it will be very useful for every car owner to be able to identify indirect signs of engine overheating.
Step 2
If the amount of coolant in the cooling system is insufficient, the heater stops supplying hot air to the passenger compartment immediately before the coolant boils. This is the first sign of impending overheating.
Step 3
Another sign of the critical value of the coolant temperature is the appearance of signs of detonation in the form of a characteristic ringing knock. It manifests itself when the fuel mixture burns abnormally in the cylinders. And this is due to the increased temperature of the walls of the combustion chamber.
Step 4
As the engine temperature rises further, there are other signs of overheating. The engine begins to noticeably lose power, a strong and uniform knock appears (stronger than during detonation). Further operation of the engine is fraught with serious damage and the need for serious repairs.
Step 5
If the engine does overheat, immediately stop on the side of the road, turn off the engine and open the hood to speed up engine cooling. Never open the radiator cap until it cools down. The cooling system is pressurized, and if the plug is opened, a powerful release of hot coolant and steam will occur. Burning hands and face is inevitable!
Step 6
What's more, the overheated coolant inside the engine helps to equalize the temperature of the parts, reducing it in critical hot spots. And never pour cold water on an overheated engine. In this case, the block head will necessarily crack.
Step 7
Wait 10-15 minutes immediately after stopping. Then check that the pressure in the cooling system has decreased (the upper radiator hose will lose elasticity). Then carefully open the radiator cap and add coolant. Carry out the refilling process slowly and carefully so as not to provoke damage to the block head.
Step 8
The next step is to start the engine. At idle speed, check the coolant temperature by the sensor, make sure there are no coolant leaks and the fan is turned on. If the arrow of the temperature gauge slowly reaches the operating temperature zone, and then quickly begins to approach the critical temperature zone, then the thermostat has failed and it remains in the closed position. In this case, further movement is impossible: very soon the engine will overheat again. Exit: dismantle the thermostat or its valve.
Step 9
If you find a leak, try to eliminate it or reduce it as much as possible. If the fan is faulty, turn on the heater to maximum power and maximum air flow. This will allow you to get home.
Step 10
If you fail to fix the thermostat or with a very small amount of coolant, you can slowly move using the following method. Carefully following the arrow of the temperature gauge, start moving. When the arrow reaches the red zone, turn off the engine and coast. Turn the engine back on shortly before stopping completely and repeat the procedure from the beginning. This method allows you to drive tens of kilometers without harming the engine.
