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Will not start after engine overheated

Tiny
EMOORE30
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
So, my car suddenly started running hot. My husband came to help me to get back home. He poured antifreeze because the car was overheating. Next thing we know the antifreeze started pouring from the bottom of the car. My husband thought the water pump had gone bad. At any rate I had to drive so far, stop, let him add water, which again was pouring out, to cool it just enough to get home. He inspected when we got home and noticed the heat hose had a crack in it. He ordered it, placed it on, and cranked the car and it started with no problem. He added more antifreeze, cut it off and now it won't start. It turns over, just won't start. The battery is new, so it's not that. Please help. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you.
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2022 AT 8:27 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

I have a couple of questions. First, how wet did the engine and engine compartment get when you were driving it? Also, is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear?

Next, chances are either spark or fuel is lost. My first guess is spark to the plugs. Here is what I want you to try. See if the engine starts for a couple of seconds and then stalls if you use starting fluid. If it does, then we know its fuel related. If there is absolutely no change, then suspect ignition spark. Here is a link explaining how to test for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Try this and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2022 AT 9:57 PM
Tiny
EMOORE30
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  • 7 POSTS
So, I tried to turn it on. Still turning. Not catching. I can now smell gas, which I am assuming my engine is flooded.
Video (Click to make bigger)
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 6:37 AM
Tiny
EMOORE30
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I had a better video because it made some type of noise, but I didn't realize I had to take the video within the reply. My husband refuses to take the spark plug out because he says the car overheated so it would make it hard to take out.
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 6:40 AM
Tiny
EMOORE30
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
So, my husband got it started but it is now smoking out of the tailpipe. Any ideas?
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 7:17 AM
Tiny
EMOORE30
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
So back to square 1. It won't start again. Maybe a cracked head or gasket?
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 10:59 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

What color was the smoke from the exhaust? Also, if you are smelling fuel when cranking, it's not getting spark.

Listening to it in the video, it doesn't sound out of the ordinary.

Let me know about the smoke. That will tell me a lot.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
EMOORE30
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It is white smoke.
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 11:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
If it was white, that indicates coolant is getting into the combustion chamber. You likely have a bad head gasket. Take a look through this link and check as many of the things it indicates to see if there is evidence:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know what you find. However, if you have heavy white smoke, this is like what happened.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
EMOORE30
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
So, I was wondering if it is possible to use the BlueDevil Pour-N-Go Head Gasket Sealer instead of the regular one. It seems like there are a lot of steps with the original one to perform. My husband is semi-competent with auto mechanics but taking out the thermostat and flushing everything out like with the original Blue Devil Head Gasket Sealer requires may be a little too much for him. Also, how long will this last. I will eventually take it to an auto repair shop to get it professionally repaired. Thank you thus far for all of your help.
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Sunday, June 26th, 2022 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that it failed the first time really makes me question how long it would last if you do it again. As far as flushing the system, it really isn't hard. Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

The sealer you mentioned above, Blue Devil, is supposed to be one of the best. However, I can't say how long it would last. There are so many variables. I hope you understand.

As far as flushing the cooling system, I would be happy to help if you have questions.

Let me know what you decide and if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, June 26th, 2022 AT 9:19 PM

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