Engine not starting after overheating

KIASPORT

MEMBER
2000 KIA SPORTAGE
2.0L
4 CYL
138,000 MILES

Engine almost starts up. Engine overheated unknowingly by the driver. Driver assumed it was smoke from another issue with the truck and not steam but pulled over upon seeing the steam. Engine now won't start but almost does. After it overheated initially unsure of how long it was in an overheated state but driver did claim she pulled over right away upon site of the steam. Then SUV truck was moved about 5 miles a day later by a ignorant female friend to get it off highway. Then truck was moved another roughly 5 miles more the next day to complete the mission getting the truck off the highway. Unsure if water or radiator fluid was added to truck prior to the 2 additional moves after the initial overheating.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,740 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like you are aware the cylinder head may have been warped or the head gasket blown. If you add coolant now, are there any leaks? When cranking the engine, does it sound normal or is it turning faster than normal?

Do me a favor. Record the engine cranking and upload it for me to hear. I may be able to tell if there is an issue.

Under normal circumstances, I would ask you if the engine was getting spark and fuel. In this case, I think I'm going to suggest checking engine compression unless you feel confident it sounds the same when cranking as it did before the issue. If there is a head gasket or head damage issue, you will likely find one or more cylinders with much lower compression.

Here is a link that explains how to test engine compression:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions and the manufacturer's specs are included in the directions.

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2000 Kia Truck Sportage 4WD 2Dr L4-2.0L
Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Vehicle Powertrain Management Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks Compression Check Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics
COMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS
INSPECTION
1. Check that the battery is fully charged.
2. Recharge if necessary.
3. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.
4. Turn the engine off and wait about 10 minutes to allow the exhaust manifold to cool.
5. Remove the spark plugs and inspect.

pic 1

6. Connect a compression gauge to the No. 1 spark plug hole.
7. Starting with the compression gauge at zero, fully depress the accelerator pedal and crank the engine for about 10 seconds.
8. Record the maximum gauge reading.
9. Check the compression at each cylinder.

NOTICE: The maximum difference in compression between cylinders should be 26 psi (196 kPa).

Normal compression: 164 psi (1,128 kPa)
Minimum compression: 114 psi (790 kPa)

10. If the compression in one or more cylinders is low, pour a small amount (about one tablespoon) of engine oil into the cylinder and recheck the compression.
a. If the compression increases, the piston, the piston rings or the cylinder wall may be worn.
b. If the compression remains low, a valve may be stuck or seated improperly.
c. If the compression in adjacent cylinders remains low, the cylinder head gasket may be defective or the cylinder head distorted.

pic 2

11. Re-install the spark plugs.

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Let me know. Also, if you feel it sounds normal when cranking, check to see if there is spark and fuel to the engine. Here are a couple of links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

A really easy to check for spark and fuel is to simply see if the engine starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then we know the problem is fuel related. If it still doesn't even try to start, it is likely missing ignition spark.

Let me know.

Joe

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