Overheating

Tiny
CHARLIE RED
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
What causes engine to overheat?
Saturday, February 14th, 2009 AT 12:41 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

There are several reasons of why an engine can overheat. It could be due to having low coolant, a stuck closed thermostat, bad radiator, faulty water pump, contaminated coolant or having blockage in the cooling system. It can also overheat due to inoperative cooling fans.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-an-overheating-engine

Any time the engine overheats it is best to look at the basics first. Make sure that the coolant is at the correct level, and it is in good condition. Excessive gunk buildup in the cooling system can overheat the engine.

Check to see if your radiator fans are coming on. Inoperative cooling fans can be due to a bad fan relay. It can also be due to bad wiring or malfunctioning fan motor.
Checking the relay should be the first step.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Next item needs to be checked is the thermostat. If the thermostat fails at stuck closed position the engine can overheat very fast.
One way to check it is if there is a noticeable temperature difference between the upper and lower radiator hose. This will also make one of the hose hard and other softer.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Thursday, November 11th, 2021 AT 2:28 PM

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