Overheated and now will not start?

SYNFREEMAN

MEMBER
2004 KIA OPTIMA
2.7L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
132,000 MILES

I was driving and the car started smoking and overheating as I was going over a bridge so as soon as I made it to the top, I put it in N and let it coast down to the shoulder. It didn't make it all the way to the top of the red, it just barely touched it when I put it in N then the engine cut off. I replaced the radiator cause it seemed to have blown (there was coolant all over the radiator and other parts). I went to start the car after replacing the radiator and everything turned on, but I got zero start response. About a month ago I put Barr's Leak Head Gasket sealant in to protect the engine, I didn't have a leak then and still don't see one from the engine. Also, the battery cable felt really hot after attempting to start it. So, I unplugged both battery cables and let it sit 24 hours, came out to check and it's doing the same thing, no change. Why won't my car start? Did the battery also go out? It's bday is 8/20. Or do I need to leave it unplugged for longer to reset?

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

I read through everything you listed. My primary concern is the battery cables getting hot. When you try to start the engine, is there a click or anything from the starter?

Also, are you able to turn the engine by hand using a breaker bar and socket on the crankshaft pulley center bolt?

As far as the battery, if the terminals get hot, something is drawing a lot of power. My concern is the engine may have locked.

Let me know if the starter clicks when you try starting it. Also, let me know if you can turn the engine by hand.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, October 21st, 2022 AT 10:03 PM

SYNFREEMAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I don't have the means to turn the engine manually. When I turn the key, I hear everything power up, I'm just getting nothing from the engine when I try to start it. It doesn't even try to turn over.

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Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 AT 5:20 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Okay. Is it possible for you to record what is happening and upload it for me to see and hear?

Joe

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Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 AT 9:32 PM

SYNFREEMAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I'm replacing the starter, but I can't figure out how to get to the top bolt. How do I do that?

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Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 AT 11:27 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Before starting, make sure the battery negative terminal is disconnected.

Have you removed the heat shield over the starter? As far as the upper mount, that has a nut on the opposite side of the starter. It's one of those wonderful things we do blindly. I use a deep well socket and fit it over the nut. Once I do that, I feed a wobble extension/ratchet on to the socket and can remove it.

Keep in mind, there is a third mount at the rear of the starter motor.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe