Over Heat

What can make an engine overheat
Overheating is caused by anything that leads to a loss of coolant, prevents the cooling system from getting rid of heat, or causes excess heat in the engine itself:

· Coolant leaks (water pump, radiator, heater core, hoses, freeze plugs, head gasket, engine internal).

· Weak radiator cap (does not hold rated pressure and allows coolant to boilover). Pressure test the cap to check it out.

· Cooling system clogged (deposits built up in radiator or in engine due to maintenance neglect or use of hard water). Use a cleaner, then reverse flush the system to clean it out. A badly-clogged radiator may need to be rodded out or replaced.

· Thermostat stuck shut (replace).

· Inoperative electric cooling fan (check fan motor, relay and temperature switch for correct operation).

· Bad fan clutch (replace if slipping, leaking or loose).

· Missing fan shroud (reduces cooling efficiency of fan).

· Slipping fan belt (tighten or replace).

· Too low or too high a concentration of antifreeze (should be 50/50 for best cooling).

· Bad water pump (impeller eroded or loose - replace pump).

· Collapsed radiator hose (check lower hose).

· Debris in the radiator (remove bugs and dirt).

· Late ignition timing (reset to specs).

· Restricted exhaust system (check intake vacuum readings and inspect converter, muffler and pipes).

· Radiator and/or fan undersized for application (increase cooling power by installing larger radiator and/or auxiliary cooling fan).