If you’re having engine overheating issues, several things could be causing it. From loose belts and hoses to a cracked radiator or leaking water pump, an overworked engine has many potential causes. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of engine overheating in heavy-duty trucks and how to determine if your vehicle suffers from any of them.
Loose belts and hoses
Loose belts and hoses can cause overheating. This common issue can be hard to detect, but it’s essential to check your belts and hoses regularly. If your truck’s engine is running hot and you notice that the belt is loose or missing, this could be the culprit of your overheating problem. Make sure all of your belts are securely fastened so they don’t come off while driving down the road.
Hoses are an often overlooked part of any vehicle because they’re usually hidden behind panels or under other engine bay components. However, if one of these rubber tubes becomes damaged or cracked over time (due to age), it will allow coolant fluid out, leading directly back to our main topic: overheating engines.
Cracked radiator and leaking water pump
A cracked radiator and a leaking water pump are the most common causes of engine overheating in heavy-duty trucks. Remove the cap from your truck’s radiator to check for a cracked radiator, and look inside for signs of damage or corrosion. If you see any cracks, it’s best to have your vehicle towed immediately to an auto shop that can replace it before any further damage occurs, and make sure they clean out all of the old coolants too.
To check for a leaking water pump, start by looking underneath your hood at all four corners of the engine block. This is where you will be able to find the cooling system. If there are pools of moisture forming around these areas, it may be time for some new hoses. The good news: if this happens before you’ve driven too far away from the home base (or wherever else), then simply removing one side panel should allow enough access so that repairs can be made without needing professional assistance from experts.
Low coolant level
A low coolant level is a common cause of overheating in heavy-duty trucks. The coolant needs to be at the correct level for your vehicle to operate properly and prevent damage from overheating. Checking your engine’s coolant levels regularly is essential because they can go down quickly if you don’t pay attention, especially during hot weather or when you’re driving long distances on bumpy roads.
You can check them with a dipstick that comes with most vehicles; just unscrew it from its place under the hood and dip it into the radiator fluid (also known as antifreeze). If there’s not enough liquid in there, add more until you reach the correct amount but only use distilled water instead of tap water unless specifically instructed otherwise by your manufacturer.
Coolant leak
Coolant leaks are the most common cause of engine overheating in heavy-duty trucks. Check for coolant leaks in the engine compartment, radiator, heater core, and water pump. If there is a coolant leak, you will need to address it before you fix anything else. Then you can make sure that you don’t waste coolant unnecessarily.
Failed thermostat
The thermostat is a device that regulates the temperature of the coolant in your engine. It does this by opening and closing as necessary, allowing more or less coolant into your radiator, depending on whether it’s hot or cold outside. When it fails, you’ll notice that your engine runs hot all the time, even at low speeds or while idling, and may even have trouble starting up if the heat builds up too much inside. To check whether your thermostat needs replacement:
You can remove the thermostat and check it as well. Set it down on a flat surface so that both sides are level with each other; then hold them together firmly with one hand while using another hand to gently push against one side until they separate slightly from each other (this will allow air bubbles within them to escape). Even if no air bubbles appear after doing this several times over several minutes, replace them anyway because air pockets can cause problems later on down the road if left unchecked. However, it is better to hire expert assistance for it.
Blocked bypass hose
The bypass hose is a small hose that connects the thermostat housing to the engine block. If this hose becomes blocked, it can cause overheating. To check for a blocked bypass hose, remove the thermostat housing and inspect the hose for obstructions.
Corroded or cracked heater core
The heater core is a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the engine coolant to the passenger compartment. A corroded or cracked heater core can cause engine overheating by restricting the flow of coolant through its passages, which reduces efficiency and increases friction on moving parts such as pistons, valves, and bearings.
If you suspect your truck’s heating system has failed due to a faulty heater core, then we recommend having it inspected by a professional mechanic who can diagnose any issues with your vehicle’s cooling system before replacing any parts or making repairs.
A Final Word
Now you know the most common factors that can lead to engine overheating in your heavy-duty truck. If you see smoke coming from your engine while driving or when parked, stop immediately and let the truck cool off before continuing on with your journey. Then you need to contact a heavy-duty truck repair shop and ask for help.