If you’re driving your vehicle and a message appears that says your vehicle’s motor coolant over temperature, then you have a problem with the cooling system. It could be because of radiator problems, a clogged coolant hose, or a faulty water pump.
What Does it Mean When the Coolant is Over Temperature?
We rely on the coolant system in our vehicles to protect the engine and keep it at an optimal temperature. However, if issues arise with the coolant system, it is possible that the coolant cannot lower the temperature of the engine. If the coolant cannot lower the temperature of the engine, do not be surprised when the engine overheats.
So what causes coolant to heat too far or to go over temperature? There are three main reasons a coolant can heat to a temperature that is far too high. Those reasons are a clogged coolant hose, a faulty water pump, or issues with the radiator.
Radiator Problems
The purpose of the radiator in the coolant system is to help remove heat from the engine. The coolant goes through the radiator and the radiator releases the heat from the coolant so the coolant can cool back down.
You will know if the issue has to do with the radiator when the color of the coolant changes. The color of healthy fresh coolant is usually bright green or bright blue or a mix of green and blue. But when the coolant hose clubs, it can change to a murky brown color. The color change may result from rust on the inside of the coolant system.
It can also be that the radiator is leaking coolant. Heat should escape from the radiator, but the coolant should not leak out. The cost to fix a coolant leak from a radiator is about 500 to $700. This includes the parts required to fix the radiator and the labor of the mechanic.
A Faulty Water Pump
The water pump moves the coolant through the coolant hoses and system. The water pump can break or corrode. If it corrodes, then the liquid coolant will creep through the coolant system.
This means that not only will the coolant stay in hot areas of the engine for a longer time, but it will also capture so much heat that cannot cool to a cool temperature after it passes through the radiator. The heat from the engine will stay trapped in the coolant and it cannot capture any more heat from the engine.
One obvious sign that will tell you if the issue is the water pump hearing aid is an extremely high-pitched whining noise coming from your engine. That is the sound of the pump trying to push the coolant into the system, but the bearings are worn out.
The cost to repair a broken water pump depends on the type of water pump and how much damage it has experienced. In some cases, it is better to replace the water pump completely.
A typical water pump costs between $200 and $350. You may end up paying over $550 to repair a water pump. If it is around the same price to replace your broken water pump with a new water pump, then that is the better option.
The Coolant Hose is Clogged
It is the coolant hose that transports the hot liquid to the radiator so the coolant can cool. If the coolant hose is clogged, then the coolant, which has heat trapped within it, cannot cool. The hot coolant will return to the coolant system and heat the surrounding liquid.
You will know if the coolant hose is clogged or if the hose is hot when you touch it. Your mechanic will find which coolant hose is clogged and unclog it. You’ll be happy to hear that unclogging a coolant hose shouldn’t cost more than $50.
How Does The Coolant System Work in an Engine?
We enjoy the feeling of cold air blasting through the A/C vents. The A/C helps lower the temperature in the vehicle’s cabin. It prevents us from sweating through our clothes and stinking up the car.
Well, every automobile has a cooling system of its own and it is known as the coolant system. The purpose of the coolant system is to absorb and trap heat from hot parts of the engine in the coolant fluid. Then a pump transports the hot liquid to the radiator.
Then, the hot coolant then releases the heat, and the heat can dissipate into the air. The coolant will cool down and return to the primary cooling system to be pumped through the engine again.
The purpose of the coolant system is to maintain the heat inside the engine to 115°. This is the optimal temperature that will allow the engine to run without damage. Any higher and it is possible that the motor oil might move too fast through the many components and not lubricate them correctly.
Also, if the temperature were higher than 115°, the friction between the many components in the engine might cause a spark. Without the coolant system, we could not drive our automobiles, as they would overheat nearly every time we turn them on.
Quick Tip:
If you haven’t flushed your vehicle’s radiator in 3 years, maybe time to do so. A vehicle should have the coolant and the radiator flushed every 30,000 miles or at least every 5 years. It is better to flush your vehicle radiator every 3 years. 5 years is also acceptable. You will know you will need a radiator flush when you smell the scent of maple syrup coming from your engine or your engine has overheated when it didn’t before.
Conclusion
If a coolant hose is clogged, then unclogging the hose will fix the issue. Without the coolant system, the engine would become too hot to work. Also, your vehicle’s computer system will alert you if the engine is too hot. This warning will let you know if the coolant is not doing its job.
