Is your truck engine overheating? How do you know if it is? Intense wear and tear can be inflicted upon your vehicle by frequent, brief trips within close proximity (less than 10 miles). When you navigate through stop-and-go traffic on short drives, your truck’s engine is subjected to severe operating conditions. These conditions heighten the chances of your truck experiencing overheating problems if regular maintenance is not observed. This, combined with any of the major causes of truck engine overheating can cause you real delays and headaches. Here are three primary causes of truck engine overheating in medium-duty trucks:
The Most Common Causes of Truck Engine Overheating
It pays to know the signs and symptoms of an overheating truck engine. If you experience any of the following problems below, there is a good chance that an overheated engine is the issue:
1. Air Trapped in the System Engine
Coolant plays a vital role in regulating temperatures and whisking away heat from your medium-duty truck’s engine to be cooled in the radiator. However, whenever you work on any component of the cooling system, there is a possibility of air pockets forming. These pockets reduce the overall coolant volume in the system and hinder the optimal functioning of your engine cooling system.
This reduction ultimately results in the generation of excessive heat that cannot be effectively dissipated. It is crucial to ensure that all air is expelled from the system whenever you replace a cooling system part. Here are some tips on how to achieve that:
- After a complete drive heat cycle and engine cool down, double-check the coolant level.
- Frequently monitor the temperature gauge.
- Activate the heater during several trips to eliminate any air from the heater core.
- If applicable to your truck, open any bleeder valves after completing a cooling system repair.
- If the problem persists, it may be time to start considering the best options for medium-duty truck engine repair nearby. Take your truck to a reliable repair shop to safeguard your engine. Regular truck servicing can also help minimize the occurrence of cooling system failures.
2. Malfunctioning Thermostat
The thermostat plays a crucial role in maintaining engine temperatures within a safe range. A properly functioning thermostat does not fully close or open, ensuring optimal coolant flow.
On the other hand, a defective thermostat may get stuck in an open or closed position, causing excessive or no coolant flow. Both scenarios can lead to truck engine overheating, potentially resulting in engine damage like a blown head gasket due to the cylinder head(s) warping from excessive heat.
Avoid one of several common causes of truck engine overheating by taking proactive measures. Start considering where to find reliable engine repair services nearby like Pittsburgh Truck Center. Once you locate a qualified service center, have your thermostat replaced and secure the best expert engine repair available in your area.
3. Flawed Electric Cooling Fan
An electric cooling fan is affixed to your truck’s radiator. It activates when the engine reaches a specific temperature during idle or when coolant levels are inadequate to regulate the engine’s temperature within the predetermined operating range. When the cooling fan malfunctions, it fails to activate in these situations, causing the engine to overheat. Furthermore, other components like the thermostat, radiator, and cylinder head may be affected.
Truck Engine Overheating? Call Pittsburgh Truck Center
Whether you possess a single truck or an entire fleet, engine issues can be financially burdensome, particularly if left unattended. If you are experiencing your truck engine overheating, it is imperative not to take any chances. Prevent further wear and tear on your engine. Schedule a service appointment or head to Pittsburgh Truck Center, where we offer top-notch engine repair services and can fix any of the common causes of truck engine overheating.
