The engines in industrial vehicles overheat for various reasons. You can prevent serious engine damage by learning to recognize the causes of overheating and having your vehicle’s gaskets, radiator, or thermostat repaired. Check out this list of five overheating causes.

5 Reasons Industrial Engines Overheat

1. Coolant Leak

Coolant prevents the heat of an engine from rising above a designated temperature. It runs through a series of tubes joined by gaskets. A gasket leak reduces the flow of coolant and increases the likelihood of overheating. If you see a visible puddle of coolant beneath your vehicle, you likely have a leak.

2. Malfunctioning Radiator

The purpose of a radiator is to cool the coolant as it makes its way through an engine. If the radiator is blocked or has a leak, heat gets trapped, causing the temperature to rise and the engine to overheat. 

3. Broken Thermostat

The thermostat determines when an engine needs cooling. If a vehicle is getting too hot, the thermostat opens a valve to release coolant. When your vehicle’s thermostat is stuck in an open or shut position, comes apart, or breaks, it won’t function correctly and may delay coolant release, thus causing overheating.

4. Defective Fan Belt

A damaged fan belt will prevent fans from pulling cool air through the radiator. The consequences of a damaged fan belt may be imperceptible while driving, as the speed of your vehicle will push air through the radiator. However, as you slow or stop, the engine may overheat.

5. Bad Water Pump

Because the water pump regulates the amount of coolant flowing through an engine, your engine may overheat when it malfunctions. If the pump is broken or worn, you’ll see steam rise under the hood or hear a whining noise when you accelerate.

If your industrial vehicle needs radiator repair, reach out to the experts at American Radiator. Located in St. Louis, MO, they have 65 years of combined experience and offer an array of services, including industrial radiator repairs, customized part fabrication, and DPF cleaning. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (314) 725-3357 to speak with a technician today.