Your diesel engine needs to stay at a reasonable temperature to work properly. An engine overheating causes reduced performance or a complete failure, resulting in a replacement. If you find your diesel engine overheating it is possible to diagnose the problem and get everything running again. Discover some of the reasons for engine overheating in boats and some helpful engine overheating troubleshooting tips.

Causes of Industrial Diesel Engines Overheating

A diesel engine overheating can happen often because it can’t effectively manage heat. To find the causes of overheating, check for issues such as:

Coolant level and quality: If your coolant level is too low, pockets of air can get into your cooling system and create air bubbles. Engine temperatures will start to fluctuate, overheating your diesel engine. The quality of your coolant is also important, as it should match what you’ve previously used in your engine. Follow your operations manual if you’re not sure what to use.

Faulty temperature gauge: Sometimes a faulty temperature gauge, sensor or thermostat can seem like an engine overheating. You should replace your gauge and check your engine again to make sure everything’s working. Check out our gauges and sensors if you find you need a replacement.

A malfunctioning fan drive: A fan drive that isn’t working correctly can block air flow to your radiator core. This issue will cause the coolant to stop cooling to the proper temperature differential, which will cause overheated engine damage.

Loose drive belts: A loose fan drive belt can also reduce coolant flow. While checking your fan drive belts, you should also look at your water pump. A malfunctioning water pump belt will also cause diesel engine overheating.

Check all parts of your engine and cooling system thoroughly to find the cause of your overheated engine. You can also get help from a trained mechanic.

What Happens When an Engine Overheats?

When an engine stays overheated for an extended time, it can cause permanent damage to the surrounding parts and systems. Overheating can harm parts such as the:

1. Cylinder head

2. Seals and gaskets

3. Head gasket

4. Pistons and piston rings

5. Water pump

6. Spark plug

7. Cylinder bore

Once your engine reaches a temperature above the temperature gauge, it starts to cause damage. You need to turn everything off when the engine overheats to avoid permanent diesel engine overheating damage.

How Do I Identify Marine Diesel Engine Overheating?

If you have a diesel engine overheating, you have different causes to consider. The potential problems behind an overheated marine diesel engine include:

1. Mixing elbow corrosion

2. Scale in the heat exchanger

3. Seawater filter blockage

4. Loss of drive belt tension

5. Freshwater tank leakage

6. System blockage from a broken impeller

7. Delamination (layer separation) inside engine hoses

8. Trapped air

Some causes, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, overlap with other engine overheating causes. Examining the engine and cooling system can help you figure out where the issue began.

Find a Reliable Diesel Engine Replacement at Diesel Pro Power

Diesel Pro Power can help you find a replacement for your overheated engine. Take a look at our Detroit Diesel and cummins diesel engine parts and marine parts or  contact our team online for more information.