Excavator Overheating Problem: Signs, Reasons and Troubleshooting Guide

Excavator overheating usually causes the water tank to boil. The excavator will have insufficient power and work weakly. More seriously, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam from the water tank can cause burns and also trigger other machine malfunctions.

Engine overheating is a problem that every excavator driver has to deal with. Today, YUFAN will show you the typical manifestations, common causes, and the troubleshooting methods for engine overheating in excavators.

Engine overheating fault manifestations

1. Red alarm light for water temperature

2. Excessive temperature of exhaust pipe

3. For some models, the engine automatically reduces speed and limits power (high-temperature protection)

4. The radiator boils over, and when the engine hood is opened, steam can be seen coming from the radiator

5. There is a burnt smell and a high-temperature smell in the engine compartment

6. The vehicle’s movements become slower and its response becomes sluggish

Reasons for overheating of excavator engine

1. Clogged water circulation path.

2. Thermostat malfunction.

3. Long-term high-load operation of the engine.

4. Adjusted ignition timing too late.

5. Damaged water pump; this causes the overheating fault of the excavator engine.

6. Blocked ventilation hole of the liquid storage tank; it can also cause the overheating fault of the excavator engine.

7. Insufficient cooling water volume.

8. Fault of the fan motor.

Troubleshooting method for overheating of excavator engine

1. Check the fan motor or the motor control part.

2. Inspect, remove or replace the thermostat.

3. Check the circulation water path and the upper and lower parts of the radiator. If the temperature difference is too large and the thermostat fault has been eliminated, it can be determined that there is an obstruction of foreign matter in the water path; during maintenance, be careful not to get burned by hot water.

4. Check and open the ventilation hole of the liquid storage tank.

5. Pay attention to adding the appropriate amount of cooling water and be cautious of the loss of coolant.

6. Prevent the engine from working under high load for a long time, which is beneficial for preventing the engine from overheating and extending its service life.

7. Adjust the ignition timing angle of the engine to the correct position. The ignition timing angle should not be too delayed.

8. Check the drive belt of the water pump or replace the water pump.

Avoid making incorrect operations

Engine overheating often occurs in hot summer days. However, this problem can also appear in the cold weather.

The main reason is the problem of the engine’s cooling system. For example, if the water temperature sensor, radiator, water pump, fan have problems, then engine overheating will be caused easily. Therefore, it is also normal for the excavator to get overheated in winter.

For excavator overheating, many beginners may not know the correct handling method. Most of them adopted incorrect methods to cool down the engine, which led to engine sticking, cylinder explosion, or burn injuries due to improper operation. The consequences were very serious.

So, YUFAN summarized several common incorrect handling methods for the excavator overheating problem. We hope everyone can realize the severity of incorrect operation and avoid its recurrence.

1. Immediately stop the machine and turn off the engine

When the engine boils over, many people, in an attempt to cool it down, simply turn off the machine and stop its operation. This approach seems correct, but it is actually a big mistake. Because when the engine is overheated, the temperature inside the cylinder will be extremely high, and the piston, piston rings, and cylinder liner will be in an expanded state. Shutting off the engine and turning off the ignition will cause the engine to cool down slowly. At this time, there may be a phenomenon where the piston, piston rings, and cylinder liner stick together. If this happens, all these components need to be replaced, resulting in a considerable loss.

2. Give the engine a cold shower

Some people may think since the engine is so hot, pouring some cold water on it will solve the problem. YUFAN points out this method is also not advisable. When the engine is overheated, the temperature is naturally very high. Once cold water is poured on it, the engine will rapidly contract, and the body will deform, or even cause cylinder body or cylinder cover to explode. The severity of the consequences can be imagined. Therefore, this is an incorrect operation method.

3. Immediately open the water tank cover

When overheating occurs, some people will immediately choose to open the water tank cover to add water. This method is also not advisable. Because the high temperature of the engine will cause the water in the water tank to boil and generate a large amount of steam. At this time, the pressure in the water tank will be very high. If the water tank cover is opened, boiling water and steam will be sprayed out, easily causing burns to oneself and others. Therefore, this method is also incorrect.

4. Directly add coolant

Because the water temperature in the radiator is extremely high and there is steam at the same time, if coolant is added directly at this time, the liquid will heat up and generate a large amount of steam, causing the pressure to increase suddenly, and boiling water and steam will rush out rapidly. It is very likely to cause facial burns. So this method is very dangerous and it is really not worth it if it breaks the appearance.