Engine overheating when idling

IRONMAN1961

MEMBER
2013 FORD FUSION
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

I have a strange issue with the coolant overheating. Once the engine reaches operating temperature, sitting at a stoplight causes over temperature warning. If I run the engine at a slightly higher RPMs (2,000-3,000 RPMs) the temperature drops down to normal which doesn't make sense. I would think higher RPMs would create more heat. I had to replace the engine due to being taken across by a Ford dealer in my area. The replacement engine had new water pump and timing belt.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Basically, by raising the RPMs then you are spinning the engine faster and that is spinning the water pump faster.

We should start by checking the level of the coolant and make sure it is not low.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

If it is not low, then we should also check the system for leaks by making sure it holds pressure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

If all these check out, then you have a water pump issue or there is a restriction in the system.

For this we need to use a laser temperature meter and find out if there are any hot spots in the cooling system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-infrared-temperature-meter

Let's check all this info and go from there.

Thanks