Engine will not start after it overheated?

2002 FORD EXPLORER
13,500 MILES • 2WD
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RICK LACOMB
Was driving when it started knocking then lost power and engine shut off, temperature gauge was just the halfway but when the radiator cap was losing steam blow out allow it to cool down until the next morning. When trying to start all it does is spin over it sounds like it doesn't have any compression. Any idea on where or what to start with?
Jan 27, 2025 at 4:05 AM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,503 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Chances are the engine is no good, overheated to the point that the cylinder walls are scored, and the engine has lost compression. Here is a guide to help you see what's going on and what to look for:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-an-overheating-engine

If you upload a short video of the engine cranking over, I can tell for sure what's going on.

Jan 27, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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