Overheated and now will not start?

Tiny
SYNFREEMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 KIA OPTIMA
  • 2.7L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 132,000 MILES
I was driving and the car started smoking and overheating as I was going over a bridge so as soon as I made it to the top, I put it in N and let it coast down to the shoulder. It didn't make it all the way to the top of the red, it just barely touched it when I put it in N then the engine cut off. I replaced the radiator cause it seemed to have blown (there was coolant all over the radiator and other parts). I went to start the car after replacing the radiator and everything turned on, but I got zero start response. About a month ago I put Barr's Leak Head Gasket sealant in to protect the engine, I didn't have a leak then and still don't see one from the engine. Also, the battery cable felt really hot after attempting to start it. So, I unplugged both battery cables and let it sit 24 hours, came out to check and it's doing the same thing, no change. Why won't my car start? Did the battery also go out? It's bday is 8/20. Or do I need to leave it unplugged for longer to reset?
Friday, October 21st, 2022 AT 4:43 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
Hi,

I read through everything you listed. My primary concern is the battery cables getting hot. When you try to start the engine, is there a click or anything from the starter?

Also, are you able to turn the engine by hand using a breaker bar and socket on the crankshaft pulley center bolt?

As far as the battery, if the terminals get hot, something is drawing a lot of power. My concern is the engine may have locked.

Let me know if the starter clicks when you try starting it. Also, let me know if you can turn the engine by hand.

Take care,

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, October 21st, 2022 AT 10:03 PM
Tiny
SYNFREEMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I don't have the means to turn the engine manually. When I turn the key, I hear everything power up, I'm just getting nothing from the engine when I try to start it. It doesn't even try to turn over.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 AT 5:20 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
Hi,

Okay. Is it possible for you to record what is happening and upload it for me to see and hear?

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
SYNFREEMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I'm replacing the starter, but I can't figure out how to get to the top bolt. How do I do that?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
Hi,

Before starting, make sure the battery negative terminal is disconnected.

Have you removed the heat shield over the starter? As far as the upper mount, that has a nut on the opposite side of the starter. It's one of those wonderful things we do blindly. I use a deep well socket and fit it over the nut. Once I do that, I feed a wobble extension/ratchet on to the socket and can remove it.

Keep in mind, there is a third mount at the rear of the starter motor.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 AT 6:03 PM
Tiny
SYNFREEMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sorry so late. Yeah, I got the starter replaced but it still wouldn't crank. I was finally able to get a good flashlight and I saw that the problem was a rod that blew through the engine a few inches above the starter. So, my engine is definitely blown, and I have to get a new one. Thank you for all your help and speedy responses.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 AT 6:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
Hi,

Before you purchase a different engine, do me a favor. Contact a Kia dealership and see if there were any recalls related to this happening. I know there were issues with the 2.4L 4 cylinder that prompted engine replacement and an extended warranty period. Maybe you will get lucky and there is something or at least some assistance for you.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 AT 6:36 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
In­struc­tional re­pair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have iden­ti­fied the top prob­lems that are eas­ily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the re­pair garage or call­ing a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE