* Head Gasket Failure: This is the most likely culprit. Overheating can cause the head gasket to fail, leading to:
* Loss of Compression: Coolant leaking into the cylinders will severely reduce compression.
* Fuel Issues: If coolant is mixing with the oil, it can contaminate the fuel system, preventing proper fuel delivery. A severely damaged head gasket might also allow coolant to enter areas that interfere with fuel pump operation.
* Engine Seizing: The combination of coolant in the cylinders and the overheating itself can cause the engine to seize (lock up) due to damage to pistons, cylinder walls, or connecting rods.
* Warped Cylinder Head or Cracked Block: The intense heat from the overheating could have warped the cylinder head, making it impossible to achieve proper sealing with the head gasket. In more severe cases, the engine block itself might have cracked, leading to coolant leaks and loss of compression.
* Damaged Pistons or Connecting Rods: The intense heat can cause pistons to seize in the cylinders or damage connecting rods. This would directly lead to a locked-up engine and loss of compression.
* Fuel Pump Failure (Indirectly Related): While less likely to be the *primary* cause, the overheating could have damaged the fuel pump or its electrical components indirectly. The intense heat could have damaged wiring or melted nearby plastic parts, impacting the fuel system.
What you should NOT do:
* Try to start the engine: Attempting to crank a seized engine will likely cause further and potentially irreparable damage.
What you SHOULD do:
* Tow the vehicle to a mechanic: This is not a DIY repair. The damage is likely extensive and requires professional diagnosis and repair.
* Do not attempt to add any fluids (coolant, oil, etc.) until a mechanic has assessed the situation.
The repair could range from a relatively inexpensive head gasket replacement (if the damage is limited) to a complete engine rebuild or replacement (if the block or other major components are damaged). A professional mechanic will need to inspect the engine to determine the extent of the damage and provide an accurate repair quote.
