Engine overheat

[5-in-50]

It should be possible to cruise an aircraft at a reasonable altitude with the radiator flaps fully closed. The combination of high speed and moderate power (AND low temperatures in the simulated region) will allow for sufficient cooling.

All I manage in any CoD aircraft is a ruined engine 20 seconds into a 'Quick Flight' if I forget to immediately open the Radiator Flaps.

To the OP: The issue you describe could also be related to your propeller pitch setting and the speed you travel. You can overspeed your propeller in a dive and effectively cause the engine to cycle so fast that it shakes/burns to oblivion.

Pitch control in a dogfight is half the battle - Keep the RPM below the red line at all times