Engine temperature is one of several ship statistics and reflects how hot the ship's engine is.
Engine temperature rises when upon using the Full Power! ship ability. Ships moving at maximum normal speed have an Engine temperature of 200 degrees, while ships moving at Full Power! may approach 400 degrees. Having engine temperature above 200 degrees while also having the Peculiar Noises status effect may trigger the fire! event if you do not have a Caminus Yards Avid Suppressor equipped.