how long driving on overheating engine before damage

[Altiman94]

I've been experiencing overheating in my 240. To the point where the needle is on the top of the gauge. I was just wondering howlong it would takebefore that could ccause damage. I am currently searching for teh coolant leak to get this fixed. And, I do not drive around when my engine becomes this hot, I am just simply wondering out of pure curiousity.

[NISTECH]

depends on the engine life and maint history. go to autozone and loan a pressure tester and locate the leak. you may have a restricted radiator or a sticking t-stat too. are you seeing coolant on the ground?