How hot is too hot - overheating V8 ?

[3onTree]

Gents last year I owned an SV6 SIDI Sportswagon, and it performed like a trooper. No hassles no issues, NEVER got hot regardless of traffic or outside temp. In short what I have come to expect from a modern car. This year I have upgraded to an SSV and put on the Walkinshaw power pack - all sweet, found my new love. However on one of my runs into the city, I got the animation message that the engine was hot. I saw the temp needle on H. I pulled the auto selector out of sports shift and it immediately came down to normal. I noticed again tonight again heading across the city, the engine temp climb past half way quite quickly and drop all of a sudden. I checked out the manual and these movements of the temp gauge (hitting but not staying on H) are said to be normal in traffic. The car has only ever spent a few seconds on the hot side. Its hard to tell nowadays what the temp gauge is really telling you because I know Holden calibrate the gauges to stay pretty steady, keeping the customers calm and happy. On an old eight I'd be diving for the thermostat thinking it was too hot or sticky. No evidence of other issues, coolant right, oil is right, engine seems to be running fine.
Any V8 drivers experience engine temp gauge heading towards H in traffic? Or any difference in engine temp depending on if the auto is in sports shift? Car goes in for 3000km look over next week, would appreciate your experience to take to that conversation.

[HEXEM]

I use to see it climb slightly toward half when sitting at the light of in heavy traffic. They (Holden) did a software update for my instrument cluster and now it sit steady a bit over where it would sit when crusing at 80 or 100kph.. It had never gone close to halfway or over. I'd say either an issue with software or engine temp sensor..

Book it in danno!! hehe, sorry.. Just to be safe, Are you dual fans cutting in and staying on longer than normal? this could indicate and issue with the engine temp sensor (thermostat).

[3onTree]

Thanks HEXEM. Yeah the fans fire up, I can hear them. I am a bit concerned Holden will point to the Walkinshaw bits on the car and just blame that. I read an earlier post from a V8 owner who experienced engine heating issues after doing a cold air intake mod. My car has the Walky air intake, 2.5 catback and retune. Maybe I'll give them a call first. I got the driveline warranty from Walkinshaw so I'll see what they say.

[MPRSSV]

Thanks HEXEM. Yeah the fans fire up, I can hear them. I am a bit concerned Holden will point to the Walkinshaw bits on the car and just blame that. I read an earlier post from a V8 owner who experienced engine heating issues after doing a cold air intake mod. My car has the Walky air intake, 2.5 catback and retune. Maybe I'll give them a call first. I got the driveline warranty from Walkinshaw so I'll see what they say.

Warranty shouldn't be a problem between Holden and Walkinshaw......... Any other brand and I'd say you would have a fight on your hands...

As for you issue, sorry I can't help - My temp gauge sits at about 1/3 of the way up and doesnt move from there regardless of driving style - Will be interesting to see what happens so keep us posted

+1 to book it in ASAP!!!

Cheers
Chris

[IMCRZY]

If you put it into engineering on the cluster you can see the temp in a digital read out... if it goes excessively high id be getting it checked out ASAP

[WogBoyz]

Yeah mines never gone over a quarter and thats been in stop start traffic in the heat and humidity up here, id get it checked out

[SSV Redline]

Also running the SSV and have no engine temp problems. Sat in traffic last night for 45 minutes on the Riverside expressway compliments of a VT taking a nap in the centre lane and two rubber neckers kissing bumpers in the nearby inner lane. Get it checked out

[shdai]

Thanks HEXEM. Yeah the fans fire up, I can hear them. I am a bit concerned Holden will point to the Walkinshaw bits on the car and just blame that. I read an earlier post from a V8 owner who experienced engine heating issues after doing a cold air intake mod. My car has the Walky air intake, 2.5 catback and retune. Maybe I'll give them a call first. I got the driveline warranty from Walkinshaw so I'll see what they say.

hey m8 yea that was probably me u were refering to about engine temp problems after installing my VCM CAI...its not my engine temp peaking its more the oil temp. engine temp always stays constant.

[3onTree]

hey m8 yea that was probably me u were refering to about engine temp problems after installing my VCM CAI...its not my engine temp peaking its more the oil temp. engine temp always stays constant.

yeah it was your post I was thinking of and yeah had I it wrong.... clutching at straws (i better read that thread again). The Redline is going in on Monday. I'll let you all know what Booran have to say. Hope its just a dodgey sensor and not a crack somewhere....

[3onTree]

Took the SSV in today to check the issue. Booran Cheltenham sorted it. Turns out a faulty radiator cap was preventing pressure build up in the radiator most of the coolant wasn't getting into the radiator it was just sitting in the overflow. Fresh coolant and a new cap plus an update of IQ was performed and not a mention of the Walkinshaw parts - which is a relief. So all good now.

[HEXEM]

What Walky bits do you have... How about some photos of the new SSV in the my ride section? Or am I way behind and they are already there.... Wouldn't be the first time!!!

Cheers
Phil

[3onTree]

What Walky bits do you have... How about some photos of the new SSV in the my ride section? Or am I way behind and they are already there.... Wouldn't be the first time!!!

Cheers
Phil

Gday Phil
Walky bits are only the Power Pack which is the 2.5 inch stainless exhaust, cold air intake and a remap of the ECU. I feed the car Premium now (Walkinshaw recommend it now with the new fuel map). I am eyeing off the Supercharger and 3 inch bi modal exhaust. Next car will get that, but be more focused, sedan, manual and setup to do some track work.
cheers mate!