HELP! - Overheating issue

[FATASS]

Hi All

So, I was jsut driving to get some lunch, was stuck at some lights & the engine hot warning came on. I pulled over for a few minutes and let it cool down, then drove another 2 minutes back to work.

By the time I got back to work I heard a hissing noise, popped the bonnet and found coolant leaking out - couldnt tell exactly where. Had to get back into office so locked her up and left.

its a pretty hot day ~30 degrees.

Im thinking that a hose has split due to heat? or could it be something worse like a blown radiator?

Any pointers would be appreciated. Will it be safe to drive once cool? Or should I call a tow truck?

[colgf]

You have probably got a split radiator side tank , these are plastic & best to replace with a new radiator , about $200 plus labour to fit, suggest you refill it when cooled down then take it drive carefully keep eye on warning light to nearest repair shop, not wise to drive it in this weather , could damage the engine /blow head gasket, etc etc .

[vk.jonno]

u needa try find where the leaks coming from...
like hoses..
if its a hose u can just replace it

[FATASS]

Thanks guys, its going to be a long afternoon...

Is there a specifit coolant I need to refill with?

[Sean880]

Thanks guys, its going to be a long afternoon...

Is there a specific coolant I need to refill with?

Yes for the V6 engine use Castrol "Anti-Freeze 350 Coolant Concentrate" which is the correct spec coolant and meets the Holden spec HN 2043. It's a concentrate to be diluted 50/50 mix with distilled/de-mineralised water (like Glendale distilled water). (Nulon also have a coolant concentrate product that meets Holden spec HN 2043 for the V6 engines. ) This coolant spec is covered in your owner's manual.
Don't use a product that does not comply and it is unwise to mix different brands of coolants (according to the manufacturers of these products).

When the leak problem is fixed flush the whole cooling system with water , fill with fresh coolant mix and ensure the system is well bled of air using the bleed screws. You should also purchase the coolant pellets from Holden and add these to the coolant when filling the system. You simply crush 3 of them into powder form in a plastic bag (with a hammer) and add it to the radiator fluid. (When filling the system don't forget to top up the overflow reservoir to the correct level. Preferably this reservoir should be removed and cleaned out). After flushing the system there will be some clear water remaining in the system so ensure you increase the coolant concentrate proportion to compensate for this. Otherwise the fluid mix will be too diluted.

[Burnout124]

Don't forget the thrermostat i cold be faulty and you should replace it if you have overheated your car.

[maccasparks]

I'd just fill it with water until you get the leak / problem sorted out then use the correct mix

Thanks guys, its going to be a long afternoon...

Is there a specifit coolant I need to refill with?

[FATASS]

Topped up with water and managed to get home - its definitely a crack in the radiator

Will get a quote on a new radiator tomorrow

Thanks for all the help lads!! This is why I love this forum

[colgf]

I'd just fill it with water until you get the leak / problem sorted out then use the correct mix

Not a problem , seeing you have to pull the radiator out you might as well change the hoses too , also try & buy a Heavy Duty radiator , they have a 16mm wide core instead of the piddly 11 mm standard core , not that much dearer either.

[FATASS]

Any recommendations on where to buy & brands?

Calsonic any good?

[Kingston_99]

PWR, it will never break again if you use them!!

[FATASS]

OK, so radiator is now replaced. But im noticing that the fan isn't coming on at all. (May have been why the radiator died in the first place)
When I switch the A/C on, the big fan works. But the smaller fan closer to the battery wont come on at all.

How can I diagnose where the problem is? I figure it could either be electrical or the fan motor is stuffed? Are they easy to replace?

Cheers!!

[Dr HaxZaw]

the fans will only come once the engine reaches a certain temp. im pretty sure the bigger one kicks in first and then if the temp still keeps going up the smaller one kicks in too although. sit the car somewhere and leave it running keeping an eye on the temp gauge and see if it starts to overheat. if it does and the fan doesnt come on then you got problems

[FATASS]

Fans are definitely not coming on, just went for a drive and let if run for a white. Usually the fan would come on at the lights or when i pull up at home. Only way I can trigger it is to put the A/C on

[Dr HaxZaw]

but is it overheating without the fans running? if its sitting there and not getting any hotter then it doesnt see the need to turn the fans on and wont

[FATASS]

but is it overheating without the fans running? if its sitting there and not getting any hotter then it doesnt see the need to turn the fans on and wont

Nah hasn't moved above the normal temp yet. Maybe im just paranoid after the other day lol.

Anyone have any tips on cleaning up the engine bay? The coolant has left a nasty white residue everywhere & it smells a bit when im driving.

[Dr HaxZaw]

Anyone have any tips on cleaning up the engine bay? The coolant has left a nasty white residue everywhere & it smells a bit when im driving.

degreaser and a saturday morning