Over Heating Issue!!!

[Zoltrix77]

Hi All,

Just had a overheating issue today in my VZ wagon and wondered if anyone can help.

The car has done 90k and only had a LPG conversion (Impco BRC Vapour Injection) install done just 700km ago.

I just want to get some advise before blaiming the LPG conversion. (I have already had one minor problem with a split vacumm line after getting the car back which prevent the HVAC control from working, was stuck on the windscreen setting, but the fixed it in a few minutes)

I have only had the car a few weeks so I am unfamiliar with the way things operate. For instance, it has seems to have been taking ages for the heater to start pumping out any hot air after a cold start and then all of a sudden it becomes hot after a 3km or so. Temp guage for the last couple of days sits halfway between 25% and 50% hot marks. I don't know before this. Consiquenty it has been taking this long before cutting over to LPG, using lots of petrol. Can't remember if it was like this before the conversion or not.

Just today out of no where the car suddenly gave me the temp warning and the guage flew up to full hot. I stopped, let it cool down and drove home a couple of kays fine. Then again its started this tonight after 30 minutes of okay driving.

I did that now the heater is hot/cold randomly, even when it was over heated. And one side of the coolant hose that goes to gas setup was very hot and the other side only luke warm which seems to indecate a blockage perhaps? But at other times when over heated, both lines are only warm.

Coolant level seems fine. Thermo fan is working fine. I dunno about the water pump? Are they belt driven?

Does it sound like a sticking termostat issue? Are they still the mechanical plate with spring like in the old cars?

Any help appriciated!

Adam.

[andyman]

very possible the thermostat is jamming shut, id also check to see if the water lines to the conveter are the right way round if there is a set way to go, although i cant imagine that would cause the motor to overheat

[Zoltrix77]

very possible the thermostat is jamming shut, id also check to see if the water lines to the conveter are the right way round if there is a set way to go, although i cant imagine that would cause the motor to overheat

Where is the thermostat on these engines? Is it just like the old cars where it sits insidethe connection for the top radiator hose?

regards,

Adam.

[Benboy]

Check the coolant level at the engine and also at the coolant filler location. Yes they do have a belt driven pump. Make sure that all of the coolant hoses are firm and don't feel 'squishy' - which could mean that under load/pressure they are collapsing inwards and restricting the coolant flow. Yes it could also be the thermostat. I would suggest that you take it to a radiator/cooling specialist. If you take it to a dealer in many cases they just send the car to or call in a (mobile) radiator/cooling specialist. Good luck with it. The radiator may just need a clean out.

[jaisvz]

i too had the HVAC problem! which i have not solved yet. i will check for split hose!
but even more on topic, i have had overheating issues aswell!
pretty much the same overheating issue as yours, turns out i was loosing pressure from the coolant filler cap and the water pump had busted it's o rings.
So replaced cap, rings and pump and seems fine now.

[Zoltrix77]

i too had the HVAC problem! which i have not solved yet. i will check for split hose!
but even more on topic, i have had overheating issues aswell!
pretty much the same overheating issue as yours, turns out i was loosing pressure from the coolant filler cap and the water pump had busted it's o rings.
So replaced cap, rings and pump and seems fine now.

Okay, thanks for all the help guys. Looks like its either going to be the water pump or thermostat. I just don't have time to chase this myself. Will drop it in at my mechanics next week, hes a good guy and always comes though without the BS. Looks like the in-laws will be lending me their car again this week!

Yeah, the HVAC issue was a tiny 5mm, 2 inch long vacumm line just under the drivers side engine cover, try that first!

BTW way, if I ever get another car put on LPG, I will almost certainly be going with the Liquid Injection rather than vapour. I now like the idea of much less stuff under the bonnet and the fact it can run on petrol virtually instantly after a cold start up. Hope to change to a VE SS LPGI wagon some time in the next year and retire this one to the spare family car.

Adam.

[impulsive]

before you go replacing water pumps and thermostats check the radiator cap servicability, i had mine go on me at 90k replaced it topped my water up and fine.. BTW i scored 2 radiator caps for $3, saving myself about $27 thankyou for your business Repco

[Zoltrix77]

All,

Just got the car back from the mecahincs. Apparently had nearly no water/coolant in it even though the level on the dipstick in the overflow said it was fine. Apparently level should be checked via the main coolant cap even though it specifically says not to check level via it on the cap !!!

The bottom radiator hose was also loose which caused the loss albiet slowly. Could be possible that the gas place replace the coolant with enough after cutting into the heater hoses however, but I'll never know.

Topped up and all fine now. Guage sits on 1/4 when running normally now.

Adam.