MechanicsSon
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- Jun 18, 2016
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- Location
- Perth
- Members Ride
- VZ commodore wagon 3.6ltr
Good day gentleman... and ladies,
I bought myself a 2005 Holden VZ 3.6ltr wagon just over a year ago and ever since i've owned it, i have nothing but trouble...
Please believe me, i have read over and over previous posts and whilst some have helped, none have resolved or even quiet described my issue.
I am posting here because i do not know what is wrong with my car if anything!?
firstly, it has never overheated in my possession, but there have been many signs of coolant issues to keep me on my toes.
Originally i found the fabled broken radiator cap, which i replaced with an aftermarket one from a reputable distributor.
following on from this, i found the water pump bearings to have failed. I replaced this also with an aftermarket part, this time from ebay ( I know everyone recommends Holden genuine).
things seemed good for a little while but then, i found the radiator to be leaking from the drivers side plastic tank, where it joins (no cracks) so again, i jumped on ebay found a cheap part and replaced it.
I figured all was dandy until!
The radiator went again, same place, same issue within the year. I also found the heater tap to be leaking and signs of leaks around the thermostat...
I have since replaced the thermostat, brand new genuine GM with all three o-rings and new gasket, new inlet pipe o-ring and rubber seal, all of the hoses and new screw type fasteners and this time, i went with a much more expensive all aluminium radiator.
I have also replaced the temperature sender (this is genuine GM) and bought a genuine radiator cap.
So what is my issue?
I'm too scared to drive the thing. The temperature gets to just over a quarter and that's it... the fans never come on, the rubber pipes are rock hard and i'm worried something is a miss!
I tested the fan relays and wires by unplugging the wire to the temperature sender (thank you poster) and the fans came on like they should, the pipes became malleable and the temp dropped back to a quarter. I bought the new sender in case the old one wasn't reading properly but the new one does exactly the same. I cant help but feel there is too much pressure in the system causing the plastic tank radiators to 'pop' let alone every other leak, yet you would think if the pressure got too high it would 'vent' out the over flow to the reservoir. There are no other signs of head gasket issues but no, i have not had it pressure tested yet.
I believe i have been refilling the radiator properly, utilizing the radiator air release plug as well as setting the heater on full and running it up to temp to purge any remaining air etc. but instead of waiting for the thermo's to kick in, i have shut her down after it becomes obvious the thermostat has opened.
so any ideas?
Also, if i may;
Does anyone know the proper torque setting for the temperature sender? couldn't find that anywhere.
I know the coolant level should be checked in the reservoir but, when you remove the cap (cold) you should also be able to see a level in the inlet pipe? I had this at one stage but i've had so many leaks, i started to wonder if i was simply overfilling it?
p.s. i just read that you can check the operating temperature, so that a nice thing to know i'll have to try it out.
Thanks for your time,
Regards
MechanicsSon
I bought myself a 2005 Holden VZ 3.6ltr wagon just over a year ago and ever since i've owned it, i have nothing but trouble...
Please believe me, i have read over and over previous posts and whilst some have helped, none have resolved or even quiet described my issue.
I am posting here because i do not know what is wrong with my car if anything!?
firstly, it has never overheated in my possession, but there have been many signs of coolant issues to keep me on my toes.
Originally i found the fabled broken radiator cap, which i replaced with an aftermarket one from a reputable distributor.
following on from this, i found the water pump bearings to have failed. I replaced this also with an aftermarket part, this time from ebay ( I know everyone recommends Holden genuine).
things seemed good for a little while but then, i found the radiator to be leaking from the drivers side plastic tank, where it joins (no cracks) so again, i jumped on ebay found a cheap part and replaced it.
I figured all was dandy until!
The radiator went again, same place, same issue within the year. I also found the heater tap to be leaking and signs of leaks around the thermostat...
I have since replaced the thermostat, brand new genuine GM with all three o-rings and new gasket, new inlet pipe o-ring and rubber seal, all of the hoses and new screw type fasteners and this time, i went with a much more expensive all aluminium radiator.
I have also replaced the temperature sender (this is genuine GM) and bought a genuine radiator cap.
So what is my issue?
I'm too scared to drive the thing. The temperature gets to just over a quarter and that's it... the fans never come on, the rubber pipes are rock hard and i'm worried something is a miss!
I tested the fan relays and wires by unplugging the wire to the temperature sender (thank you poster) and the fans came on like they should, the pipes became malleable and the temp dropped back to a quarter. I bought the new sender in case the old one wasn't reading properly but the new one does exactly the same. I cant help but feel there is too much pressure in the system causing the plastic tank radiators to 'pop' let alone every other leak, yet you would think if the pressure got too high it would 'vent' out the over flow to the reservoir. There are no other signs of head gasket issues but no, i have not had it pressure tested yet.
I believe i have been refilling the radiator properly, utilizing the radiator air release plug as well as setting the heater on full and running it up to temp to purge any remaining air etc. but instead of waiting for the thermo's to kick in, i have shut her down after it becomes obvious the thermostat has opened.
so any ideas?
Also, if i may;
Does anyone know the proper torque setting for the temperature sender? couldn't find that anywhere.
I know the coolant level should be checked in the reservoir but, when you remove the cap (cold) you should also be able to see a level in the inlet pipe? I had this at one stage but i've had so many leaks, i started to wonder if i was simply overfilling it?
p.s. i just read that you can check the operating temperature, so that a nice thing to know i'll have to try it out.
Thanks for your time,
Regards
MechanicsSon