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Hot smell after 10mins running VT executive

Discussion in 'VT - VX Holden Commodore (1997 - 2002)' started by Steve roberts, Jun 3, 2017.

  1. Steve roberts

    Steve roberts New Member

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    How do get a true reading of the coolant level in radiator... I keep getting a warm smell and afraid of a hose bursting .... Have tried running the fan on cold inside the car ... Seems to help .. But need advise please
     
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  2. NeddyBear

    NeddyBear Veteran Mountain Biker

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    A true reading of the temperature well if you don't believe the gauge then how about one of those digital heat reading guns.
    How long since all the cooling and heater hoses were last replaces?
    Might be the heater trap we to had that smell and the heater tap had cracked which is normal for the older Commodores.
    Then again it might be a crack in the radiator, normal again with the plastic casings.
     

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    Last edited: Jun 3, 2017
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  3. Steve roberts

    Steve roberts New Member

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    Heater tap and hoses were replaced last year.... Well the garage told us they did
    Running the fan inside the car seemed to help (no hot smell... Still nervous to use car as can't afford garage bill
    Thanks for quick reply
     
  4. NeddyBear

    NeddyBear Veteran Mountain Biker

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    Just pray to the Commodore gods that it's not a leaking heater core thingy that's located up under the dash.
    Have you tested all the heater and cooling hoses, with the engine hot give them a squeeze to see if there still in serviceable condition.
     

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  5. Steve roberts

    Steve roberts New Member

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    I'm pretty enept when it comes to mechanical stuff ... There was heat coming from dash area before I turned fan on .... Can I ask where the heater core thingy is .... In amongst the guts of the dash or near firewall ??
    Old school cars I can tinker with .... More room to move in engine bay lol
     
  6. NeddyBear

    NeddyBear Veteran Mountain Biker

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  7. Steve roberts

    Steve roberts New Member

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    Is the VX similar to VT .... Thanks mate
     
  8. NeddyBear

    NeddyBear Veteran Mountain Biker

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    Guys there pretty much Identical aren't they just different years.
    How scary was replacing the heater core.
     
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  9. Nut Kracker

    Nut Kracker Donating Member

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    I had a leaky heater core around 17 months ago.
    Got some radiator sealant.
    Copper based powder type I think it was.
    Haven't had a problem with it so far.
    It will eventually need replacing.
     
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  10. Brisbarnz

    Brisbarnz Active Member

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    Is your rocker cover leaking onto the exhaust? That will smell like a overheating motor.
     
  11. h8tensv6

    h8tensv6 Active Member

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    I have this same thing happening. I know mine is from the left rocker cover leaking at the rear onto the exhaust as brisbarnz said. It's a common problem on vt and vx Commodores. I can smell it after a few minutes of driving. I usually degrease the area and its all good for a few months. Only doing that till I have time to change the gaskets.
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2017

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