D'oh!! Homer isn't well!!

FatBoy · **February 18, 2015, 03:54:43**

I got home from my swing today, got in the ute to drive home all happy. I just got through Hobart and heading up the Southern Outlet (for those that know Hobart) when the "High Engine Temp" chime and warning came up. I looked at the temp gauge and the needle was standing vertically. Funny enough, I'd checked the gauge while driving through Hobart. I moved to the left lane and into the emergency stopping bay. Immediately behind me a car stopped and the guy got out. He said that he was following me up the road and saw the coolant "drop" on the road about two kilometres back (in the city, near the top of Davey St). He was just making sure that I was going to stop.

As soon as I pulled over I turned off the engine and popped the hood. This is what I was confronted with (apart from the strong smell of coolant).

The top hose from the radiator had come off (clamp was still on it). Anyway, this is what happened next.

It is currently in the local dealers (nearest place for the tow) awaiting repair. It was the first time I have had the car in there, and I knew that the dealer second hand car warranty had expired, so was a little concerned. However, the dealer found out the history of the car, and that it had an extended five year warranty. They told me that the warranty does cover things like this.

I drove about three to four hundred metres after the light came on before I was able to stop and turn off the engine. Is there much chance of me doing some damage to the engine? The tow truck driver that picked me up said that he couldn't smell "hot engine" only coolant.

Anyways, here's hoping for a good outcome.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #1: February 18, 2015, 04:02:54**

It'll be fine Jamie.
Will be as good as new when you get it back.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #2: February 18, 2015, 04:24:10**

Engine temps would have increased around the heads, but if allowed to slowly cool down then they should be ok. I assume the coolant was clean and there were no deposits in it. Because if there was fine silty clay like material and as it was so hot, the material dries out in the radiator core and blocks it.

On return, check for continuous coolant depletion & or steam in the exhaust on warm days. This would indicate a warped / cracked head.

As the oil took over the function of lubrication & cooling, You could replace the oil, just to be on the safe side.

FatBoy · **Reply #3: February 18, 2015, 04:37:31**

Thanks Phil, I was thinking of changing the oil just to be sure. As soon as I could I pulled over and turned off the engine (300-400 metres after the warning chime). I haven't started it again since. It is now at the Holden Dealer undergoing warranty work after being delivered to them on the flat bed. I haven't heard from them yet, they were apparently busy today with other work.

I'll keep you informed of what they say.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #4: February 18, 2015, 05:45:49**

Forgot to mention, not sure if that engine has Stellite alloy valves, but a compression test would be a good idea while they fix the radiator. One of the 1st areas to fail are the valves, they can start to collapse and not make a good seal n the valve seat in it head.

cruiserfied · **Reply #5: February 18, 2015, 06:42:30**

I'm guessing that it didn't get into the red since you turned it off not long after the alarm went off.
Luck would see at least some coolant stay in the engine since it was top hose.
I recon you'll be fine but not a nice thing on a reasonably new car

Dazzler · **Reply #6: February 18, 2015, 07:00:29**

Sorry to hear that Jamie (not nice)

Obviously I know the southern outlet well.. It is steep and hard to pull over!

I'm sure it will be fine but good luck all the same!

FatBoy · **Reply #7: February 18, 2015, 07:07:28**

Apparently no major damage. Replacing hose, clamp, flush and pressure test. Pick up tomorrow. Temp was on the stop in the red.

Dazzler · **Reply #8: February 18, 2015, 07:09:47**

Quote from: FatBoy on February 18, 2015, 07:07:28

Apparently no major damage. Replacing hose, clamp, flush and pressure test. Pick up tomorrow. Temp was on the stop in the red.

If it tests o/k over the next few weeks you better buy a Tatts ticket!

FatBoy · **Reply #9: February 18, 2015, 07:36:21**

Quote from: Dazzler on February 18, 2015, 07:09:47

Quote from: FatBoy on February 18, 2015, 07:07:28
Apparently no major damage. Replacing hose, clamp, flush and pressure test. Pick up tomorrow. Temp was on the stop in the red.

If it tests o/k over the next few weeks you better buy a Tatts ticket!

No point, Dazz. I've used up my luck!!

Doggie 1 · **Reply #10: February 18, 2015, 07:56:28**

Quote from: Dazzler on February 18, 2015, 07:00:29

Obviously I know the southern outlet well.

Yeah, I have trouble with mine occasionally too.

Shambles · **Reply #11: February 18, 2015, 07:58:14**

Hooray for warning chimes eh?

Your "car" will be fine. Trust me, I'm a doctor

cruiserfied · **Reply #12: February 18, 2015, 12:35:04**

Quote from: FatBoy on February 18, 2015, 07:07:28

Temp was on the stop in the red.

Ouch, oh well it wasn't for a prolonged period so all is well.

FatBoy · **Reply #13: February 19, 2015, 04:09:05**

I got Homer back today. All work carried out under warranty too!! They even gave the car a quick detail.

Well done to Motors at Hobart.

Dazzler · **Reply #14: February 19, 2015, 04:28:27**

Quote from: FatBoy on February 19, 2015, 04:09:05

I got Homer back today. All work carried out under warranty too!! They even gave the car a quick detail.

Well done to Motors at Hobart.

Wow, that is good service!

John B · **Reply #15: February 19, 2015, 06:41:05**

Great, good news. You will be able to sleep tonight now.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #16: February 19, 2015, 10:24:02**

Good on Motors at Hobart.
Is that the correct name?

FatBoy · **Reply #17: February 19, 2015, 10:27:00**

Quote from: Doggie 1 on February 19, 2015, 10:24:02

Good on Motors at Hobart.
Is that the correct name?

That's them.

Motors Hobart Holden & HSV | New & Used Cars

Dazz, check out the demo Calais V that is for sale for $49,990. You too could join the 6 litre brigade!!

Doggie 1 · **Reply #18: February 19, 2015, 10:28:22**

Quote from: FatBoy on February 19, 2015, 10:27:00

Quote from: Doggie 1 on February 19, 2015, 10:24:02

Good on Motors at Hobart.
Is that the correct name?

That's them.

Motors Hobart Holden & HSV | New & Used Cars

Dazz, check out the demo Calais V that is for sale for $49,990. You too could join the 6 litre brigade!!

That'd make Dazz's weeny 6 worth @ $25k, yes?

Dazzler · **Reply #19: February 19, 2015, 11:30:32**

If I'd wanted the thirsty V8 I would have bought one!

They had a prussian steel v8 on the lot up here a while back cheap but I like my white V6 thanks..

Doggie 1 · **Reply #20: February 19, 2015, 11:33:55**

Quote from: Dazzler on February 19, 2015, 11:30:32

If I'd wanted the thirsty V8 I would have bought one! They had a prussian steel v8 on the lot up here a while back cheap but I like my white V6 thanks..

Is that the same as the Rent-a-Flog hire Car Company use?

Toyota hybrids are much more refined, I believe.

Dazzler · **Reply #21: February 19, 2015, 16:54:10**

Quote from: Doggie 1 on February 19, 2015, 11:33:55

Quote from: Dazzler on February 19, 2015, 11:30:32
If I'd wanted the thirsty V8 I would have bought one! They had a prussian steel v8 on the lot up here a while back cheap but I like my white V6 thanks..

Is that the same as the Rent-a-Flog hire Car Company use?
Toyota hybrids are much more refined, I believe.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #22: February 21, 2015, 08:53:32**

Dazzler · **Reply #23: February 21, 2015, 09:35:41**

Hey Jamie. does homer seem to be running ok?

The Gonz · **Reply #24: February 21, 2015, 09:54:18**

I'm confident Jamie will say it's fine. I didn'read about burnt smells or hot billowing steam.

FatBoy · **Reply #25: February 21, 2015, 10:59:32**

Homer is running fine. No problems since I have had him returned to me. I gave him a good run from Hobart to Cygnet as well. Might have to give him a real good flogging tomorrow as well. That is if his knob stays on. It's been coming off in my hands, like my mum always said it would. Hope this doesn't get removed....

The Gonz · **Reply #26: February 21, 2015, 11:08:54**

Quote from: FatBoy on February 21, 2015, 10:59:32

Hope this doesn't get removed....

Your particular knob is G rated, Jamie.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #27: February 21, 2015, 11:09:53**

Quote from: The Gonz on February 21, 2015, 11:08:54

Quote from: FatBoy on February 21, 2015, 10:59:32
Hope this doesn't get removed....
Your particular knob is G rated, Jamie.

Because it's a left hand only knob, Jamie.

crayman · **Reply #28: February 27, 2015, 07:58:01**

No unusual knocks once warmed up?
The V6 does not like getting hot and apart from the rings losing tension, the pistons cop a hiding resulting in slap.
Worst cylinders effected are those closest to the firewall.
If she's not showing signs of piston slap once warmed up, you've been lucky, buy a casket ticket.
All it usually takes is to lose the aux belt at highway speed and by the time you've safely pulled over, damage is done.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #29: February 27, 2015, 08:00:47**

Fortunately, Fatboy doesn't drive a V6.