Hi all,

I have a recurring overheating issue on my 2005 SC:

- all started after a routine service where all fluids and filters were replaced, a few days after receiving vehicle back while sitting in traffic, it blew all of its coolant out of the overflow bottle. Steam and fluid everywhere but no temp spike leading up to it and as I pulled over immediately and shut down there was no temp spike at all.

- took it to closest mechanic ( in order to get it home ), he said it was merely because there was an airlock in the system due to incorrect fill procedure. He 'Burped' the system and off I went with no issues for another few days.

- after two days of normal driving - city and freeway - the same issue appeared during the same circumstances, stopped in traffic. Returned car to regular mechanic who refilled coolant and idled for 2-3 hours in workshop. No issues.

- issue appeared a few more times and so I changed to a new 'specialist' as the old one was getting nowhere. During the course of trying to identify the issue we have replaced:

Fluids
Viscous fan
Checked thermostat
Overflow bottle cap
De-gassed and re-gassed air con
Sniffer test done on coolant, appears fine

Issue still present, stopped in traffic with aircon on or off, temp gauge starts to rise but coolant now doesn't blow out, turn heater on and temp drops after a minute or so, heater off and temp shoots up again. Fan appears to be going but seems to shut off at just the time it is required (in traffic) and then comes on when temp spikes.

Apparently the aircon was gassed up too much and may have contributed to the prob but we have returned it to its correct pressure now.

Apologies for the long email but if anyone has any ideas I am keen for some help.

Much appreciated,

Jim

Have you had the car a while? Im guessing its hot over there just now yeah?

There is an issue with some supercharger models having the water pump wired the wrong way around, effectively making it run the wrong direction and not circulate the coolant correctly. As this issue appears when you are sitting stationary meaning the engine bay temperatures are building up and the hotter climate i would check this out. May not be the issue but always worth a check.

Sure there is a write up on this forum about it or google it.

Someone else shall be along shortly with a link or more information id think.

Thanks smiler,

Not too hot here yet, problems started during winter weather.

I will check out the incorrect wiring scenario, open to anything right now!

I haven't found a really relevant post so far in my search.

Thanks mate.

Jim

Have they done good pressure test on the system ?
Radiator fan should come on at idle when temp starts to get too hot, so that is normal. Heater will act as small radiator and take temp/pressure down. So that is normal. With ac on - radiator fan may always be on - but not sure about that on the screen model.

Sounds to me like there is a leak somewhere in the system that "blows" under pressure. Is coolant expansion bottle original ? Replacing the cap may not be enough . They could be crack somewhere there that cannot hold pressure but is ok when cold - but that would just get worse over time. I'd look at changing whole bottle next - and check all hoses and clamps. Get trusted shop to do another pressure test and make sure correct coolant is used.

Let us know how that goes ...

Hi, I have same model RRS S/C and having no problems even in the heat down here in Melbourne.

I have heard about wiring the water pump the wrong way on other vehicles causing a problem.

As it is happening in stop/start traffic besides what has already been looked at, it could be that :-
The radiator core is clogged and therefore not able to cope.
The fan(s) are not working properly. On/off, speed/airflow.
Hoses bent or crimped or even a blockage in the water passages in the engine.

If the problem was not there before its got to be related to the 'Service' i.e wrong coolant ,under/overfill, dislodged wiring ???
Lets know how you go.

Hi alpaca and Cracka,

That sounds like a couple of good options, I have it booked in to get pressure tested and check that there are no blockages etc.

Fan has already been replaced so don't think that's it but will double check.

Thanks for the help guys, will let you know.

Cheers,