Coolant Problem

[case1686]

My Lumina V8 SS has only done 7654 Ks but has requested or warned me of low coolant five times. Any ideas?

[jeffcoslacker]

You are scaring me. They don't put V8's in Luminas, and I don't think there is an SS. Is this a yank?

[jeffcoslacker]

I just noticed that you are from South Africa. You may have a version we don't have here. Or it may be another model that goes by the Lumina name there. That happens on exports, sometimes. If you have a Lumina with a V8, I wanna know more!! Pictures, please. First, have you added coolant each time? If not, the level might just be at the threshold of the sensor, and kicking the light on just from normal changes in resevoir level. If you are actually loosing coolant, and not externally, a bad intake gasket or head gasket is suspect, depending on what motor you actually have in there. Need more info!!

[cadgear]

Luminas are still in production elsewhere in the world. I know in the middle eastern section there's a number of SS luminas floating around. It was an old thread here as well, [edit] http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ad.php?t=80683 is the link for the post.

As for the original poster, you may have a sticking sensor unless the coolant really is low. For that low mileage though, it seems rather early for anything to start going wrong.

[jeffcoslacker]

They don't call the Impala or Caprice a Lumina there, do they?

[jeffcoslacker]

I just looked at the link. Godammit, now I'm depressed. Thanks a lot, cad. How come we never get the good shit here?? That thing has got to be a freakin' rocket. Now I'm gonna have to figure out how to put a Northstar in mine, just so I can sleep at night. Damn.

[cadgear]

Yeah, nothing like a 5.7 V8 sittin' inside your lumina, right? Mainly fuel and emissions crap, thats why we don't got the goods here.

[case1686]

The car is actually made in Australia under license with Chevy. It is the 5.7 V8 version, I am informed it has the same engine as used in your Corvette. Yes it is kind of heavy on fuel, at this point in time I am getting 16.2 Lts per 100 Ks. Thankfully our petrol is cheaper than yours but in the last few months has shot up! It is stated it can do 0-100 in 5.9 Secs, I haven't floored it yet, but still managed to get a 900 Rand speeding fine! I was only overtaking when I hit the trap, the police still booked me , income I suppose? I will borrow a digital camera for the photos, I'm still 35mm reflex. As the problem only happens every 1400 Ks I thought I would hold on until service time, I dont want to be without my car. Dont know why, but it makes a hell of a difference to my mood. Unless you feel it could be damaging the engine in anyway? Thanks for your interest and advice, I will be printing this and giving it in at service time.

[jeffcoslacker]

As long as your temp is level, and the coolant loss is predictable, go ahead and use it until the service appointment. It should be fine. Yes please, send pictures!! When I first got my '94 Impala SS with the LT1, I got a ticket the second day I owned it for 68 mph in a 35 mph zone. Still hadn't got used to the rush of acceleration that car was capable of in a short time, like you, I was just passing a slower vehicle.