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[Ian_D]

I've always wondered this...

What’s the weakest part in the V6 engines? Mainly the X30XE lumps.

If it were pushed all day long, what would go 'bang' first (Standard Engine)

And the same again (Engine with Standard internals, but the power increased somehow, ie turboed / supercharged / nos or something like)

Any opinions? Or better still experiences?

[cem_devecioglu]

I find the cooling system inadequate under those conditions

mountain roads (obviously uphill)
temperature above 30 celcius
revs above 5000 rpm in 2nd, 3rd gear

within 5,6 minutes temp gauge reaches the limit

ps:newly built engine with new thermostat and sensors..

[Andy B]

....
temperature above 30 celcius....

That's not usually a problem in the UK 

[cem_devecioglu]

....
temperature above 30 celcius....

That's not usually a problem in the UK 

Andy, although engine  is built in Ellismere port, this car is under use nearly on all continents  .. so UK market alone is not decisive..

[Andy B]

....
temperature above 30 celcius....

That's not usually a problem in the UK 

Andy, although engine  is built in Ellesmere port, this car is under use nearly on all continents  .. so UK market alone is not decisive..

   

[cem_devecioglu]

....
temperature above 30 celcius....

That's not usually a problem in the UK 

Andy, although engine  is built in Ellesmere port, this car is under use nearly on all continents  .. so UK market alone is not decisive..

   

 

[Ian_D]

I find the cooling system inadequate under those conditions

mountain roads (obviously uphill)
temperature above 30 celcius
revs above 5000 rpm in 2nd, 3rd gear

within 5,6 minutes temp gauge reaches the limit

ps:newly built engine with new thermostat and sensors..

Yikes!  Thought they may last a bit longer than that!

Was any damage done with the temp going so high? Or did you catch it in time?

[cem_devecioglu]

I find the cooling system inadequate under those conditions

mountain roads (obviously uphill)
temperature above 30 celcius
revs above 5000 rpm in 2nd, 3rd gear

within 5,6 minutes temp gauge reaches the limit

ps:newly built engine with new thermostat and sensors..

Yikes!  Thought they may last a bit longer than that!

Was any damage done with the temp going so high? Or did you catch it in time?

as I live this problem every summer I follow the temp gauge closely , and when it hits the limit I dropped the revs.. this was done as a test for the newly built engine.. not my everyday style.. but must admit the first time I was really panicked..

the other 4 pot go-cart dont have this problem.. tested at the same route fully loaded and hammered .. but no , doesnt do it and makes me angry when I see the temp gauge even dont move
but they say k4m is a race developed engine .. :-/

[albitz]

V6 cooling system is known to be marginal.The weakest area mechanically ? not sure, what would break first under duress ?
Ive a feeling it might be the crank, but Im not sure why tbh. :-/

[Marks DTM Calib]

Cant see the bottom nend going what witha the use of a girdle to striffen the mains etc.

The 3.2 even has a forger crank so even stronger.

I suspect the rods may suffer first on tuning.

I also suspect the engine cooling is fine in normal tune under all conditions, I do have concerns about airflow over the rad particularly with a dirty great bit clogged up aircon condenser in front of it (which if the aircon is on will pre heat the cooling air). The presence of the small plastic under tray also helps cool things down a bit to.

Up the go and the head cooling can be an issue (but can also be addressed)

[2woody]

just about every engine I've got has some signs of early big-end trouble, so crankshaft problems I'd say.

there are two main causes - Omega has a relatively high mass coolant temperature ( emissions performance ) and most have at least a couple of broken "O"-rings stuck in the oil pick-up/strainer.

I'd say the basic design is very good, and should the coolant mass temp be lowered, then will perform well at significantly higher power levels.

[cem_devecioglu]

Cant see the bottom nend going what witha the use of a girdle to striffen the mains etc.

The 3.2 even has a forger crank so even stronger.

I suspect the rods may suffer first on tuning.

I also suspect the engine cooling is fine in normal tune under all conditions, I do have concerns about airflow over the rad particularly with a dirty great bit clogged up aircon condenser in front of it (which if the aircon is on will pre heat the cooling air). The presence of the small plastic under tray also helps cool things down a bit to.

Up the go and the head cooling can be an issue (but can also be addressed)

yep.. as proven..

first time my engine overheated mechanics advice to pressure wash radiators.. now which I do every year in spring.. also cleaned the radiator (only) inside with chemicals to dissolve lime particles.. and it was unbelievable to watch the "pieces" the radiator spitted

[cem_devecioglu]

just about every engine I've got has some signs of early big-end trouble, so crankshaft problems I'd say.

there are two main causes - Omega has a relatively high mass coolant temperature ( emissions performance ) and most have at least a couple of broken "O"-rings stuck in the oil pick-up/strainer.

I'd say the basic design is very good, and should the coolant mass temp be lowered, then will perform well at significantly higher power levels.

agreed.. definitely coolant temp must be lowered.. but I doubt changing thermostat alone will be sufficient.. a faster turning water pump may well be effective.. also if there were enough space , I would install extra coolers for the engine block like a cpu

[TheBoy]

As a test, coming home from Lakes meet fully laden with roof box, we decided to do 'the struggle', a section of road traditionally known to stress cars.

No issues, despite it being a hot UK day. Gauge never went over about 97C (prefacelift). Probably about 176k on clock, original rad, and autobox cooler in main rad

[TheBoy]

Both turbo'd ones I've seen had what sounded to me to be big end issues (deep knocking noise at idle)