My Engine Shut Off on the Track

[KJRGT]

I was at Willow Springs on Saturday, running the big track in about 80 degree sunshine. Watching the gauges when the temp went up to 230-235. After a lap at that temp, all the sudden the engine shut off. No rev limiter type of signals, just shut off.
Coasted to a slower speed and pulled off the track. After about 30 seconds, I turned on the ignition key and the gauges all switched on. Temp gauge read 230, so I hit the ignition switch and the engine fired right up. Temp, oil pressure, amp, boost gauges all where they should be.
Temp gauge stayed at 230, so I drove easy off the track back to the pits and gauges all were OK. Pulled to a stop, lifted clamshell and could not see or smell anything out of the ordinary.
I ran a search here, as I thought I had once read about the engine shutting off at high temps. However, all I could find was an entry stating the engine was programmed to change timing and fuel mixture so the engine would not hit 250.
Does this mean at 235-240 the engine will respond like hitting the rev limiter, drop in power, or the engine will immediately shut off?

Looking for some advice on how to proceed.

PS. I've been on the track several times and been near these temps before. I have read all about the spring installation designed to keep the coolant hoses from collapsing, but did not think I needed to do it. It will be done soon.

 

[Specracer]

When mine went into "limp mode" at around 240 at the track, it sounded like a rev limiter, NOT a shut down. Any chance you hit the key off with a knee or something (yes I know I am reaching FAR, as I really have nothing else to offer....)

 

[DRIVEBY]

On the track, I've had the engine power feel somewhat retarted about 242F a couple of times. Simply backed of for a lap or ended the session.

 

[Fubar]

Sounds more like a fuel problem or something. Have you ever had the fuel filler door checked? Where was your gas gage when this happened?

 

[fjpikul]

Seems like one of the best recommendations was to drive one gear higher if possible. If you're doing everything in second, shift to third to bring the revs down, etc.

 

[Fubar]

...but he wasn't over the 240 mark on the temp meter and the engine didn't go into limp mode, it shut off. I don't think it's a temp issue.

 

[MAD IN NC]

Limp mode is "expected" - not shut down.....

 

[KJRGT]

Thanks for the dialogue guys...
Specracer, I thought hitting the key might have been it, as I have to slide the seat forward and lay down the backside to fit in with the helmet. But being 5'11" I really doubt it. I raised my right knee while shifting and driving home with the seat in the same position and it's too much of a reach.
Fubar, I have never had a fuel problem before...on the track or street. It is possible it starved a bit as I was going into turn one, pretty fast and tight, when she died. But the tank was about 1/3 at the time. BTW, temps never exceeded 240.
Fjpikul, I'm driving in the lower gears as it is, as I have learned that little trick before, particularly on Willow Springs' shorter track.
I've tracked the car there several times and never had this issue, but those engine temps on Saturday were about 5 degrees higher than previous outings.

 

[canuck]

If something in handling is violent with a spin and a stall there is probably a fuel shut down that takes 30 seconds to reset before allowing you to restart the car. http://autorepair.about.com/library/a/1/bl526.htm

 

[Shadowman]

If something in handling is violent with a spin and a stall there is probably a fuel shut down that takes 30 seconds to reset before allowing you to restart the car. http://autorepair.about.com/library/a/1/bl526.htm

For everyone's information

The fuel cut-off aka inertia switch is under the SJB panel at the passenger foot location. Once the cover is removed (by twisting the 4 D rings) the switch is on the left side and does not automatically reset but rather needs to be manually reset by pressing the button

Excess temperature will not kill the system as described; I would be inclined to follow the comment made about tapping the key with your knee or ? as most plausible.

Takes care

Shadowman

 

[Neilda]

For everyone's information

The fuel cut-off aka inertia switch is under the SJB panel at the passenger foot location. Once the cover is removed (by twisting the 4 D rings) the switch is on the left side and does not automatically reset but rather needs to be manually reset by pressing the button

I didn't know that - useful info, thanks.... A good anti theft measure too maybe?!

 

[Specracer]

Did you do any more sessions after the one shut down?

 

[KJRGT]

Yes, I went out again, watching the temp carefully and had no issue. Temp was the same....perhaps I did just tap the key with my knee, a first time for everything!
BTW, I drove the GT to Willow this time instead of trailering, and on the 80 mile drive home, the temps were just the same as always.

 

[Mullet]

maybe the temp gauge is off by a few degrees and it's going into limp mode?

maybe the temp closer to the engine is hotter and where the limp mode sensor is?

just some thoughts.

 

[KJRGT]

Could be JB...but the engine shut off, it did not go into limp mode.

 

[Mullet]

or maybe the sensor to shut it off is closer to the engine? I have no idea if it is but remember this from motorcycle applications and when I was doing bikes.

 

[Specracer]

If you ran it again, I guess I would have to think it might be a freak one off situation that who knows.... But I do not think there is any temperature relation. Again my 2c

 

[fjpikul]

I think it was Craig who bumped his key off, turned it back on, and caught the engine bay on fire? Better make sure about this.

 

[KJRGT]

GULP! Caught an engine bay on fire???:eek

 

[AtomicGT]

I think KJR probably has weak knees! Or maybe a few to many Rosemond Margaritas the night before, makes locating and knowing where one's knee is a little more difficult on the track! Sounds like you have had excellent advice, has this ever recurred at any other time on or off the track?