I will likely close the deal on a 2008 HHR SS tomorrow, subject to a good mechanical checkout prior to trading "paper."

I noted the label on the fuel door and some related reading material, Premium Fuel is "Recommended." I read that language as "Recommended" - but, NOT Required." I would appreciate fellow SS owners comments about the type fuel you use in your SS.

During a discussion with a trusted local mechanic about his thoughts and experience with HHRs, he noted the usual "wear & tear" items, but also mentioned there had been reports of water leak issues with "some kind of a piece of plastic cover" in the engine bay. As I understood it, the cover had a tendency to leak because it didn't drain well and water could leak on the blower motor and eventually leak into the passenger side of the car - could damage the blower motor and damage the car's interior??? Anyone have this issue? Could this be an issue with the "regular" HHR - not the SS model?

Thanks!

 

That leak is only on 2006 models. Since there are no 2006 SS don't worry.

Sunroof drains sometimes clog up.

 

The leak was on the early model year, 2006. But 2007 and up it is not a problem. So it's not an SS problem either.

I think most of us use premium fuel. It's only about $3 more per fill. Sometimes I'll put midgrade in, if it's just cruising on a long trip.

EDIT: donbrew, you're faster on the keys than I am

I often fuel at Costco (no midgrade) and their price for premium is about the same as anybody else's midgrade.

 

The water leak issue was a butyl patch under the cowl area on the 2006's. There isn't one on the 2008.

As far as fuel. Premium Fuel Recommended will mean that the car most likely does not have the Stage 1 or GM turbo upgrade. Those with the upgrade got a sticker that says Premium Fuel Required.
Now it is a performance engine. You could run regular grade fuel provided it is stock and the previous owner hasn't added a "tune" to it. The computer will adjust for the lower octane but you will loose a little power output and maybe some MPG's.
I run only Premium. I want to get out of the SS engine what it was designed for.

 

Car manufacturers cannot "require" people to use anything. "recommended" means "if you are smart you'd listen".

 

You folks on this Forum are so responsive - "THANKS!!"

The best news for me was "That leak is only on 2006 models. Since there are no 2006 SS don't worry." Made my day...

 

Enjoy that SS

 

I have an 09 SS and had the water blower motor problem. Motor stopped working one cold day. Cut it out as instructed and took the motor apart. Bottom of it was filled with ice. Took off the plastic cowl under the hood and it was clear how the water got there. Not much stopping it from getting into the heater box and down to the lowest point which is the motor. Constructed a seal over that area so that air can only enter from the drivers side, replaced the cowl, and cleaned out the motor and it has been fine since.

 

I'm gonna visually double check that area on my 07 LS next week to see if it has the butyl patch.

 

pvine, were there any other contributing factors, like maybe leaves in there? Could you post up some pics of your fix? (hey that rhymes) When I was under the car, I saw what might have been the path for the water to get out of that area, but I haven't had the cowl off.

I wonder if your problem was from ice damming, water freezing in the cowl area, building up, and then melting into an area that is too high up for water to reach normally? Or icing over the drain?