Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: LovelyBoy on 13 September 2007, 00:06:40

Title: Newbie - Strange Coolant loss problem
Post by: LovelyBoy on 13 September 2007, 00:06:40

Hi All,

I have just registered having used this site as a very valuable resource in the past.  What a great community there is out there for Omegas. The car is a '99 3.0 Elite estate.  I've just had the oil cooler replaced by a local garage along with the dreaded blocked breathers - leaking rocker covers burning oil syndrome.

I have a strange coolant loss problem which only manifests its self when the heater is set above the Lo position. I get fairly rapid coolant loss from the rear drivers side of the engine.  Would this indicate a faulty HBV.  It would seem to be something related to the return pipe from the heater matrix.  When I top up the header tank with the engine cold and ignition off I also get a small leak. As soon as the engine is started the leak stops.  If I turn on the heater at all - water drip,drip,drip from bottom of bell housing.

I would appreciate any help in where to look first.

Title: Re: Newbie - Strange Coolant loss problem
Post by: Markjay on 13 September 2007, 00:15:28

Welcome....


Yes, the HBV is the likely suspect. Of course any rubber hose can leak, but drip-drip-drip from back of engine on driver's side will be HBV 9 out of 10...

Title: Re: Newbie - Strange Coolant loss problem
Post by: LovelyBoy on 13 September 2007, 00:20:39

Thanks for the advice Mark.  I'll whip the scuttle off tomorrow and take a look.  I guess a genuine VX unit is the best way forward.  Having read some of the other posts for HBV there would seem to be a low life expectancy for a pattern/factor part. If this is the fault, is there anything else I would need other than fresh antifreeze?

Title: Re: Newbie - Strange Coolant loss problem
Post by: hotel21 on 13 September 2007, 00:23:48

Not really.  Its straightforward enough, just a bit fiddly.....

Title: Re: Newbie - Strange Coolant loss problem
Post by: LovelyBoy on 13 September 2007, 00:50:01

Thank you both for your advice.

To get to the valve do I need to remove the Plenum or is it possible to do the job by just removing the scuttle panel?

Title: Re: Newbie - Strange Coolant loss problem
Post by: Markjay on 13 September 2007, 01:06:15

Quote

Thank you both for your advice.

To get to the valve do I need to remove the Plenum or is it possible to do the job by just removing the scuttle panel?

Possible without removing the Plenum, though much easier with the plenum removed.

Title: Re: Newbie - Strange Coolant loss problem
Post by: TheBoy on 13 September 2007, 08:27:18

Buy some plasters for your knuckles as well  :P

Title: Re: Newbie - Strange Coolant loss problem
Post by: LovelyBoy on 15 September 2007, 22:34:28

Thanks everyone for your help.

I managed to get the faulty HBV off by just removing the scuttle panels.  WHAT A JOB - but it was possible.  I ended up purchasing a genuine unit from Lathams Vauxhall in Newton Abbot for £28.  After a couple of flushes and some anti freeze it was job done.

Title: Re: Newbie - Strange Coolant loss problem
Post by: TheBoy on 15 September 2007, 23:07:12

Quote

Thanks everyone for your help.

I managed to get the faulty HBV off by just removing the scuttle panels.  WHAT A JOB - but it was possible.  I ended up purchasing a genuine unit from Lathams Vauxhall in Newton Abbot for £28.  After a couple of flushes and some anti freeze it was job done.

Job done :y

Title: Re: Newbie - Strange Coolant loss problem
Post by: Markjay on 15 September 2007, 23:17:42

Result  ;) :y