Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Johnopaulo on 03 October 2007, 20:30:08

Title: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: Johnopaulo on 03 October 2007, 20:30:08
Need some help please.

My omega 2.2 v6 auto decided only 2 days ago to throw steam from under the windscreen at the bulkhead somewhere. This happens only after short trips. Just prior to this happening I found puddles of water on the ground under the car. The car does not over heat at the temp gauge stays normal. The heaters are working, well the blow hot and cold air, so I ASSUME THATS NORMAL! I have an orange tint in water in the expantion tank. I dont see any bubbles coming through it though when the cap is off. CAn someone help please.

Thanks

Paul
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: hotel21 on 03 October 2007, 20:32:17
Fair chance its the heater bypass valve thats failed.

Check out the maintenance guides for a better description of fault and easiest means to repair.....   ;)
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: The Cambelt Kid on 03 October 2007, 20:36:01
I had this on my V6 while doing some work on the HBV.  I needed to cut into the pipes for my LPG install and ended up splashing coolant down the back of the engine.  It turned out to be my shi**y connection which i soon rectified.  You may have a leak around that area.  Also i noticed i am finding it very very difficult to engage gears, 1st and 2sd are quite bad!  I hear that leaks near the HBV can cause this.  

In fact, why am i bangin on about gears - you've got an auto!  :-X

Might be worth taking a peek at the rear of the plenum for any leaks.
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: The Cambelt Kid on 03 October 2007, 20:37:14
Quote
Fair chance its the heater bypass valve thats failed.

Check out the maintenance guides for a better description of fault and easiest means to repair.....   ;)

OMG, i was correct but too ruddy late, H21 you beat me!
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: hotel21 on 03 October 2007, 20:39:52
Not claiming to be 100% spot on with diagnosis, just my fingers typed faster than yours!!   ;D
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: tunnie on 03 October 2007, 20:53:13
Quote
Need some help please.

My omega 2.2 v6
auto decided only 2 days ago to throw steam from under the windscreen at the bulkhead somewhere. This happens only after short trips. Just prior to this happening I found puddles of water on the ground under the car. The car does not over heat at the temp gauge stays normal. The heaters are working, well the blow hot and cold air, so I ASSUME THATS NORMAL! I have an orange tint in water in the expantion tank. I dont see any bubbles coming through it though when the cap is off. CAn someone help please.

Thanks

Paul

Errr  :-/

Need to confirm, the 2.2 is a straight4 not v6.
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: Johnopaulo on 03 October 2007, 21:05:53
The car is an 2.2 injection v6 automatic.
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: Johnopaulo on 03 October 2007, 21:10:11
I dont have a manual to hand so does anybody have any pics or diagrams that would help me locate and replace the HBV? This would be greatly appreciated. Another question: until I can fix this problem at the weekend is there any way of runing the car safely and avoiding the steam issue?

Regards

Paul
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: TheBoy on 03 October 2007, 21:15:17
Quote
The car is an 2.2 injection v6 automatic.
There never was a 2.2 V6 engine fitted to the Omega....
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: ffcgary1 on 03 October 2007, 21:24:33
HEATER BYPASS VALVE,KNACKERD, SEE THE MAINTENANCE GUIDE HOW TO FOR DETAILS. :y
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: Entwood on 03 October 2007, 21:29:46
Quote
The car is an 2.2 injection v6 automatic.


Wrong engine fitted ?? Therefore pipes / connections not fitting properly ??  

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: Johnopaulo on 03 October 2007, 21:38:58
sorry folks. Just bought the car and I really didnt take note of exactly the engine model, and it dark and raining outsider and I know says 2.5i on back not 2.2 and it is an automatic.

regards

Paul
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: omegalord on 03 October 2007, 21:43:27
I'd say HBV then , is your water pressurising in the header tank?

Matt
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: TheBoy on 03 October 2007, 21:45:51
I agree, check HBV first...
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: Johnopaulo on 03 October 2007, 22:30:05
Yes , the water is pressurising in header tank

regards

Paul
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: omegalord on 03 October 2007, 22:31:42
Hi,

Is the mid flashing up "coolant low"?

And are you losing water?

If so then its definitely HBV i would say.

Mine is doing exactly that and getting it replaced 2moro

Matt
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: tunnie on 03 October 2007, 22:34:23
Quote
The car is an 2.2 injection v6 automatic.

As mentioned there was never a 2.2 V6 fitted to the Omega, engines where for the later cars:

2.2 Petrol 4 cylinder
2.2 Diesel 4 cylinder

2.6 & 3.2 V6 Petrols...

I suspect it is the HBV but we need to make sure what engine you have as the locations are different.
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: omegalord on 03 October 2007, 22:35:57
Quote
sorry folks. Just bought the car and I really didnt take note of exactly the engine model, and it dark and raining outsider and I know says 2.5i on back not 2.2 and it is an automatic.

regards

Paul


Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: Johnopaulo on 03 October 2007, 22:36:05
I have looked on the guides pages and can't seem to find the page that relates to checking and removing the HBV...

...and thanks so far to everyone who has helped. It is greatly appreciated.

Regards

Paul
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: omegalord on 03 October 2007, 22:38:21
Its not an easy job but certainly not a very hard job if you know what i mean.

Involves taking scuttle panel off, wipers etc

Then reach round the back of engine , take 3 pipes off , throw old HBV , connect new HBV back to 3 pipes in correct order.

Voila!
Title: Re: Steam from Bulkhead!
Post by: ians on 03 October 2007, 22:57:04
I don't think there is a maint guide on the HBV (would be good idea as its such a common failure).

There are those that will tell you that you can do it in 5 minutes, blindfold with one hand tied behind your back... ;D ;D

However, in my case, I removed wipers/scuttle,  and plenum (as I was doing breathers/camcover seals at the same time).   Access is much easier then and you can see what you're doing. There are a number of fragile vacuum connections round there that you don't want to break.   Job itself is straightforward and the part is c. £30 from Vx (don't use aftermarket)