Omega Owners Forum
Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: going crazy on 15 December 2008, 20:36:48
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Hi There,
I recently purchased an 1995 2.0 4 door GLS automatic Saloon whcih has done around 74,000 miles and now I notice a thick cloud of white smoke coming from my engine every time I drive it for a couple of miles. This has happened for the last couple of days and especially when I use the reverse gear a lot. Can some one please advice what should I be looking for.. possibly cannot afford to spend a lot on getting this repaired.
Many Thanks in advance,
Suhas
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Is it losing water?
These engines do produce a fair bit of condensation as part of the combustion process
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Thanks for your prompt response.
Any pointers to help determine a good test for leaking water? I am novice, so detailed help is appericiated.
Thanks in anticipation.
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Thanks for your prompt response.
Any pointers to help determine a good test for leaking water? I am novice, so detailed help is appericiated.
Thanks in anticipation.
Does the coolant level go down ;)
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I reckon the coolant level has come down, I can keep a eye on the level and come back in the next few days. Right now the coolant level is above the minimum recommended level - is there anything I can do right now to prevent further smoking or continue to drive while I can?
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I reckon the coolant level has come down, I can keep a eye on the level and come back in the next few days. Right now the coolant level is above the minimum recommended level - is there anything I can do right now to prevent further smoking or continue to drive while I can?
see if ir drops. as said, water is a product of efficient combustion, and the ecotec engines do steam a bit, esp when weather is cold...
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if coolant level is dropping, get it fixed before using it too much
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Chances are it's steam a perfectly normal product of combustion. It will be more noticeable in cold weather as it readily condenses into water droplets. On a windless day observe the exaust gasses, steam dissapates far quicker than smoke which will linger in the air. As said keep an eye on the water level just in case :y
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Note to self : need to learn to type quicker...... ;D
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Thanks for the reply.
If it is a result of normal combustion then why is the smoke coming out of the engine instead of the exhaust pipe? The smoke comes out of the front grill and is occupied by a burning smell. Any further pointers? Will this be a major issue?
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Thanks for the reply.
If it is a result of normal combustion then why is the smoke coming out of the engine instead of the exhaust pipe? The smoke comes out of the front grill and is occupied by a burning smell. Any further pointers? Will this be a major issue?
Opps, my mistake, assumed exhaust ;D
If you can see it, should be able to pinpoint it. A holed rad is a likely.
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Cool. Which definately means a trip down the mechanic and I reckon it would cost me a lot to get it fixed. Loved the car but not sure I made the right decision ;)
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Burning smell - sounds like a cam cover gasket - easy fix - clean breathers at the same time
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Simple job which you could do your self. There maybe someone close by who's an OOF member that may be willing to help you if you're not mechanically minded ;)
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Cool. Which definately means a trip down the mechanic and I reckon it would cost me a lot to get it fixed. Loved the car but not sure I made the right decision ;)
Depends how much you want to spend. A new rad for my V6 cost around £200 from the dealers, but I'm sure you can get pattern/copy parts for less. If you want cheaper still, there always cars being broken by members here, if you want second hand. :y Fitting it is quite easy, even for limited ability/confidence. :y :y
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Sounds like a great idea. I will probably spend the weekend looking for further clues and come back with enquiries.
This is a great forum and many thanks every one for your prompt replies. Hopefully I will soon be hitting the road again as a proud owner of Omega :)
Cheers everyone,
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Cool. Which definately means a trip down the mechanic and I reckon it would cost me a lot to get it fixed. Loved the car but not sure I made the right decision ;)
ive changed my rad, quite easy and im in middlesex too so could help if you like, where are you??
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White Smoke?
New Pope! ;D ;D
(Fetching coat)
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Don't start changing radiators and so forth without definitely finding the leak first.
I'd be tempted to suggest that you follow the radiator top hose to where it joins onto the thermostat housing on the head, and see if you can see signs of leakage at that point. Coolant spraying onto the exhaust manifold/heatshield could well explain the 'smoke' and bad smells.
Pete
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Don't start changing radiators and so forth without definitely finding the leak first.
I'd be tempted to suggest that you follow the radiator top hose to where it joins onto the thermostat housing on the head, and see if you can see signs of leakage at that point. Coolant spraying onto the exhaust manifold/heatshield could well explain the 'smoke' and bad smells.
Pete
of course, needs investigating a little more before action is taken, so if suhas tells me where he is i shall go and see him and try to help a bit.
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Many thanks for offering your help... I will be extremely delighted to take on your offer but I want to make the best use of your time.
I live in Hounslow - near to be Hounslow East tube station and if you live near by then it will be great if you can help, otherwise I can carry out a few more checks and make the most use of your time later on.. Let me know if that sounds like a plan?
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Update 20/12
Leak traced to a split near the radiator hose. Coolant level also decreased significantly (had to top up with anti freeze and water)
Also the records indicate 'cambelt' to be changed. Should I change both at the same time and how can I decide if the car is worth the extra spend?
Richie rich - happy to seek your help and the job can wait as I would not be using the car much in the next month or so.
Merry Christmas to everyone and thanks for the support.
Cheers,
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I have discovered a small leak near the raidator hose and I am considering K-Seal / Quick Tape. Any advises please?
PS: It is a small hairline crack in a plastic part.
Thanks in anticipation
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you could use some rad seal but maybe consider a new/second hand rad if it's in the plastic
also timing belt is quite easy on the 2.0 (having done 2.0 and 2.5 timing belts lol)
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Thanks. Sorry do not get the timing belt stuff - why is that needed?
I am currently considering a short term fix while I save for changing the radiator. Will look for redseal.
Thanks,
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Radseal may not work if there is a crack in the plastic part (in fact it probably won't) and will most likely cause more problems in the future. If money is tight, then consider a second hand radiator (I believe there is an Omega spares breaker near Heathrow Airport) for now. Swapping one over should take not very long at all - an hour or so?
Parts for the cambelt change should be about £70 (use good parts only) - haven't done mine but it looks to be easy as there is a lot of room at the front (unlike the V6 cars).
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Philhoward,
Forked out for a pattern part Radiator for peace of mind and also got the timing belt changed.
VX1 did a great job and I am going to test the mig on a long drive to north wales this easter. Hopefully the money is well spent & the mig last me long as it isn't much worth I would imagine