Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: neddy on 18 June 2011, 16:32:19

Title: Head Gasket Gone??
Post by: neddy on 18 June 2011, 16:32:19
After 152k miles I think the head gasket  has gone, no overheating but I've noticed a coolant loss, bubbles from both pipes into the expansion tank when the cap is off and pressure in top hose when it's on. Strangely the car starts on 3 cylinders then after 1-2 miles runs properly on 4 after the ignition is turned off then on again. There also seems to be a slight "fog" from the exhaust. Any other ideas please?
Title: Re: Head Gasket Gone??
Post by: Lazydocker on 18 June 2011, 18:16:26
Sounds like it could be, but you need to do a compression test to confirm
Title: Re: Head Gasket Gone??
Post by: PhilRich on 18 June 2011, 19:07:07
Sounds pretty conclusive to me, as exactly the same symptoms as mine, but as LD said, a pressure test will be definative :y
I bet if you let it stand overnight & then have a look into pot No.4 (nearest the windscreen) with a bright torch or do a dip test with a pencil etc. with a cotton bud firmly fastened to the end you will find water there! :(
On the Plus side, it's not a difficult job to diy it & the only 'special tools' required are a cam locking tool (iro £6 from Draper) a decent torque wrench & if possible an angle gauge.  :y
Title: Re: Head Gasket Gone??
Post by: neddy on 18 June 2011, 21:15:29
Silly me I've got a comp tester and had forgotten all about that side of things - I'll try it tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder!!! I've even remembered about keeping the throttle open. I have thought about having a go at the valves and stem seals whilst it is stripped down bearing in mind the mileage. Has anyone any one any other ideas??