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1

Omega General Help / Re: Head Gasket Failure

« on: 04 April 2011, 10:49:54 »

Firstly, thank you for all your replies.

I am going for it and I am going to do it myself. I have a good price from Andy C for all the parts. And I have the next few weekends spare, so hopefully it will all work out well.

Worryingly I already have a couple of questions.

1. Can anyone recommend a toolkit that would do the job ? Is there any specialist tools required ?

2. The Haynes manuals seem to only cover the Omega upto 1999. Mine is the 2.2 Petrol 2003 is it the same manual that I need ?

Regards,

Paul

2

Omega General Help / Re: Head Gasket Failure

« on: 03 April 2011, 08:20:26 »

I have spoken to the garage again and confirmed.

The bubbles in the expansion are cold.

There is a misfire on idle

And smoke from the exhaust

Hes not sure how much damage has been done, and £75 could come off the bill if I don't choose to change the cambelt.

All cars require maintenance that sometimes may be at a cost that is questionable, but £625 on car that I paid £900 for seems a bit over the top.

For 20 years I have had corporate lease hire vehicles, that i never even looked at the engine (I regret that now). I lost my job and am now doing something different, I chose to avoid the monthly lease option, and decided that I wanted to buy a cheap car and look after it, and I have fallen at the first.

Is it practical that I could do the repair ?

Can I use a product called K Weld ? (don't answer this one as I don't really like the idea  )

Is my car (Omega 2003 CD 2.2 138,000) actually worth anything, or is it time for the scrap yard ?

Please let me know

Paul

3

Omega General Help / Re: Head Gasket Failure

« on: 02 April 2011, 19:06:50 »

Initially it was a water leak, and the HBV was at fault.

However  I checked a few times for mayo in filler cap / oil in water etc and there wasn't any.

The car didn't overheat, but the engine management light came on and the coolant level warning came on a few times.

The 3rd time it happened, I called out the AA as I didn't want to drive it, the AA man put pressure onto the filler tank and the water was spurting out of the HBV. I was probably about 20 miles form home and he said is was too far to tow, but I could drive it, to keep my eye on the temp, and he would follow. (in hindsight this was not a good idea) I got about 10 miles and and the temp went up to about 95/100 just short of the red. I pulled over and he towed me the rest of the way.

I drove it another 2/3 miles this morning and there was a misfire. I got it to the garage, and now there is some smoke (it wasn't really noticeable this morning) from the exhaust and the filler tank boils ?? The garage I took it to, is an ex vauxhall man and came highly recommended, so I would say he is probably right. (I just don't want to believe it)

Apart from the fact that I am not really mechanically minded, I like the idea of doing it myself, but in reality I'm not sure if I could.

Any advice would be a big help/

Paul

4

Omega General Help / Head Gasket Failure

« on: 02 April 2011, 17:02:42 »

My original problem on my 2003 Omega 2.2CD has been resolved with a new HBV.

Sadly however the other issue of a misfire has now been diagnosed as a head gasket failure.

The garage has quoted £700. For amongst other things;

Head Gaskets
Skimming Head
Cambelt Kit
Tensioner
etc etc (it's quite a long list)

The cambelt service was completed after 130,000, so I'm not sure if  I can get away without changing that, or if it would reduce the cost that much anyway.

My car has done 138,000 miles, is this worth doing, or in reality is this a write off ??

Any help would be appreciated

Paul

5

Omega General Help / Re: 2.2CD Omega 2003 - 2 problems.

« on: 29 March 2011, 19:16:20 »

Ok,

Please can someone let me know how much it should cost to replace an HBV valve on my 2.2CD Omega ?

I have the new HBV valve I just need someone to fit it.

Anyone know a good garage in the Tring (Herts) area ? as I'm not sure how far I can drive it, the water leak is now pretty big.

I really had forgotten how frustrating it is working on a car when things don't go as planned.

My wifes not speaking to me, my kids are hiding, and I have said words that I thought I would never have to say again !

And all in the first 3 weeks of owning an Omega  , it must get easier than this !

Paul

6

Omega General Help / Re: 2.2CD Omega 2003 - 2 problems.

« on: 29 March 2011, 18:20:22 »

Hi,

I am in the middle of changing my HBV.

1. Windscreen Wipers removed
2. Scuttle removed
3. Is where the problems start !

How can anyone get there hands on the HBV and still undo the hose clips ?

Am I missing something ?? My hands aren't that big, but there is just no space at all.

Is it easier to do this from under the car ?

Please let me know

Regards,

Paul

7

Omega General Help / Re: 2.2CD Omega 2003 - 2 problems.

« on: 24 March 2011, 13:18:10 »

OK,

Problem 1 - This seems to be intermittent, I am going to try the oil changes and see what happens. The oil looks pretty clear so I am guessing it was changed recently.

Problem 2 - Is now my bigger issue as it is using approx 1 litre of water every 60 miles (round trip to work). However if it is the heater bypass valve, I need a bit more help, as I really cant find it! (and I know what it looks like)
Is this something I can replace myself ?

As always any help would be appreciated.

paul

8

Omega General Help / 2.2CD Omega 2003 - 2 problems.

« on: 22 March 2011, 10:37:27 »

Hi,

I have just purchased a 2003 2.2CD Omega, High mileage (139,000), but only 1 previous owner and a good service history.

Overall I am pleased with the car, but it has 2 issues which are causing some concern, and for which I would appreciate some help to see if I can resolve. (Note: My history as a mechanic is short and unimpressive)

Problem 1.
When the car starts from cold, it sounds like a black cab when idling. As soon as it is warmed up it is fine and drives really well.


Problem 2.
Water - it is using a lot of water, I have looked for a leak and can't find one, I have seen steam coming from the filler tank when in traffic, so I guess that is where it is going, but the car doesn't overheat and stays around 90/92 degrees. there is no other visible sign of water.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Regards,

Paul

9

Newbie Welcome Area / Hello

« on: 19 March 2011, 09:54:06 »

Hello,

Just purchase a 2003 Vauxhall Omega 2.2 CD

Starship mileage, but has just had a cambelt change / service, full service history and one previous owner.

12 months MOT, but a few niggles (I hope) that I think (know) I will be needing some help with .

Regards,

Paul