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[Shanusascarabus]

It's the inlaws car so I really don't know how it runs or has been running ... I've just asked him to monitor and see how it runs, but tbf I now need a tb gasket so I'll have it back within a few days anyway once the new one comes... By the way are these gaskets a generic part because on ebay the same part number is listed for alsorts from corsa's to omegas.

[Shanusascarabus]

I'm starting to think this car has a head gasket issue, it's losing coolant
How hard is it to change head gasket on these and is there a good guide with torque settings ect?

[flyer 0712]

The h.b.v sometimes leak on these..and they can be proned to head gasket failure if not looked after properly with regular water/antifreeze changes....before getting involved in h.g changed....have you had the system pressure tested....ask to have the top up container sniff tested,or buy / borrow a head test kit..bottle of blue fluid plus the container to put it in....

[Shanusascarabus]

OK firstly what's a h.b.v??
Secondly I was going to day that the coolant smells and has lost all colour....  It's just like mucky water now.
When checking for mayo in the usual places ( non present anywhere) I did think there was a bit of pressure when removing the oil filler cap.... I'm guessing that's not normal either

[flyer 0712]

sorry...its the heater by pass valve....looking from the front of the engine ,,left hand side below the brake servo..burried amonst the hoses its a round plastic type thing with 3 water hose going into it...when you operate the heater from inside the car it turns the heater on or off by air vac that is supplied by the plastic air vac pipe that fits onto the top of the h.b v.

[flyer 0712]

If the coolant is that mucky,,you could always flush the system through until it runs clear.then bleed the system to get the heater and coolant going through without any air leaks..to at least get it back to normal,,.there is a...how to do these jobs  on the maintainance guides on here..hope that helps you 

[Shanusascarabus]

Is there any way to check or service this h.b.v??
And flushing the system is definitely on the cards.... I'd just like to locate/solve or fix the problem before filling it with coolant again

[Nick W]

Is there any way to check or service this h.b.v??
And flushing the system is definitely on the cards.... I'd just like to locate/solve or fix the problem before filling it with coolant again

It's a sealed plastic unit that you can check for leaks. A new one is available for under a tenner.

[Shanusascarabus]

Ah great thanks for that... I'm guessing its a pig to replace due to location? ?

[Nick W]

Ah great thanks for that... I'm guessing its a pig to replace due to location? ?

With the scuttle off it's a bit fiddly. The worst part of the job is undoing the 3 spring hose-clamps.

[Shanusascarabus]

Thankyou, I will go to the inlaws and look at this tomorrow hopefully

[Shanusascarabus]

Does anyone have any tips on testing this h.b.v to see if it's at fault and also a part number for a replacement if needed

[BazaJT]

When hbv went on mine there was no need for testing it was dumping water at an impressive rate so was obvious.Assuming same part fits[mine's a V6]the part number I have is 95517483.

[flyer 0712]

you should be able to visualy see any leaks at the h.b.v.

[Shanusascarabus]

Thanks guys.... It's kinda hard to check as rhe car isn't mine