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[KevR]

I have a 2003 Omega 2.2 CDi, petrol, automatic. 73k miles, fully serviced and well looked after by me from 6 months old.

I have a problem with coolant disappearing, but there are no leaks visible, and no mixing of oil and water in the engine. Slight misfire on starting up when cold, runs perfectly when warm. Engine management light comes on intermittently, usually triggered by misfiring, sometimes EML stays on afterwards, sometimes goes off. Mechanic has diagnosed EML as triggered by exhaust mixture sensor.

Could this be coolant entering exhaust system via manifold and causing sensor to trigger EML? - ie, as a result of the head gasket leaking.

Any other possibilities?

[star_whites]

I had this problem with my 2.0.

When cold it would slightly missfire on startup then be fine afterwards. It did this for approximatly 2 months and then the head gasket went.

On stripping down it turned out to be a coolant leak on the back cylinder through the head gasket.

[KevR]

Thanks for that.

Obviously, I don't want to hear that it is the head gasket, even though I fear the worst, so if anyone has any other thoughts or alternatives to consider, please say!

[Paul2.2]

Sounds like trouble to me. Had exactly the same problems as you described head gasket replacment was the only solution. Have you checked your plugs, when it happened to mine the plugs in 3rd and 4th pot were dripping with oil. There was no sign of water in the oil.

[tunnie]

yup sounds like HG, water leaks into the cylinders and is rough on start up.... most common cause on the 2.2 is poor / old coolant.

Vx say the red stuff lasts 5 years, but mine gets changed yearly.

Father tunnies 2.2 was dealer serviced at 90k HG went bang, my 2.2 is on 116k and still going on its first HG  

[Baz11]

HI,

Exactly what happened to me, not three months ago. All of a sudden the coolant level would drop, bad misfire on ocassions. The Head gasket went (No oil in water or visa versa), the water was going straight in the number three piston, and out the exhaust.

Basically it was fine until the engine was hot as the combustion pressure was keeping the water in check, the pressure built up - whilst driving, but when you then leave it ticking over, the pressurised water would then enter number three piston & out the exhaust. ( also when i removed the expansion tank cap, i could smell unburn't fuel.

I ran mine for 3 - 4 weeks, but is going to need changing and can completely fail at anytime!!

[markjodrell]

My old Vectra had exactly the same problem. During the past year a good pint of water would suddenly "vanish" I would top up and then it would be fine for months on end. Suddenly , recently though , the water gets used on a daily basis and get the misfire on startup suggesting water entering a cylinder, also lots of white smoke/steam coming from the exhaust.This was enough for me to sell my 1998 Vectra sri with 10 months mot for spares or repair, £250 . New tyres ,cat,brakes,but the repair to the head gasket was going to cost more than the car was worth.  shucks

[Marks DTM Calib]

Parts cost for a headgasket change is sub 100 quid.....labour is probably about 4 hours.