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[DaveBrunel]

I came back to the car yesterday to find a large pool of coolant beneath it.  The header tank was empty, as was the entire cooling system, judging by the amount of water. From underneath the engine, I could see water was still dripping off the back of the block, but it's impossible to see where from. No evidence of leaks around the header tank, radiator hoses, or heads. Anyone have any ideas, bearing in mind this was not a 'slow leak', more of a complete sudden loss of coolant?

[Proz]

My money would be on the famous HBV .. heater bypass valve .
There are other possible locations to check but im not familiar with the v6's .

I think there is a how to on here somewhere so you can check what to look for 

[Proz]

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1193594464

This is the one to check for the HBV .... i would think thats the best place to start as they are a common fault 

[DaveBrunel]

Thanks Proz - that 'How To' looks very helpful, and it certainly looks like the HBV is the culprit, judging by where the coolant is dripping from. I'll investigate further...

[Proz]

There may well be visable signs of staining around it depending on what colour your coolant is 

[Sixstring]

Expect 28-30 quid for it, and its a bitch to do unless you remove the scuttle first. Clips on pipes are a tad fiddly, but perseverance pays.
Will probally make air locks in system, will need to bleed them out well, or heater will be cold/not work, and you should reset the climate control if you have it.

good Luck!!

[ScaniaV8]

Make sure you fit a genuine VX HBV replacement unit, about £36 quid (without trade card). Fitting anything else is false economy....oh and get a packet of plasters for your knuckles....and be patient  :-)

[jonny2112]

This is exactly what happened to mine a few years ago. Nothing untoward, then massive puddle! Was able to change it myself using the guide, and so can you 

[DaveBrunel]

So - got the HBV out, knuckles intact, but I owe the swearbox a lot of money. How do I know it has failed? Visually, there does not seem to be anything wrong with it.  :-/

[DaveBrunel]

HB Valve £38 from VX Maidenhead, found the best thing to use on those b*****d pipe clips were various sized mole grips. Heating and air-con all OK, no leaks, no plasters required!

Thanks for your help, guys.