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[amazonian]

I would appreciate your opinion on the following please.

I have had a 2.2 dti estate for a month and done 900 miles, it starts well and runs like a dream and has 110k on the clock.
Two days ago after a trip of 25miles I parked for 2 hours and then it just would not fire, after trying many times I had to call out the RAC.
Mechanic got it going after 'cracking an injector' and he said there may be air in the fuel system and to take it to garage as it will happen again.
He also said that because there was 'only' a quarter tank of diesel it may be that the fuel had run back down the pipe as the car was parked on a slope and it may be cured by keeping it filled up more !
I have never had a diesel before so am wondering whether this is possible especialy as the slope was virtualy nonexistent, but then today the same thing happened and I had parked nose up on another very slight slope.
On this occasion it did start eventualy as I kept my foot right down on the accelerator which he told me I should have done the first time it happened.
I have booked it in to a garage but am worried that they could spend hours looking for the cause of this, or is it true what the RAC man said,  and if it happens again is there a simple way I can get it going again myself.

[martin42]

Check leak of pipes,small rubber hoses that are between the injectors,these fail and can give problems to starting

[Doctor Gollum]

When petrol estates run out of fuel, they take a minimum of three gallons to restart. DAMHIKT 

Leak off pipes would be a good place to start, although it might be a precursor to a failing fuel pump

[joff]

I would say if not the leak off pipes then look at replacing the top seal on the injectors as they will let in air to the system. only thing is you have to have the cam shaft out to do the job you could always park front down hill then the fuel will not run back to the tank (this is the way my brother stops it on his Elite, until i get time to do the seals)

[amazonian]

Thank you very much for your quick replies chaps, and its handy that you all pretty much agree on the problem.
I will check it out and get back and let you know what happens.

There is a slight problem however as I discover that there is no workshop manual for the diesel omegas, and as this is my first ever diesel I have no idea where to look for leak off pipes or any other part, or how to replace them.
Does anyone know of the existence of a workshop manual, online or otherwise that I could refer to ?

This is a great forum by the way !

cheers

[05omegav6]

Vectra B and Early Vectra C Haynes cover the engine, Haynes Omega manual covers the rest

[Goldy]

I would say if not the leak off pipes then look at replacing the top seal on the injectors as they will let in air to the system. only thing is you have to have the cam shaft out to do the job you could always park front down hill then the fuel will not run back to the tank (this is the way my brother stops it on his Elite, until i get time to do the seals)

No need to remove camshaft just slacken the caps off a bit. Remember to empty the cam followers before you pull down the cam after changing the seals.

[hoofing it]

Fill the fuel tank first then try it for a few days I think the lift pump in the tank is goosed hence the reason it won't start when 1/4 full.
You could also try changing the fuel filter. 

[VXL V6]

Fill the fuel tank first then try it for a few days I think the lift pump in the tank is goosed hence the reason it won't start when 1/4 full.
You could also try changing the fuel filter. 

No Lift pump on a DTi, fuel pumped by the chain driven pump bolted to the block.

[amazonian]

Thanks guys,  I am just waiting for my workshop manual to arrive and then I will have a go at your suggestions, assuming I can understand the instructions !

By the way, can anyone recommend an Omega mechanic in sussex ( 2002 diesel 2.2 Dti estate)

cheers

[Marks DTM Calib]

I always recommend fitting a priming bulb to the fuel filter feed side.

This:

1) Stops fuel draining back to the tank thanks to the internal one way valve

2) Lets you prime the VP44 and injectors without cranking nearly as much which protects the pump and starter.

[amazonian]

That seems like a good idea, is it an easy job to do and how expensive is it ?

I really need to get hold of an omega diesel mechanic and get these jobs done.

Is there anyone in the sussex area who does work for members ?

Thanks.

[05omegav6]

Where abouts in Sussex are you? Have sfa diesel experience though so might not be much use

[JamesV6CDX]

Where abouts in Sussex are you? Have sfa diesel experience though so might not be much use

I only offer (what is now very, very occasional) mechanics services for petrols, It wouldn't be right for me to do it with the diesels as I don't yet know them well enough

That said, happy to get together and lend a hand, I just wouldn't take any payment for it

[amazonian]

TAXI AL and JAMESV6CDX,
Thank you for your kind offers of help, I have acquired a workshop manual in the hope of maybe having a go at sorting out a couple of problems, but have realised that what I used to do on cars in the 60s and 70s is no longer within my capabilities.
However since you both admit to a lack of knowledge of the 2.2 Dti diesel I shall have to keep looking for someone local, near Steyning West Sussex.
I think what I need to begin with is someone to check the leak off pipes and replace if required, check the top seal on the injectors, and fitting a priming bulb.
Could anyone give me any idea of how much work is involved in doing those things, and are the parts expensive ?
I would like to thank everyone for their help and advice thus far, this is the most informative and helpful forum I have ever been on.
Thanks Guys