I just recently had this problem, topping up every few hundred miles but more frequently if I used the right foot more often than usual. Then suddenly the "Coolant Level" warning came much sooner, with steam clearly seen on the right hand rear of bonnet. A jet of hot coolant could be seen shooting from the HBV at high revs. When the engine was made accessible for the HBV replacement, it was soon evident that the jet was in fact coming from a 2mm slit in the lower pipe attached to the HBV.
On my Omega this was a short pipe carrying the clearly marked part number 90466229 but a replacement was much too long. It was later confirmed that these shorter pipes were incorrectly marked and should carry the correct part number 90466222. So be careful if you have a similar leaking pipe as quoting the number printed on it will get you the wrong replacement part
The HBV was changed at the same time as a small hairline crack could be seen on one part of it.
I was quoted £250-£300 for replacement of the HBV + Parts
with the guy saying "It's a long job, we have to strip down all of the engine or maybe remove it to do the work". My trusty mechanic friend acquired all parts for under £25 and took him about an hour to fit
Moral of the story? Yes, suspect the HBV but watch out for any failed pipes attached to it as well.
P.S. Length of the 90466222 pipe is 280mm when stretched out from its tight curl.
Oh! And find an honest mechanic
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Topic: Water loss (Read 1272 times)