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[kfashley]

The car runs smoothly apart from occasionally losing power when accelerating at speed. For some time I have been having to top up the radiator water and the garage I use tell me the head gasket has blown at the rear of the engine. The engineer there hates working on these engines. Does anyone know of a garage in the Hereford area that has experience in head gaskets for these cars and what is a reasonable price. I have 145,000 on the clock and an MOT due. I do not want to scrap her but it may be the best option.

[tunnie]

waterloss could be the HBV, check that for any leaks first. Any water in the oil?

[kfashley]

No water in the oil but there was a little cream under the oil filler cap last week.

Whats an HBV? Thanks for your immediate response

[tunnie]

HBV = Heater by pass valve, black unit behind the engine block (where your leak is said to be) it shunts water from the block or to the heater matrix, its a common failure.

Mayo is normal on short runs, also made worse by crap oil like Castrol, its the condensation that forms on the long neck, its normal. Try Vx oil, its cheap at £9 for 5L on trade, not as bad for mayo, quick few changes (500 miles per change for say 1.5k) and a long blast should be fine.

[tunnie]

Also update your profile with your location, someone near you might be able to help.

[kfashley]

The oil is otherwise very clean. I will check it the HBV tomorrow but your suggestion makes sense as the leak is in the right spot. Is replacing the HBV a difficult or expensive job?

[The Red Baron]

not an expensive job at all.  not that difficult to do, you will get your hands/fingers scratched & swear a bit

[Elite Pete]

HBV is about £35 from your Vauxhall dealers and is quite easy to fit

[kfashley]

Thank you both. You have cheered me up no end. I think I was being conned into paying for a head gasket repair rather than a new HBV valve. I will check it out tomorrow. I tried to update my profile but the system wont let me probably because I only joined today. How did you get all those star?

[Elite Pete]

Thank you both. You have cheered me up no end. I think I was being conned into paying for a head gasket repair rather than a new HBV valve. I will check it out tomorrow. I tried to update my profile but the system wont let me probably because I only joined today. How did you get all those star?

Through talking too much on here

[tunnie]

the people who have the most are the saddest b****ds, who have nothing better to do than sit on here