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16

General Discussion Area / Air Conditioning Woes

« on: 13 September 2007, 11:02:53 »

OK, this is not on the Omega, but the Cavalier, hence posting in here.

My condenser has a pinhole leak in it and the A/C is, obviously, not working.

I took it to my local A/C outfit (not Kwik Fit) who have suggested using an A/C sealant rather than replacing the condenser.  He based this on the following:

1.  The car is a 95 M plate and, in his opinion, "not worth spending much on".  However, it is in good condition, everything works and I want to keep it that way.
2.  The front bumper has to come off in order to access the condenser.
3.  In the past, the car has been fitted with a non OE condenser and receiver / dryer.  The receiver / dryer is no longer available and apparently the pipes were modified for this non OE part to fit.
4.  To put this right will cost a good deal in labour charges.

Now, my heart says that really, I should have new parts fitted and get the job done properly.  However, my head says that in view of the above, perhaps it may be better to use the sealant although I have never really trusted these "treatments".  Owing the the non availability of the receiver / dryer putting the sealant in and regassing means that the old receiver / dryer will still be in the system - this is now three years old and probably nearing the end of it's useful life which I have no doubt is being shortened due to the pin hole leak and moisture penetrating the system.

What would you peeps do in my situation and does anyone have any experience of these types of sealant?

Thanks in advance and sorry the the large post!

17

General Discussion Area / Google Images

« on: 27 July 2007, 22:34:18 »

Just searching for X25XE under google images and noticed that the logo above appears!

http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=x25xe&gbv=2&ndsp=20&svnum=10&hl=en&start=200&sa=N

Thought someone may be interested.

18

General Discussion Area / Searching for an Elite

« on: 12 July 2007, 13:06:07 »

As some may know, I am looking for an Elite.  Ideally, I wanted an oil cooler failure project but have found this on e-bay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2000-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-ELITE-V6-AUTO-GREEN-MOT-JAN-08_W0QQitemZ300129106999QQihZ020QQcategoryZ9858QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Whilst the car looks nice, I am a bit suspicious of the mileage.  Looking at the feedback, the guy is obviously a home trader.

What do peps on here think?  Good or a "too good to be true" situation?

Cheers for any advice

19

General Discussion Area / Yesterdays Job - Crank Sensor

« on: 26 May 2007, 09:32:02 »

Yesterday, following the excellent advice given in Mark's How To, I changed the crank sensor on my megga.

All in all, the job took me around an hour - this included investigating removing the windscreen wiper scuttle and the walk to the dealers for the part!  I was lucky in two ways:

1.  I found that I did not need to remove the windscreen scuttle (good job as I could not get the wiper arms off).

2.  I could clearly see the part number on the old sensor.

Since the new sensor has been fitted, I have started the engine 4 times and, on each occasion, it has started instantly and the EML extinguishes immediately.  I don't know if it is my imagination, but the engine seems to run better as well.

So, all in all a result and one which could not have been achieved were it not for this forum. Thanks guys!

20

General Discussion Area / MOT Failure Update and Retest

« on: 02 May 2007, 09:26:12 »

Well, some of you may remember my MOTH failure.  Basically, car failed on Exhaust (which I expected) and a track rod balljoint and steering idler (which I did not expect).

I started work in earnest on the exhaust - got the old system off no problem but then came stuck with the centre bolts.  Managed to get two drilled out, but the other two would not drill at all.  No matter what sort of bit was used.

In the end, I gave up and drove the car (without an exhaust which was fun!) to work and gave it to the small workshop next door.  They also had a huge load of trouble and it took 3 hours for them to remove the sheared bolts!  They also did the idler arm which was also a ba****d to remove (their words not mine) requiring an air chisel apparently.

I went to the workshop feeling quite a failure, but after listening to what they had to say, I feel that I did quite well really, considering that I was laying under the car with it on axle stands!

At this point, I would like to say thanks to all those who advised me with the various issues that I had.

So, the retest is today - I went for a good hard run this morning - the new fuel filter that I fitted seems to have made a difference here.

Fingers (and everything else) crossed and wish me luck!

21

General Discussion Area / Tracking / Alignment needs sorting

« on: 03 May 2007, 08:35:14 »

Hi all

Well, as most will know I had to change a track rod end and steering idler for the MOT.  Now, of course, the alignment is out.  I seem to recollect that some members have gone to see Tony in Watford and the service there is excellent.

Question.  As I live not too far from Watford, does anyone have any contact details, or can they point me in the direction of a website?

I am keen to get in touch with them soon as I would ideally like to get it aligned this weekend if possible.

Apologies if this has already been covered in the past - I have searched but no real leads were produced!

Thanks in advance

22

General Discussion Area / Car Mechanics Magazine - May 2007

« on: 20 April 2007, 22:56:59 »

I subscribe to this mag an look forward to it arriving every month.

This month they have coverage on changing the timing belt on the Vaux V6 engines.  The article covers the change in a Vectra B but the start of the article mentions the Omega.  They get the basics correct - change the idlers and tensioners and using the locking kit.  They then go on to recommend that the water pump is changed as well!

Then in the Ear to the ground section, they talk about Diesel Omegas with the GM 2.2 engine.  Apparently, these cars are, according the the mag, very popular with Taxi companies.  Anyway, a warm starting problem is sited to be an issue - this is because the glow plugs are set to activate only when required.  The fact is, after the engine is stopped for a few hours, the plugs are not activated when in fact they are required.  This is because the temperature sensing is not quite correct.  Therefore, a few turns of the engine are required prior to a start.

That is not it though - the mounting plate above the fuel filter can become porous, which allows air into the fuel.  Next up, the injector fuel leak off pipes can perish allowing yet more air into the system.  They also collapse internally causing the fuel to build up around the injector and causing poor starting.  Finally, the sealing rings on the injectors themselves harden with age which causes yet more air leaks.

Just thought that owners of the 2.2 diesel would be interested.  I would post a scan of the article, but I am sure that this would infringe copyright.

Hope this is of use / interest to some.

23

General Discussion Area / Anyone know about Generators?

« on: 23 April 2007, 12:44:36 »

I am needing a "silent" generator.  I have been looking around and these seem to be quite good:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/diesel-generator-at-Rotherham-Kipor-6700T-brand-new_W0QQitemZ320105551658QQihZ011QQcategoryZ46412QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Does anyone have any thoughts?

The price of generators seems to have come down a great deal.  I paid over £1000 a few years ago for a 4Kva diesel unit.  This will shortly be up for sale!

24

General Discussion Area / Another new Guide

« on: 17 April 2007, 23:12:05 »

I have just posted another maintenance guide - this time dealing with changing a track rod end.  It can be found here - http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1176846802

Hope it is of use to somebody.

25

General Discussion Area / Got my parts today

« on: 04 April 2007, 14:50:43 »

As most of you on here know, my Omega failed the MOT last week on Exhaust, Track Rod End balljoint and, I think, steering idler.

Anyway, sent off my Autobahn Stormers membership last Thursday and got the Membership pack with the all important Trade Club card on Saturday.

Off to the Vaux dealer to order up the parts.  Had a touch of bother with the card as it was not registered and the parts guy had to speak with his manager who was not in until Monday.

Point of all this is that although the card effectively cost £20, I have more than saved that just on the rear box!  Also, if you are thinking of joining to get the card, go during the week the first time you use it.

Next thing, if anyone should want me to get items for them, I will be more than happy to do so.

So, this weekend will be spent under the car.  Happy days!

26

General Discussion Area / MOT test today - Failure

« on: 28 March 2007, 14:09:06 »

Omega went for a MOT today.  I expected it to fail on the exhaust which it did.  Vauxhall want £500 just to do the exhaust!

It has also failed on a trackrod and on the steering idler.

In total, the bill for that lot will be around £900 at the dealer.

I will post up the failure sheet later but for now, I think that the best course of action is:

1. Buy one of those Halfords socket sets that are on special offer
2. Join Autobahn stormers for the TC
3. Get the bits and do it myself.

How hard is the above to do?  I will tackle most things but of most concern is the exhaust and dealing with sheared off bolts etc.

So, one word sums it up Bu**er!!

27

General Discussion Area / Just met up with........

« on: 21 February 2007, 14:11:33 »

............tunnie who came over to my works to show me the Senator.  A great guy with a great car!

I must say that the car drove beautifully and sounded even better.  The purr of the straight 6 at idle and the growl at kick down - lovely.

Cheers Tunnie for making the effort to come over - it was nice to met up.  Wish you all the best with your Europe trip and if you need that inverter, just let me know.

I now look forward to meeting more members of this great place on Saturday!

28

General Discussion Area / Video Camera Advice - one for Martin Imber?

« on: 30 January 2007, 20:14:36 »

I do the occasional bit of Video Editing along with messing around with various vehicles.

Martin Imber is mentioned in the title as I remember that he is into video

Currently, I have a Sony DCRVX2000E (The Boy, I know your views about Sony ) which I would like to get serviced.  Does anyone know a decent place where I could get this done?  I am not too worried about distance, just want to find somewhere that is good and a reasonable price.

I did think that I may get the newer version of this camera (if there is one of course) but, for something that I hardly use, it seems to be the more expensive option so a service may be money better spent.

Any thoughts?

29

General Discussion Area / Car Mechanics Article on Battery Chargers

« on: 21 January 2007, 18:33:20 »

Hi all,

I subscribe to Car Mechanics and find it to be an excellent read.

This month they featured an article about battery chargers.  They recommend the CTEK 36 charger and state that this can be used with the battery still connected to the car.

As I have two cars, I would like to use the charger in this manner to keep the battery topped up in the car that is standing.  I always thought that the battery had to be disconnected before charging to save damage to the alternator diodes.  So, my questions are:

1.    Can this unit be safely used with the battery connected to the car?
2.    Has anyone got one of these chargers and are they as good as is claimed?

Thanks for any feedback

30

General Discussion Area / Not your usual wet weather driving advice...

« on: 06 January 2007, 21:06:56 »

It has been very wet in London today, and the resultant water logged roads have reminded me of something which I though I would share.  It is just a piece of advice really and I am sure that most, if not all, on here will already know this but just in case..................

If you come across a piece of water logged road, don't drive through at excessive speed.  Not only do you risk aquaplaning but the cold water will hit the hot catylatic converter which will cause thermal shock and could possible cause the internal honeycomb to fail in the future.  Of course, on the V6, there are two converters to worry about.

For these reasons, I always slow down when approaching a waterlogged piece of road.

Hope this helps.