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[gbh]

Had this problem of slow water leak or top up after a long run.Its been going on a very long time and I've never managed to solve it.When I did the cam cover gaskets a couple of months ago I noticed some slightly pinky crunchy powder like stuff by the oil cooler so I was thinking maybe there?But when the engine was going and I was underneath I thought their maybe some water on the alternator.After said longish run or fully warmed up you do get that smell of warm water and sometimes a puff of steam but still I can't find it.Your thoughts would be appreciated Glenn

[tunnie]

First off check the HBV area is all dry 

[gbh]

I'll try and get my hands in there if possible! When I checked the other night the 2x1" hoses one i think goes to the HBV was very hot and pressured this maybe normal?

[05omegav6]

Could also be a pinhole in the rad or a pipe... needs pressure testing to be sure

[jimbo125]

Just to add to this thread, I own a 1998 2.5V6 CDX recently strong smell of coolant from under the bonnet did a long motorway run about 120 miles no loss of coolant but around town loose about 1/2 liter of coolant over a 2week period. No obvious leak checked under the car on numerous occasions after a trip nothing to be seen on the tarmac thinking slow HBV leak, any other ideas? Cheers

[05omegav6]

Just to add to this thread, I own a 1998 2.5V6 CDX recently strong smell of coolant from under the bonnet did a long motorway run about 120 miles no loss of coolant but around town loose about 1/2 liter of coolant over a 2week period. No obvious leak checked under the car on numerous occasions after a trip nothing to be seen on the tarmac thinking slow HBV leak, any other ideas? Cheers

More likely a radiator leak... hbv will leak all the time the engine is running

[gbh]

I checked the HBV without engine running and seems dry.But i'll have another check tomorrow with engine running mind you not much room to get your hand in.

[Andy B]

I checked the HBV without engine running and seems dry.But i'll have another check tomorrow with engine running mind you not much room to get your hand in.

You also need to cycle the heating hot/cold & with and with air con on too 

[jimbo125]

Just to add to this thread, I own a 1998 2.5V6 CDX recently strong smell of coolant from under the bonnet did a long motorway run about 120 miles no loss of coolant but around town loose about 1/2 liter of coolant over a 2week period. No obvious leak checked under the car on numerous occasions after a trip nothing to be seen on the tarmac thinking slow HBV leak, any other ideas? Cheers

More likely a radiator leak... hbv will leak all the time the engine is running

Thanks for the reply will check it out surprised I do not see a tell tale patch when parked. Cheers.

[Kevin Wood]

Just to add to this thread, I own a 1998 2.5V6 CDX recently strong smell of coolant from under the bonnet did a long motorway run about 120 miles no loss of coolant but around town loose about 1/2 liter of coolant over a 2week period. No obvious leak checked under the car on numerous occasions after a trip nothing to be seen on the tarmac thinking slow HBV leak, any other ideas? Cheers

More likely a radiator leak... hbv will leak all the time the engine is running

Thanks for the reply will check it out surprised I do not see a tell tale patch when parked. Cheers.

Park it on the lawn. The brown patch on the front lawn where mine overhangs led me straight to my last coolant leak - once I'd noticed it and put 2 and II together.

[gbh]

Went for a run today set temp to high,well the wife was happy as it did get quite warm.However the HBV seemed quite dry although its difficult to get your hand there and hot too.Will put up on ramps tomorrow and try again

[gbh]

I was thinking of getting some dye in the system that might be more spotable?

[Gaffers]

That pinkish residue is classic oil cooler plate leak.  It sits and gets hot so unless the leak is significant you don't get any runoff. And when you strip down it has all evaporated.   In the dark run your engine very warm and with about 2k revs shine a high power torch around the plenum area to see if you can see any vapour coming off, hopefully it's not oil from the rocker covers though

[Andy H]

The coolant transfer pipe is another possible culprit.

On my previous Omega it was a leak from a rotten head gasket (but that is unusual apparently)

[gbh]

Hopefully not the rocker covers i've just changed those.But when i was doing it i did notice this pinkish/white crystalised crud between oil cooler and head.I think i'll have to take the oil cooler plate off and reseal.I wonder can i use the same sealant as for the rocker covers?