Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: 999gsi on 01 January 2012, 20:31:46

Title: RIP my omega..
Post by: 999gsi on 01 January 2012, 20:31:46
well my lovely immaculate omega has passed away.last week the car broke down and investigations reveal the head gasket as failed...im not prepared to spend nearly a grand to get it fixed so my question is what should i do with it...???  E bay as a spares or repair,break it or just get the local scrappy to come and get it...(the though of stripping a car for spares doesnt really appeal)...thanks phil....
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Andy B on 01 January 2012, 20:38:42
well my lovely immaculate omega has passed away.last week the car broke down and investigations reveal the head gasket as failed...im not prepared to spend nearly a grand to get it fixed so my question is what should i do with it...???  E bay as a spares or repair,break it or just get the local scrappy to come and get it...(the though of stripping a car for spares doesnt really appeal)...thanks phil....

And what has lead you to this diagnosis? V6 head gaskets don't normally fail, they can do, but generally on cars older than yours.  ??? ???
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 01 January 2012, 20:40:32
If you are talking about the 2.6 in your profile....... I have yet to see a 2.6 head gasket fail.
Who has told you its the head gasket?
What are the problems with it?
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: 999gsi on 01 January 2012, 21:04:57
garage thought it was the oil cooler,as no mayonnaise on dipstick,oil cooler replaced,car then overheated on tickover,compression test reveal head gasket failure on the right bank.garage owner is a friend so not out to try and rip me off..
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: RobseyMV6 on 01 January 2012, 21:16:43
garage thought it was the oil cooler,as no mayonnaise on dipstick,oil cooler replaced,car then overheated on tickover,compression test reveal head gasket failure on the right bank.garage owner is a friend so not out to try and rip me off..

Never had head gasket go on the 2.6 yes oil cooler go, did they clean water ways out enough for coolant to flow, was your coolant bottle full off cream/oil?
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: ted_one on 01 January 2012, 21:29:10
Take all the advice thats offered on here especially in relation to may be getting a second opinion within the forum i.e DLK is the man to talk to,trust me on this one :y :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Webby the Bear on 01 January 2012, 21:42:53
Take all the advice thats offered on here especially in relation to may be getting a second opinion within the forum i.e DLK is the man to talk to,trust me on this one :y :y

+1  :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: 999gsi on 01 January 2012, 21:55:25
garage thought it was the oil cooler,as no mayonnaise on dipstick,oil cooler replaced,car then overheated on tickover,compression test reveal head gasket failure on the right bank.garage owner is a friend so not out to try and rip me off..

Never had head gasket go on the 2.6 yes oil cooler go, did they clean water ways out enough for coolant to flow, was your coolant bottle full off cream/oil?
coolant bottle full of cream,car overheated blew a hose and was recovered home.new oil cooler was fitted,old one was tested and found to be fine.cooling system well and truely flushed...TBH i just want rid of it....for the miles im now doing a v6 is just too expensive to fuel..
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Ken T on 02 January 2012, 01:46:24
Shame, I've just completed converting mine to LPG. Half price petrol  :y  :y :y

Diesel around £1.40, LPG 67.9P

Ken
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: 999gsi on 02 January 2012, 21:24:38
saw the car today,dipstick covered in mayonnaise,as is oil filler cap  :(,gonna put on ebay as spares or repair....
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 14 January 2012, 15:59:10
Update.
Now have this car sat on my drive. Have done a little bit of investigation and found the symptoms to be a little different to the original diagnosis.
No sign of mayo on the dipstcik.Oil looks normal to me.Have flushed the cooling system three times. Got lots of creamy sludge out but still a lot more to come by the look of it. I can only assume the garage wasnt aware of how much flushing would be required after oil cooler failure on V6. There was no heat from the vents,but after flushing now have hot air which is hopefully a sign of progress. Havent done a compression test as yet as I dont have a tester,but I may get one next week. Havent tested the old cooler as I dont have the means (or know of a suitable method) of doing so.
No sign of overheating either,quite the reverse in fact. Temp gauge wont move off the bottom of the scale on tickover. If it is revved for a minute or two it will creep up to 80 degrees,so it looks like it needs a stat.
Engine sounds a bit burbly (moreso when cold) but there seems to be a bit of an exhaust leak, which could be the cause.
Im going to carry on assuming it just needs plenty of flushing,but will also look at other things to try to prove myself wrong,if that makes sense.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 14 January 2012, 16:03:10
lol, sounds like the suspected poor diag as expected.

If its been run much with a goosed cooler then it will take a fair bit of flushing .
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 14 January 2012, 16:07:04
Really is a shame that some people don't listen :-[

Ah well at least it will get fixed now :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: TheBoy on 14 January 2012, 16:10:33
Indeed, sounds like the normal poor diagnosis we have come to expect from garages  :'(

Guessing its had plenty of use with blown cooler, if it has overheated.  That'll be fun. Not!
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 14 January 2012, 16:12:48
Had enough use to blow the bottom hose off. ::)
I had to do a lot of flushing when the cooler went on my p/fl, but this is on a whole different level altogether. ::)
Would the sludge cause the stat to stick open or is that likely to be coincidental ?  :-\
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 15 January 2012, 10:21:26
Had enough use to blow the bottom hose off. ::)
I had to do a lot of flushing when the cooler went on my p/fl, but this is on a whole different level altogether. ::)
Would the sludge cause the stat to stick open or is that likely to be coincidental ?  :-\

Would not be suprised actually if the thermostat wouldn't shut properly if the amount of gunge you say is in there... ???
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Lazydocker on 15 January 2012, 12:33:16
Had enough use to blow the bottom hose off. ::)
I had to do a lot of flushing when the cooler went on my p/fl, but this is on a whole different level altogether. ::)
Would the sludge cause the stat to stick open or is that likely to be coincidental ?  :-\

Would not be suprised actually if the thermostat wouldn't shut properly if the amount of gunge you say is in there... ???

Neither would I ;)

Guessing it's going to be a lot of flushing Albs :y May be worth pulling the stat out, putting it all back together without one while flushing through, then sticking the new one in :-\

We'll have a chat during the week ;)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Gaffers on 15 January 2012, 12:36:58
Indeed, sounds like the normal poor diagnosis we have come to expect from garages  :'(

Guessing its had plenty of use with blown cooler, if it has overheated.  That'll be fun. Not!

Thats what the idiot who had Goldie before me did and look what happened there even with a lot of flushing  :(
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Gaffers on 15 January 2012, 12:39:05
Guessing it's going to be a lot of flushing Albs :y May be worth pulling the stat out, putting it all back together without one while flushing through, then sticking the new one in :-\

Highly recommended technique from experience

Then once running clear fernox the rad and reverse flush the heater matrix with tap pressure to get rid of all the calcified desposits  :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 15 January 2012, 13:46:42
Thanks all for the info/ advice. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Seth on 15 January 2012, 13:57:09
Had enough use to blow the bottom hose off. ::)
I had to do a lot of flushing when the cooler went on my p/fl, but this is on a whole different level altogether. ::)
Would the sludge cause the stat to stick open or is that likely to be coincidental ?  :-\

Quite possibly Albs - it certainly wouldn't help ;)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 15 January 2012, 17:46:32
lol, sounds like the suspected poor diag as expected.

If its been run much with a goosed cooler then it will take a fair bit of flushing .



Yep.....as I know from experience. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 15 January 2012, 19:48:51
I have a spare thermostat housing and transfer pipe with no stat in. I will probably put that on and continue flushing - vigorously.
Also have a spare set of hoses,so can swap them once flushing is finished as I would br surprised if the old ones are weakened by the amout of oil chugging around inside them. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 17 January 2012, 18:09:55
Pulled the plenum and manifold off today. Very nearly got the stat out. Never done it before, found it to be a bit of a pig. Almost got the link pipe out (one of the seals is visible) but ran out of both daylight and feeling in the fingers,so called it a day. Noticed that oil is is leaking a bit from where the front pipe joins the top of the cooler,so will have to remove coolant bridge and the pipe to hopefully find it needs torquing down properly and not that its cross threaded.Also  oticed that blue Hylomar type sealant used on everything while reassembling so will clean that odd during reassembly.
Got to service a C3 tomorrow,but will hopefully find time to get back on project estate when ive finished the little piece of plastic French  shite. ::)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: skyblue on 17 January 2012, 23:55:51
Good luck with it Albs and keep us all updated  on the progress you make with it  :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 18 January 2012, 00:38:10
Will do mate. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: jonny2112 on 18 January 2012, 00:42:06
Doing well so far mate  :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 18 January 2012, 01:22:07
So far maybe,but how much further to go ? that is the question. ::) ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 19 January 2012, 03:38:04
Took the rad,hbv,all the hoses etc off today - and finished removing the stat.When I looked in the header tank there was fresh looking oil in there.Black rather than mayo.Now Im wondering if there is a bit more to this than meets the eye?
Poirot hat on - cooler was apparently supplied by whoever fixed the car,no reciept for the cooler at the moment as it wasnt given to 999gsi when the car was returned to him. He was told that the old cooler was tested and found to be in good condition.Which is where the head gasket theory came in.
I got the "old cooler" with the car. I have tried testing it by blocking one end while blowing hard into the other end while it was immersed in water. I have no idea if this would be sufficient to show a leak or not ?
One possible explanation for all this would be if the mechanic sourced a second hand cooler,and then got them mixed up and put the old leaking cooler back in the car. Then realising this after starting the car had the choice of ripping everything back out and starting again,or coming up with a plausible story.........i.e. head gasket.
I may be completely wide off the mark,but to me,something doesnt add up. Time will tell. :-\
Do I try to find a definitive method of testing the "old" cooler or just take the "new" cooler out and have a look for clues ?
Not sure at the moment - will decide when I get a chance to get back under the bonnet,possibly on Friday.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: dad1uk on 19 January 2012, 07:04:18
I know it's extra work but surely it would be best to take the oil cooler out and check it first, at least all the flushing wont be for nothing and you know that piece is right.....
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 19 January 2012, 10:56:43
You need more pressure than blowing through it I would have thought Albs.
If you have fresh oil it does sound although the one on the car is leaking. Have you got anyone near you that repairs radiator? They usually pressure test them perhaps be able to test the one you had with the car. If its a car you plan on keeping a new one maybe the way forward, at least you know you wont be changing it again.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Kevin Wood on 19 January 2012, 11:06:14
I would say use some old oil cooler pipes to make up an adaptor so you can pressurise it with a compressor / foot pump, then drop it in a bucket of water and pump it up. See if you get any bubbles.

Oil system could well see 5 BAR of pressure when the oil is cold, so you need to test it under similar pressure to be sure.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: twiglet on 19 January 2012, 11:07:08
Look at it this way Albs... All of the work you are doing now will save you some time further down the line when if you eventually break it!!  ;D :D :-X
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 19 January 2012, 11:47:07
Took the rad,hbv,all the hoses etc off today - and finished removing the stat.When I looked in the header tank there was fresh looking oil in there.Black rather than mayo.Now Im wondering if there is a bit more to this than meets the eye?
Poirot hat on - cooler was apparently supplied by whoever fixed the car,no reciept for the cooler at the moment as it wasnt given to 999gsi when the car was returned to him. He was told that the old cooler was tested and found to be in good condition.Which is where the head gasket theory came in.
I got the "old cooler" with the car. I have tried testing it by blocking one end while blowing hard into the other end while it was immersed in water. I have no idea if this would be sufficient to show a leak or not ?
One possible explanation for all this would be if the mechanic sourced a second hand cooler,and then got them mixed up and put the old leaking cooler back in the car. Then realising this after starting the car had the choice of ripping everything back out and starting again,or coming up with a plausible story.........i.e. head gasket.
I may be completely wide off the mark,but to me,something doesnt add up. Time will tell. :-\
Do I try to find a definitive method of testing the "old" cooler or just take the "new" cooler out and have a look for clues ?
Not sure at the moment - will decide when I get a chance to get back under the bonnet,possibly on Friday.

Incompitent mechanic, cant say we see the results of to many of them on here!  ;D ;D ;D

For me, fitting a second hand oil cooler is always a bad move anyway as the costs saving compared to the labour cost is not worth while. Plus, when fitting without removing the heads that some times the thread securing the cooler to the plate on the rear connection often strips when the fine threaded nut is removed.

I have also preached many times the reality that its pretty much impossible to get oil into a cooling system via a head gasket failure.

Generaly, if the oil cooler is failed then it can be tested with an airline quite easily although most will show issues just using some breath (be aware though that you cant create many psi with your lungs!).
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 19 January 2012, 17:29:45
Look at it this way Albs... All of the work you are doing now will save you some time further down the line when if you eventually break it!!  ;D :D :-X

You can break off an all. :P ;D..............IM NOT breaking it. :P
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: RobG on 19 January 2012, 17:32:16
Look at it this way Albs... All of the work you are doing now will save you some time further down the line when if you eventually break it!!  ;D :D :-X

You can break off an all. :P ;D..............IM NOT breaking it. :P

If you did, there`s no-one to sell the parts to :-X ::)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 19 January 2012, 17:35:06
I think I may as well whip the oil cooler out which is currently fitted and rig something up to test it (as well as the one which came with the car which is allegedly the old one) It might satisfy my curiosity and also prevent the possibility of putting it all back together only to find it has a leaky cooler in there.The plenum and manifold are already off so Im halfway there anyay.
Might get myself a compression tester also,as the mechanic also said there was very little compression on one bank,which confirmed the gasket diagnosis.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 19 January 2012, 17:36:07
Look at it this way Albs... All of the work you are doing now will save you some time further down the line when if you eventually break it!!  ;D :D :-X

You can break off an all. :P ;D..............IM NOT breaking it. :P

If you did, there`s no-one to sell the parts to :-X ::)

So it would seem,at the moment. Maybe peeps arent planning on working on their cars until the sun shows its face again ?  :-\
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 11:52:14
Another small update.
Yesterday I flushed the matrix and removed the oil cooler.It was obvious that it was brand new,so while that blows my slightly paranoid theory about a used, leaking cooler,it was a relief to see that it was new.I then did lots of flushing of the area where the cooler and stat came from - loads of oil floating around in there. Cleaned up the mating surfaces (mostly removing blue sealant).
Glad I removed the cooler now,as it not only gives peace of mind,it also revealed the proper black sealant wasnt used,so I can do the job properly when I put it all back together.
Brought the old and new coolers to work this morning. Mechanic who did the job said that the old cooler had been tested and found to be free from leaks. I tested it half an hour ago with an airline and it was blowing bubbles like some one farting in the bath. ::)
Tested the new cooler as well (thought I might as well) and it was fine.Got to get dowty washers etc. and then start putting it all back together.Working most of the next seven days,so progress will probably be slow this week.

P.S. Am I correct in thinking that VX will only supply V6 stat complete with housing ?
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: RobG on 22 January 2012, 12:07:10
Another small update.
Yesterday I flushed the matrix and removed the oil cooler.It was obvious that it was brand new,so while that blows my slightly paranoid theory about a used, leaking cooler,it was a relief to see that it was new.I then did lots of flushing of the area where the cooler and stat came from - loads of oil floating around in there. Cleaned up the mating surfaces (mostly removing blue sealant).
Glad I removed the cooler now,as it not only gives peace of mind,it also revealed the proper black sealant wasnt used,so I can do the job properly when I put it all back together.
Brought the old and new coolers to work this morning. Mechanic who did the job said that the old cooler had been tested and found to be free from leaks. I tested it half an hour ago with an airline and it was blowing bubbles like some one farting in the bath. ::)
Tested the new cooler as well (thought I might as well) and it was fine.Got to get dowty washers etc. and then start putting it all back together.Working most of the next seven days,so progress will probably be slow this week.

P.S. Am I correct in thinking that VX will only supply V6 stat complete with housing ?
Why not pick one up from a factors ???
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Elite Pete on 22 January 2012, 12:18:52
These are good Albs, made by the same people who make the genuine ones ;)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-OMEGA-VECTRA-etc-V6-THERMOSTAT-HOUSING-NEW-/370148171910?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item562e8ce086#ht_1417wt_948
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Kevin Wood on 22 January 2012, 12:25:59

Glad I removed the cooler now,as it not only gives peace of mind,it also revealed the proper black sealant wasnt used,so I can do the job properly when I put it all back together.

Cooler sealant should be grey. ;)

Possible it was a faulty new cooler? Worth a test for leaks while it's out anyway?
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 12:30:02
Excellent Pete,thanks.will order one of those. :y
My mistake Kevin.I have both grey and black in the shed,so will make sure I use the correct one.Thanks. :y
(the one in the sealant type dispenser, a smaller version of the type normally applied using a caulking gun, rather than the normal tube,yes ?)

I tested the old cooler (the one the mechanic said wasnt leaking) and it definitely leaks.I then tested the new cooler and it doesnt leak. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 13:03:22
Another small update.
Yesterday I flushed the matrix and removed the oil cooler.It was obvious that it was brand new,so while that blows my slightly paranoid theory about a used, leaking cooler,it was a relief to see that it was new.I then did lots of flushing of the area where the cooler and stat came from - loads of oil floating around in there. Cleaned up the mating surfaces (mostly removing blue sealant).
Glad I removed the cooler now,as it not only gives peace of mind,it also revealed the proper black sealant wasnt used,so I can do the job properly when I put it all back together.
Brought the old and new coolers to work this morning. Mechanic who did the job said that the old cooler had been tested and found to be free from leaks. I tested it half an hour ago with an airline and it was blowing bubbles like some one farting in the bath. ::)
Tested the new cooler as well (thought I might as well) and it was fine.Got to get dowty washers etc. and then start putting it all back together.Working most of the next seven days,so progress will probably be slow this week.

P.S. Am I correct in thinking that VX will only supply V6 stat complete with housing ?
Why not pick one up from a factors ???
I wasnt sure if I could rob tbh. Ive got somehwat confused by the whole stat issue,whether or not I can get one without a housing for a reasonable price. My nearest factors is Eurocraparts and I have just had a look at their website.Their one without housing is almost as expensive than the ebay one with housing, so I might just go for the ebay one. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 13:33:16
I would add,if everyone is finding this continuing saga a bit tedious please say. Imo its the type of thread I can remember reading when I first joined and dont seem to see so much of it these days,so thought it might be of interest, particularily for newer members ?  :-\
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: jonny2112 on 22 January 2012, 16:42:57
I have no knowledge, advice or opinions to offer in relation to the actual problem and the ongoing tests and remedies, but I find the whole thing extremely interesting. I think this is probably as much to do with the involvement of other members as well as the actual mechanics, but it's still a good read, and you always look forward to the updates.  :y
Just my opinion  ;)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: RobG on 22 January 2012, 16:46:55
Another small update.
Yesterday I flushed the matrix and removed the oil cooler.It was obvious that it was brand new,so while that blows my slightly paranoid theory about a used, leaking cooler,it was a relief to see that it was new.I then did lots of flushing of the area where the cooler and stat came from - loads of oil floating around in there. Cleaned up the mating surfaces (mostly removing blue sealant).
Glad I removed the cooler now,as it not only gives peace of mind,it also revealed the proper black sealant wasnt used,so I can do the job properly when I put it all back together.
Brought the old and new coolers to work this morning. Mechanic who did the job said that the old cooler had been tested and found to be free from leaks. I tested it half an hour ago with an airline and it was blowing bubbles like some one farting in the bath. ::)
Tested the new cooler as well (thought I might as well) and it was fine.Got to get dowty washers etc. and then start putting it all back together.Working most of the next seven days,so progress will probably be slow this week.

P.S. Am I correct in thinking that VX will only supply V6 stat complete with housing ?
Why not pick one up from a factors ???
I wasnt sure if I could rob tbh. Ive got somehwat confused by the whole stat issue,whether or not I can get one without a housing for a reasonable price. My nearest factors is Eurocraparts and I have just had a look at their website.Their one without housing is almost as expensive than the ebay one with housing, so I might just go for the ebay one. :y
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-OMEGA-B-2-0-2-2-2-5-V6-2-6-V6-THERMOSTAT-/270650500284?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f0406e4bc
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 17:10:41
Cheers Rob. Ive ordered the one from Petes link for the CDX,but need to change the one in my own car when I get a chance,so will try one of those. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: RobG on 22 January 2012, 17:12:03
Cheers Rob. Ive ordered the one from Petes link for the CDX,but need to change the one in my own car when I get a chance,so will try one of those. :y
Told you they`re all the same in the petrol engines :D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 17:12:40
I have no knowledge, advice or opinions to offer in relation to the actual problem and the ongoing tests and remedies, but I find the whole thing extremely interesting. I think this is probably as much to do with the involvement of other members as well as the actual mechanics, but it's still a good read, and you always look forward to the updates.  :y
Just my opinion  ;)

Cheers Jonny.I was hoping someone would have that kind of interest.I can remember following similar threads when I joined and they gave me the confidence to have a go at jobs such as this one. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 17:13:31
Cheers Rob. Ive ordered the one from Petes link for the CDX,but need to change the one in my own car when I get a chance,so will try one of those. :y
Told you they`re all the same in the petrol engines :D

I thought you said the v6 might be different from the 4 pot ?  :-\
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: RobG on 22 January 2012, 17:18:47
Cheers Rob. Ive ordered the one from Petes link for the CDX,but need to change the one in my own car when I get a chance,so will try one of those. :y
Told you they`re all the same in the petrol engines :D

I thought you said the v6 might be different from the 4 pot ?  :-\
rather Albsheimers is getting worse innit ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 17:22:26
Who the break are you. :-\




 :D ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: jonny2112 on 22 January 2012, 17:39:43
rather Albsheimers is getting worse innit ;D

 ;D ;D :D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 22 January 2012, 20:39:12
I think the Forum needs this sort of thread too.

I am gonna move it to Car Chat now though. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: tidla on 22 January 2012, 20:55:08
what was the problem..  ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Entwood on 22 January 2012, 21:14:45
Albs .. if you do change the housing as well as the stat check the bolt lengths ... when DLK did mine he had to find shorter bolts, seems the flange on the newer housing is thinner than the old and the bolt holes are "blind", so the old bolts won't tighten down.. and if you keep trying you risk damaging something pretty seriously !!!

HTH :)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: mrgrumpy88 on 22 January 2012, 21:21:26
This is very intresting keep us all up to date with how your doing. this sounds like one of the jobs i love when you get started you just keep going no matter what till its fixed and sounds like your on the right track with this one  :y :) :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 22:27:08
Daz - good idea,it has changed from a help topic to a carchat type topic. Tbh I thought earlier today it may now be better in car chat. :y

Nige, thanks for that,will bear it in mind when I fit the new stat.I have hundreds of bolts etc here,so should be able to find a couple to cut down etc. if need be. :y

Mr Grumpy - cheers for that.It is enjoyable working through it step by step and solving issues as they appear.Shame its winter and work is getting in the way as I have to keep leaving it due to weather or having to go to work.Im fairly satisfied now that things are heading in the right direction.The only thing I want to do apart from cleaning everything and putting it all abck together,is a compression test. Purely because the mechanic said  it had lost compression on one bank. He also said the old oil cooler doesnt leak,but I proved to myself today that it does. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: twiglet on 22 January 2012, 22:31:16
A very interesting read Albs!  There is one bonus I can see to you documenting your work like this...

At least you will be able to refer back to this when you forget what you have or haven't done!!  ;D :P
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 22:34:10
How very dare you. Are you insinuating that I have lapses of memory ?  >:(





 :P :D ;D ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: twiglet on 22 January 2012, 22:39:26
I dunno, ask me that again in 10 minutes and we'll see!!

 :D ;D :P
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 22:41:01
Ask what ?  ???
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: twiglet on 22 January 2012, 22:45:24
 ;D ;D

So... when are you gonna break that CDX that you were telling me about...

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2012, 22:52:30
Whats a CDX ? Have we met ? :-\
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 30 January 2012, 18:54:48
Havent made a lot of progress on the car recently ,mainly due to being at work almost all the time. Got the oil cooler reinstalled (with the correct sealant this time) a few days ago.
Engine bay now looks pretty clean again,after all the mayo etc. was cleaned off. Bloody stuff had got everywhere.

(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1290.jpg)

Managed to spend a bit more time on it today.New stat installed,oil cooler pipes reattached,coolant bridge back in place, and stat link pipe back in place.Now know where the bastid bolt got its name from. ::)
(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1292.jpg)

Just remains to reinstall Rad,coolant pipes,electrical plugs,vac pipes, and odds & ends.Then it will hope fully be up and running sweet as a nut again.Unfortunately,due to various commitments and workshifts,it may be next week before I have it running.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: PhilRich on 30 January 2012, 20:05:11
Nice One Albs! Ever thought about giving up the day job & going into engine bay valetting? ;D ;) :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: jonny2112 on 30 January 2012, 20:14:50
Looking good  :y :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: twiglet on 02 February 2012, 08:28:38
Nice One Albs! Ever thought about giving up the day job & going into engine bay valetting? ;D ;) :y

He might be good with engine bays, but he's terrible with driveways...  ::) :-X
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 02 February 2012, 09:41:03
 :-[ :-[ ;D ;D............sorry Twigs,but you really should buy better quality bowls to catch braked fluid etc. They need to be capable of withstanding a brake caliper dropping onto them from a height of approx. 30cm. :y

Hoping to get some time on the car before I got to work this afternoon.First priority will be compression test,as I need to take the tester back to work today. Hopefully report back later.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 07 February 2012, 19:22:45
Once again,work commitments and wintery weather have meant that progress on the project has been painfully slow.
The last owner was given three reasons by the mechanic why head gasket failure had been diagnosed.
1. Mayo on dipstick meant that oil/water in sump had mixed. I have checked and ascertained that the oil in the sump looks fine and there is no coolant contamination.
2.Old oil cooler had been pressure tested after removal and found to have no leak. I pressure tested the old cooler and found it to be leaking like a sieve.
3. Compression test had been carried out and found that there was little compression on one bank of cylinders.
At this point the car was returned to its owner and hasnt run for more than a few minutes since. I borrowed a compression tester from a workmate and removed the coil packs to access the plugs, so they could be removed to do the test.
The sight which greeted me upon removing the coil packs led me to believe that it was unlikely the plugs had recently been removed to carry out a compression test. ::)
(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1294.jpg)
Had already started to remove the oil from the o/s plug wells when I took the pic above.

N/S bank.

(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1296-1.jpg)

(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1297-1.jpg)

Coil pack rubber boots which had a good soaking.

(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1298.jpg)

Almost enough oil sucked out of the plug wells to do a quick oil change on my bike. ::)

(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1295.jpg)

Breathers were then inspected and found to be in a right state.Even the large diameter pipe had lots of big lumps of gunge coming out and took a lot of cleaning.Smaller pipes etc. were completely blocked.

The joys of restoration projects eh !!

New camcover gaskets ordered from AndyC. Hoping the coil packs have survived their bath. Time will tell.
Put some of the coolant pipes back today,but found that the pipe from the HBV to the matrix had a knackered connector,as had my only remaining spare. Twiglet is sending one via his best carrier pigeon tomorrow.
At the moment it feels like Im digging the hole deeper rather than filling it in,but Im confident it will all be ok in the end.
Another worry is what the final spend will have been and then what the car will be worth to someone when its finished,but too late to stop now,so will worry about that when the time comes.  :-\
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 07 February 2012, 19:31:15
I did carry out the compression test after cleaning out the plug wells.It turned out the compression tester was a bit old and knackered (later confirmed by its owner),it doesnt hold the pressure very well.
However,all cylinders appeared to give a reading of around 15 bar. Both banks gave very similar readings to each other,and all cylinders gave similar readings to each other,so Im happy that the head gasket story has been put to bed. ::)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 07 February 2012, 19:34:50
seems like a detailed work done for a miggy to bring it back to life..  well done Albs :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: henryd on 07 February 2012, 19:35:11
15bar is about 220 psi so pretty good comps for a petrol engine :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 07 February 2012, 19:35:58
I just wish I had done it in the summer rather than the winter.If it was summer (or I had a garage rather than just the driveway to work on it) it would have been done and dusted by now. :(
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 07 February 2012, 19:37:07
15bar is about 220 psi so pretty good comps for a petrol engine :y

I may try another tester at some point to try to get a nice accurate set of readings,but Im pretty confident  that all is well. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: omega3000 on 07 February 2012, 19:49:37
I just wish I had done it in the summer rather than the winter.If it was summer (or I had a garage rather than just the driveway to work on it) it would have been done and dusted by now. :(

I know how you feel about working on a car outside in this weather , great job your doing there  :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 07 February 2012, 20:04:30
Cheers. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: RobG on 07 February 2012, 20:14:47
I just wish I had done it in the summer rather than the winter.If it was summer (or I had a garage rather than just the driveway to work on it) it would have been done and dusted by now. :(
Put your thermals on then and get on with it ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 07 February 2012, 20:31:24
Thats the plan for tomorrow,as long as I dont get distracted by other things.  ;) ::)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 07 February 2012, 20:48:13
I just wish I had done it in the summer rather than the winter.If it was summer (or I had a garage rather than just the driveway to work on it) it would have been done and dusted by now. :(

no worries, even when you work in a garage still you freeze after 2-3 hours unless its perfectly heated  ..

hot shower is the next stop  :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: fiend61 on 07 February 2012, 21:44:46
all i can say albs is WELL DONE MATE  :y

just think of the satisfaction when you finally get it all back together and she runs sweet  :y

notice that you have already had some satisfaction proving the mechanic wrong  ;)

carry on the good work mate  :y

oh you can do mine next  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 07 February 2012, 23:21:31
Bring it down.....................in July. ;D ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Rods2 on 07 February 2012, 23:52:16
Albs good to know your the winter repair expert, so when I'm in the Ukraine and need a miggy outside winter repair done in a mild -36degC, I know who to call.  :y ::) ::) ::) ::)

I've enjoyed the thread and seeing your progress and I think it provides food for thought on what myself and others could do when repairing our cars.  :y

I'm sure you will have a warm glow of satisfaction, once you have finished, and the miggy is running sweet as a nut.  :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 08 February 2012, 00:01:07
I certainly hope so Rod.Im not that good at working in cold conditions these days tbh.I worked outside for years,but have had a few years of indoor working now and its softened me up quite a bit.That and getting older,and then theres the arthritis.... ::) ;D ;D
Im glad its of interest to some people though.Im far from being an expert,but hopefully that will give a slightly different perspective, particularily to others who would like to have a go. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Lazydocker on 08 February 2012, 00:42:25
Told you it wasn't HG ;) And I told the OP to get another garage ::)

Don't bother with another comp tester... Your results are good enough  :y

Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 08 February 2012, 00:54:15
Cheers Paul, a more experienced opinion agreeing with my own helps with the confidence. :y
Im just a bit disappointed that the job is going slower than expected,but the weather etc. - its to be expected I suppose. :-\
Breaking them is easier. ::) ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 08 February 2012, 01:28:27
Well done Albs :y
Yet again another person who did not listen to advise given more than a few times.... ???
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 08 February 2012, 09:48:27
Yep - you and others advised on page one of this thread that it was very unlikely to be head gasket. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 08 February 2012, 12:25:49
Yep - you and others advised on page one of this thread that it was very unlikely to be head gasket. :y


Ah well his loss, your gain :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 08 February 2012, 12:54:40
Not so sure about the gain tbh.Depends how much Ive spent and how much its worth when its done. :-\
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: RobG on 08 February 2012, 13:02:37
Not so sure about the gain tbh.Depends how much Ive spent and how much its worth when its done. :-\
Probably equal to or less :'(
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 09 February 2012, 18:38:38
Did some more work on the project today.Airbox,bagpipes,radiator,header tank,all hoses and everything else relating to cooling system back in.Also several vac pipes and electrical connectors.Not that much left to do now, apart from camcover gaskets (which I dont have yet) its mainly the manifold,plenum and related pipes & connectors etc.
All breather pipes etc. thoroughly cleaned,and all parts which havent been replaced yet have been cleaned ready for refitting.
Got to take Mrs Albs to Tescos tomorrow and then back to work in the evening,so progress will be slow for a few days.
Got most of next week off work though,so unless theres another big snowfall,it should be back inv the land of the living by early (ish next week.
No pics today,but will be sure to take a couple before work recommences.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Murph on 09 February 2012, 20:38:23
Excellent thread!
I'm a complete noob on the Omega B (could build an Omega A in my sleep though) and it's this kind of thread that gives me the confidence to take a spanner to the complicated looking V6!

I look forward to seeing this running mate.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 09 February 2012, 20:39:41
Im glad to hear that Murph.That was exactly what I had in mind when I started to post the various stages as they happened. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 14 February 2012, 16:51:49
Episode 27?  :D was it R.I.P. or has it risen from the dead ?

Have a few days off work and the weather is pretty good so,here we go again. :)

Had a spare set of coolant hoses and HBV so fitted them.Hoses which have been exposed to the sludge of oil cooler failure have been known to fail,so thought it best to change them.
Reassembly commences.
(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1299.jpg)

Cam covers removed ready to fit new gaskets.

(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1308.jpg)

Not far to go now.Just got these bits to put back.

(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1300.jpg)

And finally,its all back together. ready for that nerve racking moment  - the first turn of the key.

(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1310.jpg)

......and after a few seconds,it fired up and ran as sweet as a nut. :) :) :) :).....so its not R.I.P. it lives to fight another day. :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 14 February 2012, 17:00:40
It now remains to give the rest of the car a going over,replace a punctured tyre,get it MOT,d,and finish refurbing the CDX alloys I have for it.Its currently fitted with CD alloys for some reason.
Have been amusing myself at work by doing a bit of refurbing.

Before.
(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1302.jpg)

After.
(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff500/Albs59/DSCF1304-1.jpg)

hopefully have it ready for a new home before the end of the month.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 14 February 2012, 17:35:02
well done Albs :y :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: albitz on 14 February 2012, 17:40:41
Thanks Cem,I have a slight warm feeling of satisfaction today. :y ;D.....Not quite finished yet though,but that should be the worst of it over. ;)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 14 February 2012, 17:44:22
Thanks Cem,I have a slight warm feeling of satisfaction today. :y ;D .....Not quite finished yet though,but that should be the worst of it over. ;)

no reason for a repairable good car to be sent to the junk.. you must be proud.. :y
 
ps: my wife surprised to see a very clean engine (except mine) ;D :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Webby the Bear on 14 February 2012, 17:45:39
Well done Albs. Bloody marvellous thread!  :y :y :y :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: omega3000 on 14 February 2012, 17:46:12
Looks really good there Albs , glad it fired up and ran ok  :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: aaronjb on 14 February 2012, 17:53:45
Thanks Cem,I have a slight warm feeling of satisfaction today. :y ;D.....Not quite finished yet though,but that should be the worst of it over. ;)

You might want to check that's not incontinence..  :P ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: omega3000 on 14 February 2012, 18:02:50
Thanks Cem,I have a slight warm feeling of satisfaction today. :y ;D.....Not quite finished yet though,but that should be the worst of it over. ;)

You might want to check that's not incontinence..  :P ;D
;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: smithpa7 on 14 February 2012, 18:04:12
Great work Albs, a really interesting read :y
I will, however be totally happy when you have put the battery jacket back on ;D ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: DaveA on 14 February 2012, 19:53:36
Great work Albs, pat on the back from me :y :y :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Psychoca on 14 February 2012, 21:18:59
Nice job Albs...  It is good to see another Mig saved and how accurate the OOF advice is...
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Murph on 14 February 2012, 21:33:59
Top job that man!

Wanna come play with my estate?   :D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 09 June 2019, 17:47:49
As Im in a lazy mood today, sat here waiting until its time to go to work, I decided to check if this car was still around.
I bought it with 90k miles on the clock and misdiagnosed head gasket failure by a garage.
Typed FT02 HLM into the Gov. Mot checker and lo and behold its still going strong. 166k miles on the clock and passed its MOT in March with no advisories.  :)
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 09 June 2019, 18:08:23
My current project (almost finished) is a bit more of a low tech job.  ;D

(https://i.postimg.cc/sxkVTrB9/IMG-0009.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLxKSTzh)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7Pn8c0Fr/IMG-0022.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BtbVPLZm)

(https://i.postimg.cc/jqySRnYc/IMG-0170.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDXmc44R)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 June 2019, 18:28:23
The chicken chaser lives..... :D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: dave the builder on 09 June 2019, 18:31:39
are you trying to lower your petrol bill ?  ;D
looks very tidy and original  :)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: biggriffin on 09 June 2019, 18:33:58
Holy thread restriction.

Bloody auto spell.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 09 June 2019, 21:08:05
The little Chicken chaser (aka Honda Cub C90 - the biggest selling vehicle ever, by a long way  :P ) is now very tidy and original, as I spent approx. 100 hours restoring it over the winter.
I wouldnt be seen dead on it. Its even getting transported to the MOT station in the back of a van.  ::) ;D
However, I paid £200 for it, spent another £200 restoring it and wont be selling it for anything less than a grand, possibly more.  ;)
The Omega in the thread all those years ago was purchased for £300, spent another £300 (and many hours in the freezing cold) on it, and sold it on the bay of fleas for £1200.
Im a sad old fickir I know, but it warmed the cockles of my heart today when I saw that it has covered another 76000 miles and is still going strong.  :)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 09 June 2019, 21:12:35
P.S. for anyone who has joined in recent year, the original thread might be worth a read. Its the kind of thing that used to appear on OOF from time to time when it was a busier forum with a lot of active members.  ;)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: BazaJT on 10 June 2019, 07:48:59
Saw this thread and began reading it,it took a while for the penny to drop that is was from 2012 :D Still an interesting read even now.The "90" looks very well and a testament to your work :y Most of the cars I've owned I'd be glad to know had gone to the crusher ;D others I don't really care whether they have or not,but yes there are the odd one or two which at the back of my mind I hope are still about.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: TheBoy on 10 June 2019, 11:37:11
I just went through all my old cars (well, the ones I can remember the registrations for), and not one of them is still alive ;D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: ronnyd on 10 June 2019, 19:21:01
Just checked some  of my previous and an old Mazda 626 (A reg, prefix) which i saw on the back of a transporter in 98 is the only one still on the system. Says road tax? due in 1998. No MOT history. :D
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 21 May 2021, 23:42:53
Sat here bored on a wet & windy Friday night, and decided to do an MOT check again on the car that started this thread all those years ago. FT02 HLM.
Sold it with 90352 miles on the clock in July 2012. It passed the MOT again in March this year with 170544 miles on the clock.
Advisories on discs and a couple of other minor things, but still going strong.
Not bad for a car condemned by a garage who claimed it didnt have a leaky oil cooler but two blown head gaskets.  :)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Shackeng on 22 May 2021, 08:12:46
Quote from OP: “garage owner is a friend so not out to try and rip me off.” Well maybe not, but he employed incompetent mechanics. Just read this again Albs, and being Omega-less now, I needed a nostalgia fix, the thread was a useful learning curve, and must have been good training for the Frog.  :y
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 22 May 2021, 09:39:21
It was indeed a learning curve and an enjoyable one despite the cold snowy weather.
Im older now and wouldnt attempt it in the middle of winter now. ;D
Having said that, I would rather work on an Omega in winter than the French contraption on a warm balmy day. ::)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: YZ250 on 22 May 2021, 09:57:49
Although I remember the original thread, I've just read it all again. It was a time consuming job for you but successful, and that's what matters in the end.  :y  Nice work.  :y
It's times like that when I would love my garage to be big enough to get the car in and have space around it to work.
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 22 May 2021, 10:46:58
In a previous life I had 4 garages (originally the stables) outside my door. Now I would swap a lung for a decent sized garage.  ::)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 22 May 2021, 13:21:03
It was indeed a learning curve and an enjoyable one despite the cold snowy weather.
Im older now and wouldnt attempt it in the middle of winter now. ;D
Having said that, I would rather work on an Omega in winter than the French contraption on a warm balmy day. ::)
A warm balmy day invites a cold snack or three... Which may make the process alot easier... And nearer how it was slapped together ;)
Title: Re: RIP my omega..
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 22 May 2021, 15:43:07
A cold snack or three while working on that thing may well be the cue for bringing out the Swan Vestas.  ;D