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[wiliferus]

On Friday when I left work, as I pulled out the gearbox did a minor flare between 1st and 2nd. Didn't think much of it as the cars been faultless, and put it down to a minor software brainfart.

I've gone out this morning and noticed some fluid under the car. It's a red, oil based, thin liquid. I'd say judging by the stain upto half a pint. It still drives fine.

Has my car shat some gearbox oil? And if so, what's the likely cause/source. If it has, as a temporary safeguard can I top it up or is it a sealed for life box and impending wallet rapage?
Cheers

[drinksoptional]

Your best bet is get under there with a torch and have a look to what has leaked  driving could do damage

[joshwyatt]

Certainly sounds like an ATF leak. I would check for any obvious leaks, but certainly top the fluid level up.
It is not a sealed for life box, despite what Vauxhall may say.
If you're bringing the Omega on the 2nd, we can have a quick look!

[joshwyatt]

You'll find this guide useful...

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90508.0

[05omegav6]

Could be a coolant leak... More likely than an atf leak tbh

[wiliferus]

Thanks for the replies Gents, the guide is very useful. Josh, thanks for the offer, hopefully it'll be sorted by then!

Having read the guide the optimist in me is hoping the sump plug is loose and that's the cause!

[mickyboy123]

yes as al ses could be coolant, mine currently has a coolant leak and that leaves a nasty stain on the road like oil and looks red in colour. even feels oily becoz of the anti frezze. good luck

[mickyboy123]

easy to tell tho if its gear oil tho smells like cat pee. where as the anti frezze has very little smell

[wiliferus]

Quick update, I went out to have a look, fired it up and the check coolant message came up. Checked the header tank and it's lost about an inch of coolant - so that answers the question. I had a poke about the hoses and the rad and all seems well. I've topped it up and done about 50 miles, no further leaks or fluid loss.

What would cause a temporary coolant loss? I would have thought hoses & rad would be consistant if holed, water pump would surely carry on loosing fluid if it was dying. It doesn't help that I couldn't see any moisture or obvious signs in or under the engine bay.


Any ideas?

[CaptainZok]

Sounds like classic symptoms of a HBV leak. Did you move the heater controls after topping up?

[wiliferus]

No, and it's dropped more coolant today.

Looks like the spanners are coming out at the weekend!

[CaptainZok]

First thing to check would be the heater bypass valve down the back of the offside head. It can leak then stop then leak again usually dependant on how the heater control is set. If you end up changing it stock up on plasters as it's a bit of a bitch to get to.

[ffcgary1]

oh and if it is the HBV then use a genuine vx part.