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[bestseany]

My 97 3.0 Elite makes a lot of steam when I'm sitting in traffic, although it goes when I'm driving.

Is this normal of the 3.0 V6? I have to top the header tank up every few weeks with coolant, although the engine never mis-fires etc.

Should I be concerned?

[bob.dent]

When you say steam, do you mean big clouds of steam or just condensation? On the 2.5 V6 I find the exhaust does emit quite a lot of condensation in cold or damp weather, but if you're also losing coolant and there are no visible signs of leaks, you may have a head gasket failure. Fingers crossed it's just condensation, but I'm sure one of the more knowledgeable guys on here will be able to give you a more accurate diagnosis.

[bestseany]

It just looks like condensation to be honest mate. From previous experience in old cars I've had, the white smoke from head gasket problems seems to be thick white and lingers around longer.

It does seem to be when the engine is colder and I've only had the car since November, so never had warm weather to tell the difference in.

Not sure about the coolant loss though, as I haven't been able to inspect for leaks properly. I need to check all the hoses, HBV and radiator yet.

I was just wondering if lots of condensation was a common thing?

[Jimbob]

Mine is exactly the same, about to replace HBV.

[bestseany]

Mine is exactly the same, about to replace HBV.

I was thinking HBV, although my heaters work fine and the water doesn't pressurise. I'm guessing if it is that, then mines at the early stages of failure?

I'm meant to be taking the rocker covers off next week, so should give me an opportunity to look at it properly.

[bob.dent]

It just looks like condensation to be honest mate. From previous experience in old cars I've had, the white smoke from head gasket problems seems to be thick white and lingers around longer.

It does seem to be when the engine is colder and I've only had the car since November, so never had warm weather to tell the difference in.

Not sure about the coolant loss though, as I haven't been able to inspect for leaks properly. I need to check all the hoses, HBV and radiator yet.

I was just wondering if lots of condensation was a common thing?

If mine's anything to go by, I'd say heavy condensation is quite common with the V6. As for the water loss, it does seem like it might be the HBV as I had similar intermittent water loss some months ago which turned out to be the HBV.

[bestseany]

If mine's anything to go by, I'd say heavy condensation is quite common with the V6. As for the water loss, it does seem like it might be the HBV as I had similar intermittent water loss some months ago which turned out to be the HBV.

Any idea how much a new HBV is?

[Jimbob]

I beleive it is Part no 90566947 BY-PASS VALVE £27.60 each retail.
Need to get up to queensferry with a shopping list next week.

[bestseany]

I beleive it is Part no 90566947 BY-PASS VALVE £27.60 each retail.
Need to get up to queensferry with a shopping list next week.

Queensferry? I go to Vauxhall on Deeside Industrial Park. They supply all the local dealers so they're the best place to go for parts.

I normally get my parts from Autovaux, but I wanted genuine GM rocker gaskets so I'm up at Vauxhall on Saturday to get them.

[Jimbob]

I beleive it is Part no 90566947 BY-PASS VALVE £27.60 each retail.
Need to get up to queensferry with a shopping list next week.

Queensferry? I go to Vauxhall on Deeside Industrial Park. They supply all the local dealers so they're the best place to go for parts.

I normally get my parts from Autovaux, but I wanted genuine GM rocker gaskets so I'm up at Vauxhall on Saturday to get them.

Thats who I mean by Queensferry, sorry