Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: f3nt0n on 23 September 2012, 15:16:47

Title: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: f3nt0n on 23 September 2012, 15:16:47
Gah. Been losing coolant at an increased rate in the last few days - now steam is evident rising from the bonnet.

Popped the bonnet and the steam is coming from behind the plenum at the back, to the left side (as you are standing in front of the car)  :-[

here's a pic (though you cant see the steam but it is drifting out)

http://www.fent.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/steam.jpg
(The arrow points to area behind the plenum the steam is coming from...)

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance, guys...
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: YZ250 on 23 September 2012, 15:23:24
Heater bypass valve is directly below that so definitely first place to check.  :y
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: dbug on 23 September 2012, 15:38:49
Would also go with HBV leaking, although could be pinholed pipe from coolant bridge.
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: OmegaGav on 23 September 2012, 16:26:05
Any water dripping/pouring down below ?
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: OmegaGav on 23 September 2012, 16:48:30
P.s Things seem to be not in the right place.......i.e that screw hole on the plenum should have a bracket for 2 coolant hoses on it .....With the hoses in it  :o
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: The Red Baron on 23 September 2012, 16:57:58
i would go for hbv, 1st post of call. check associated hoses aswell.  :y
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: amba on 23 September 2012, 17:18:20
All main heater and coolant pipework run behind the plenum.

Agree with first check being the HBV  :y then all pipework and spring clips.
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: TheBoy on 23 September 2012, 17:53:35
As others have said, given the location, check HBV, but could also be a split hose
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: f3nt0n on 23 September 2012, 22:44:28
Thanks guys, I'll start taking it apart tomorrow.... :y
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: omega3000 on 24 September 2012, 09:40:52
Nip out for a steady supply of plasters before you start  ;)
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: f3nt0n on 24 September 2012, 18:20:45
I just ran the car stationary for about 15 mins, got it up to temp, fans came on - nowt. No water loss (that was visible anyway).

Got in the car, turned on the heating (it was off).

Voila! -steady stream of water poured from the general area of the HBV.

It has to be that...right?  :y

Cheers.
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: YZ250 on 24 September 2012, 18:53:38
I just ran the car stationary for about 15 mins, got it up to temp, fans came on - nowt. No water loss (that was visible anyway).

Got in the car, turned on the heating (it was off).

Voila! -steady stream of water poured from the general area of the HBV.

It has to be that...right?  :y

Cheers.

Yep, classic symptom of HBV.  :y
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: f3nt0n on 28 September 2012, 18:52:09
HBV replaced with new VX unit and running lovely. However, while I was digging around at the back, I found the tube (shown in the pic) not connected to anything at one end. It originates lower down at the back of the engine. Anyone got any ideas?
http://www.fent.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/a.jpg
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: Andy B on 28 September 2012, 18:53:56
HBV replaced with new VX unit and running lovely. However, while I was digging around at the back, I found the tube (shown in the pic) not connected to anything at one end. It originates lower down at the back of the engine. Anyone got any ideas?
http://www.fent.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/a.jpg

Gearbox breather by the looks of it.  ;)
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: YZ250 on 28 September 2012, 18:57:38
HBV replaced with new VX unit and running lovely. However, while I was digging around at the back, I found the tube (shown in the pic) not connected to anything at one end. It originates lower down at the back of the engine. Anyone got any ideas?
http://www.fent.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/a.jpg

Gearbox breather by the looks of it.  ;)

Agree with above.  :y
It's not meant to be attached to anything, just needs to be higher than the gearbox.  :y
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: f3nt0n on 28 September 2012, 19:00:17
the speed of replies on OOf is astounding!

Cheers guys  :y
Title: Re: Steam from under bonnet and coolant loss...
Post by: amba on 29 September 2012, 08:48:14
Looking at your picture I would strongly suggest removing those jubilee clips from the 2 larger outside breather pipes on the Eco box.

They are not under any pressure and a jubilee will cut into the pipe ,so they are really better being just held on by a plastic cable tye.Does make it look neater  to and as they need to be removed everyso often for routine cleaning ,long term you may end up damaging the pipes with those clips. :y