Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: kenajcooper on 23 December 2013, 13:41:55

Title: Vauxhall Omega Elite - Coolant Level Low to Oil Coller change
Post by: kenajcooper on 23 December 2013, 13:41:55
Hi All

Recently I have been having trouble with the coolant level - was topping up on a regular basis.
Last week the level just bottomed. The road side assistant (via Insurance) reckoned it was the Water Cooler after pouring water through the system.
The vehicle is now in the garage. They have suggested it is the Oil Cooler. (at £700 to fix)

Could this sound right ??

Also at the same time the Outside Temp gauge was showing 55 degrees (certainly not here in the Midlands, UK anyway)

Are these linked or co-incidence.

Best Regards and Happy Christmas to all

Ken Cooper



Title: Re: Vauxhall Omega Elite - Coolant Level Low to Oil Coller change
Post by: 05omegav6 on 23 December 2013, 13:45:01
Any evidence of oil in the expansion tank?

Didn't think so... more likely the heater bypass valve, about £40 for a new one and an hour to fit :y

By the way, get a different garage :-\

Temp sensor is a different issue, most likely it has come unclipped by a puddle and is now sitting against the radiator :y
Title: Re: Vauxhall Omega Elite - Coolant Level Low to Oil Coller change
Post by: kevinp58 on 23 December 2013, 13:47:17
look for oil deposit in bottle if brown and oily then could be but check to see if water is leaking at the back of the engine if so then could be the HBV :y

 must type faster  ???

 BTW welcome  :y
Title: Re: Vauxhall Omega Elite - Coolant Level Low to Oil Coller change
Post by: amba on 23 December 2013, 13:55:46
Assume when you say you have been loosing coolant and needing to top up on a regular basis you have been doing that with a water/coolant mix ?

If not then you are probably looking at an oil cooler fault and a contaminated coolant system. :(

If you have then more than likely a HBV fault and a much cheaper fix.

Either way your garage are seeing your wallet as "open season" and you need it to be investigated properly first.
Title: Re: Vauxhall Omega Elite - Coolant Level Low to Oil Coller change
Post by: Entwood on 23 December 2013, 13:56:26
Long range diagnosis is always difficult ..  but as others have said, unlikely to be oil cooler IMHO ..... my reasons ?? quite simple .. Oil cooler failure results in oil entering the coolant system .. this causes the level to RISE (and get very dirty) .. not to fall as you describe.

HBV (heater Bypass valve) is a known failure point that gives exactly the symptoms you describe .. but is fixable DIY for less than £50 .. there is a good "how to" here ..

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90574.0

So ... garage want £700 for a £50 job ......  a tad unrealistic IMHO !!

Title: Re: Vauxhall Omega Elite - Coolant Level Low to Oil Coller change
Post by: biggriffin on 23 December 2013, 14:39:08
Just seen the op location, maybe the noofers might be able to help him.

if not then a quick blast along the a14 and go see serek, and get a full check done :y
Title: Re: Vauxhall Omega Elite - Coolant Level Low to Oil Coller change
Post by: albitz on 23 December 2013, 16:48:59
IF it turns out to be the oil cooler, parts are approx. £170 and its around 3 hours for an amateur like myself to fit it.
£700 is theft. No other word for it.
Title: Re: Vauxhall Omega Elite - Coolant Level Low to Oil Coller change
Post by: martin42 on 23 December 2013, 17:01:47
Pm sent  :y
Title: Re: Vauxhall Omega Elite - Coolant Level Low to Oil Coller change
Post by: omega3000 on 23 December 2013, 17:06:54
Just seen the op location, maybe the noofers might be able to help him.

if not then a quick blast along the a14 and go see serek, and get a full check done :y

 :y
Title: Re: Vauxhall Omega Elite - Coolant Level Low to Oil Coller change
Post by: AndyStobbs on 23 December 2013, 22:35:26
Oil cooler covers can corrode through and just leak. Also coolant bridges. Also radiators. Plenty of places coolant can leak from.