Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: charlieboy on 10 November 2016, 21:07:04

Title: Radiator leak
Post by: charlieboy on 10 November 2016, 21:07:04
 Hi, my omega 2.6 auto have developed a slight rad leak, took it to a vauxhall dealer nearby, told me I need a new rad, cost £600, now I think this more than my car is worth, years ago (morris 1000) i bought some stuff to put into the rad to stop a leak, Is this still available and is it any good? can you buy 2nd hand radiators?
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: Bigron on 10 November 2016, 21:14:46
I think most people on here would advise against any sort of additive sealant - they tend to block the radiator and, especially, the heater matrix; but with that price for a new radiator, it could be worth trying K-Seal. It "claims" not to block things and can remain in the coolant indefinitely, but I expect to get shot down on here soon for suggesting that!
Perhaps a tour of the local breakers will yield a decent used one?

Ron.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: Andy B on 10 November 2016, 21:20:37
Hi, my omega 2.6 auto have developed a slight rad leak, took it to a vauxhall dealer nearby, told me I need a new rad, cost £600,  .....

I assume that's a fitted price. I bought my rad from Vauxhall a few years back & IIRC it was around £200 though I expect someone will be along to give a link to an aftermarket part. A radiator is easy enough to DIY fit  :y
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: Zirfeld on 10 November 2016, 21:42:27
Hi charlieboy

The price of exchanging the radiator is so high, because normally it is needed to remove the complete dashboard from the car.But there are other ways. As I remember Kurt from Berlin (our German Omega Pope) offers a cheap trick by opening the middle console at the right place to exchange the radiator. If you are interested, i will such for the link.

Rolf
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: Bojan on 10 November 2016, 21:50:39
@Zirfeld - this is about the engine radiator. You're talking about the heater matrix (cabin heater).

@charlieboy - changing a radiator is quite easy DIY job. You can buy GM or Nissens, and it will set you back less than 200 notes.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: terry paget on 10 November 2016, 21:58:21
Doc Gollum will give you a reference of a generic Omega radiator for about £60 on e-bay which you can fit yourself. Don't buy one from Vauxhall. I bought one 2 years back, it's well made and fits all Omegas.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: charlieboy on 10 November 2016, 22:12:02
thanks for replies, there appear to be several for sale on e bay ,  do anyone have a recommedation?
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: charlieboy on 10 November 2016, 22:12:49
 Who is Doc golam?
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: Steve B on 10 November 2016, 22:22:01
Who is Doc golam?
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/70807181/gollum.gif)
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: Andy B on 10 November 2016, 22:33:17
....
Don't buy one from Vauxhall. ....

Why?  :-\ Or is that just because of price?
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: Bigron on 10 November 2016, 22:37:06
Just for complete clarification - it IS the radiator at the front of the vehicle that is leaking and not the heater matrix behind the dashboard in the car, yes? The coolant radiator is relatively simple to fit, whereas the heater matrix is a pig of a job and will fill your swear box readily!

Ron.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: dbug on 11 November 2016, 00:37:39
Try these - https://www.carcooling.co.uk/car-cooling/car-radiators/vauxhall-radiator/vauxhall-omega-b-94-03/ (https://www.carcooling.co.uk/car-cooling/car-radiators/vauxhall-radiator/vauxhall-omega-b-94-03/) - I've had a couple of these over the years, quick delivery, good quality :y

Do NOT use KSeal or similar, it will only bung up heater matrix and possibly other areas, and will lead to tears and an empty wallet!
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: Kevin Wood on 11 November 2016, 11:31:32
Radiators tend to fail because the plastic side tanks have become brittle and cracked, more often than not. No amount of potions will fix this, and, as said they will cause other issues. Just change the radiator.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: judge_dredd65 on 11 November 2016, 16:18:08
Hi Charlieboy,

I have changed several Omega radiators over the years, around £100 from local motor factors (so any problems easy to return) and the job is easy enough about an hour to an hour and a halfs work.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: charlieboy on 13 November 2016, 21:55:01
Thanks to all who replied, I will buy a new rad and just hope I can install it, many thanks