Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: trevlac on 25 January 2009, 16:45:57

Title: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: trevlac on 25 January 2009, 16:45:57
Hi.
Symptoms were, 'Check Coolant' Warning on dash, then steam from the back of the engine.

After reading similar posts, I had hoped that my coolant leak would be from the HBV.

My question is: is it obvious when the HBV is leaking.???

I stripped the wipers and scuttle off this morning to have a closer look.
When the engine warmed up I could just see water drops running down the narrow gap between the engine and ??? Eventually steam started to be blown out but I couldn't see where from. From the passenger side my glasses kept steaming up and I couldn't see enough from the drivers side. Getting my hand in, I now realise that I can move the HBV around so I'm going to top up the water and have another go but it's starting to get dark now so I probably won't be able to see much.
So is it obvious, and can you see it, when the HBV is leaking? and are there other bit, you can't see, that leak back there and eventually produce steam?
Thanks in advance.
Regards, t...
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: hotel21 on 25 January 2009, 16:49:07
It can sometimes make a difference depending on what position the cabin heater is at.   Sometimes only leaks when on, sometimes only when off.  Try both and see if any difference.

Good chance its the bypass valve in any event....  Not too dear (twenty quid or so?) but better to replace than have it let go when you are in the middle of nowhere....
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: hotel21 on 25 January 2009, 16:49:57
Just to add, make sure all the hoses are tightly connected and not cracked/cut....  :y
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 25 January 2009, 17:00:36
Had some steam coming out from under the bonnet the other weekend, could see water dripping onto the transfer pipe that is o the drivers side going from the radiator to the back of the engine.
Turned out to be the seal between the transfer pipe and engine.

Hope its the HBV mate as it is far easier to change :)
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: trevlac on 25 January 2009, 17:05:19
Thanks. I think I will replace the bypass valve anyway and see what happens then.
It's very difficult to see all the hoses and connections down that narrow gap. It must be a nightmare to replace them.

Regards, t...
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 25 January 2009, 17:28:42
Quote
Thanks. I think I will replace the bypass valve anyway and see what happens then.
It's very difficult to see all the hoses and connections down that narrow gap. It must be a nightmare to replace them.

Regards, t...

If you take your wipers off, then the scuttle panel off (it has a small torx bolt on the drivers side and 5 plastic clips under the windscreen rubber) you will be suprised how much more room you have to get at the HBV :y
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: hotel21 on 25 January 2009, 17:35:39
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1193594464   :y
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 25 January 2009, 18:52:03
Disected a failed bypass valve today.

It would appear tht there is two sets of rubber bellows (small and large) inside. The small set is the basic water seal and the large set forms the vac diagphram.

On this one, the small one had failed and the water was dripping (not to fast) .....change the heater setting and it came out as a torrent!
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: bighed on 25 January 2009, 18:52:32
Quote
Had some steam coming out from under the bonnet the other weekend, could see water dripping onto the transfer pipe that is o the drivers side going from the radiator to the back of the engine.
Turned out to be the seal between the transfer pipe and engine.

Hope its the HBV mate as it is far easier to change :)

That wouldnt happen to be my donkey your on about?   ;D
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: Andy B on 25 January 2009, 18:54:03
Quote
Disected a failed bypass valve today.

It would appear tht there is two sets of rubber bellows (small and large) inside. The small set is the basic water seal and the large set forms the vac diagphram.

On this one, the small one had failed and the water was dripping (not to fast) .....change the heater setting and it came out as a torrent!

That's the one around the centre spindle?
That's how mine had failed when I was in Kent last year.
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 25 January 2009, 19:12:06
Quote
Quote
Had some steam coming out from under the bonnet the other weekend, could see water dripping onto the transfer pipe that is o the drivers side going from the radiator to the back of the engine.
Turned out to be the seal between the transfer pipe and engine.

Hope its the HBV mate as it is far easier to change :)

That wouldnt happen to be my donkey your on about?   ;D

NO!!  ::)
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: bighed on 25 January 2009, 19:22:21
HA HA. u hate my mig dont u  ;)
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 25 January 2009, 19:48:51
Quote
Quote
Disected a failed bypass valve today.

It would appear tht there is two sets of rubber bellows (small and large) inside. The small set is the basic water seal and the large set forms the vac diagphram.

On this one, the small one had failed and the water was dripping (not to fast) .....change the heater setting and it came out as a torrent!

That's the one around the centre spindle?
That's how mine had failed when I was in Kent last year.

Yep!
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: trademeister on 25 January 2009, 20:12:38
Hi ,
 My hbp had gone and looking under the car the water was running down the bellhousing. Should be easy enough to diagnose when feeling around under the hbp there will be noticable wetness. Good luck tho in fixing. Mine was a swine to do!!! lol
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: TheBoy on 25 January 2009, 20:27:58
Quote
Quote
Disected a failed bypass valve today.

It would appear tht there is two sets of rubber bellows (small and large) inside. The small set is the basic water seal and the large set forms the vac diagphram.

On this one, the small one had failed and the water was dripping (not to fast) .....change the heater setting and it came out as a torrent!

That's the one around the centre spindle?
That's how mine had failed when I was in Kent last year.
Yes. Same happened on tractor last summer. Did post up some pics at the time
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: trevlac on 26 January 2009, 20:47:09
Hi again,

thanks for all the help and advice, especially the detailed photographs of the job. :y

I stripped the wipers and scuttle, yesterday and still wasn't absolutely certain where the leak was coming from.
Anyway, I bought a new HBV on the way home from work, today
 (having to use the old Scimitar for daily transport)
It cost £33.98 from Pentagon Vauxhall in Nottingham.  :o
If I can get home early tomorrow, Tuesday, I might try fitting it: but it may have to wait till Saturday (if it's dry).

I'll let you all know how I get on.
Regards, t...
Title: Re: Coolant loss back of engine
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 26 January 2009, 21:47:28
Good luck :y