Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Debs. on 30 December 2010, 12:54:14

Title: Coolant header tank?
Post by: Debs. on 30 December 2010, 12:54:14
Started the pup-mobile for the first time in a month (she`s been laid-up due to the snow).
I checked fluids levels, hoses, belts etc. and gave the battery an overnight 'trickle' first.

She started perfectly (as usual) but I did notice that there had been a slight drop in coolant level in the header tank (no more than 10mm. lower than the 'Kalt') and once up to 'fan-run' temperature, a very tiny hiss could be heard in the general area of the header tank`s seam at the rear of the tank, but it might also have been from underneath the tank; as it`s difficult to get near and listen closely, due to the proximity of the suspension turret (and my 'aged' ears!).

The antifreeze concentration is (for sure) 50%, so I doubt if the frost has got to anything; even though temps have been at -22C for several days here during the cold-snap.
I did detect a feint whiff of glycol in that area; but nothing like the sweet-stink you`d expect from a major leak.
Would the extreme cold had made the plastic-welded tank seam or the level-sensor boss brittle, perhaps?

So, I`m wondering how much a header tank is going to cost?......I might have to go for a used-one as funds are terribly tight......Would it be ok to use the car (keeping an eye on levels, of course!) until I can afford to get a replacement?
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: tunnie on 30 December 2010, 13:00:33
Tank is not that expensive, around £35 i think.
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: Elite Pete on 30 December 2010, 13:07:06
I've got one here Debs off the facelift im breaking, its yours FOC if you want it ;)
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: Debs. on 30 December 2010, 13:10:37
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I've got one here Debs off the facelift im breaking, its yours FOC if you want it ;)

Wow!...yes please, Pete.
P.M sent :y
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: TheBoy on 30 December 2010, 17:38:33
I took around 10 down the tip earlier today - I had collected a nice little pile.

Sounds like EP has one. Might be worth popping on a new/used cap as well, just in case
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: Debs. on 08 January 2011, 13:31:04
Just a little post to update this thread:

I discovered that the plastic header-tank was indeed leaking; specifically from the circular bonded join `twixt the threaded cap-boss and the moulded top of the main body of the tank.....only evident when under pressure or when the tank cap was put under mechanical stress which made any 'hiss/bubbling' considerably more evident.
......only a small leak, but enough to lose coolant each time the system was cycled through heat and pressure.
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: Andy B on 08 January 2011, 13:40:26
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Just a little post to update this thread:

I discovered that the plastic header-tank was indeed leaking; specifically from the circular bonded join `twixt the threaded cap-boss and the moulded top of the main body of the tank.....only evident when under pressure or when the tank cap was put under mechanical stress which made any 'hiss/bubbling' considerably more evident.
......only a small leak, but enough to lose coolant each time the system was cycled through heat and pressure.

It's always nice to see a specific fault when you have to replace a part & not have to trust to luck.  :y  :y  :y
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: raksha on 08 January 2011, 19:54:40
Glad you got it sorted - don't forget anti freeze can be fatal to animals if ingested, and they find it tastes good too, so be careful with the pups around any spillages...  :y
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: Debs. on 08 January 2011, 20:19:00
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Glad you got it sorted - don't forget anti freeze can be fatal to animals if ingested, and they find it tastes good too, so be careful with the pups around any spillages...  :y

 ;)I kept them in the house all the time I was working on the cooling system and hosed/brushed thoroughly afterwards :y
.
.....but your warning is well received and a timely reminder to anyone with children or pets, concerning the toxicity of Ethylene-Glycol; even in small quantities it will be inevitably fatal as it causes rapid and acute renal failure.

It`s unfortunate that it has a very-palatable sweetness making it very appealing to kiddies, dogs, cats and small birds. :'(
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: Andy B on 08 January 2011, 20:27:55
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It`s unfortunate that it has a very-palatable sweetness making it very appealing to kiddies, dogs, cats and small birds. :'(

You've not tasted the pink stuff then!?  ::) ::) ::) Tastes nothing like the blue of old.  :y :y
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: Debs. on 08 January 2011, 20:37:37
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It`s unfortunate that it has a very-palatable sweetness making it very appealing to kiddies, dogs, cats and small birds. :'(

You've not tasted the pink stuff then!?  ::) ::) ::) Tastes nothing like the blue of old.  :y :y

It smells similar, Andy.....I wonder have they added something like 'Bitrex' (denatonium saccharide) to discourage ingestion? :-/

Some of the resin systems I`ve worked with use denatonium to discourage ingestion and it`s still smells bitter on hands after several days/hand-washings. :o
Title: Re: Coolant header tank?
Post by: Andy B on 08 January 2011, 20:43:41
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Quote
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It`s unfortunate that it has a very-palatable sweetness making it very appealing to kiddies, dogs, cats and small birds. :'(

You've not tasted the pink stuff then!?  ::) ::) ::) Tastes nothing like the blue of old.  :y :y

It smells similar, Andy.....I wonder have they added something like 'Bitrex' (denatonium saccharide) to discourage ingestion? :-/

Some of the resin systems I`ve worked with use denatonium to discourage ingestion and it`s still smells bitter on hands after several days/hand-washings. :o

Could be, it's certainly bitter!  :-?