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General Car Chat / Re: New UK car sales for September 2025
« on: 06 December 2025, 01:18:47 »
Perhaps we need to get that lanky old Tunnie involved, so we can have a big old man cuddle for old time's sake? 
- 14 December 2025, 18:06:33
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News:
Please play nicely. No one wants to listen/read a keyboard warriors rants....
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2
General Car Chat / Re: New UK car sales for September 2025
« on: 06 December 2025, 01:17:42 »You're an old man now, Mr JamesV6CDXAnd lets be honest, for anyone under 40, as long as it has CarPlay, nothing else matters.
This fills me with gratitude, that at the age of 41 and a bit, my daily driver is still an Omega V6which can't play anything from my phone, and keeps skipping the tracks on CDs until it's warm. I am clearly just out of that age threshold
Just not as old as STEMO, obviously.
I can still manage a half a shandy and a curry, if ever you're game. It's been a bloody long time. Maybe this time we can skip the part where we bench press an AR35 onto an Omega, first?
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General Car Chat / Re: New UK car sales for September 2025
« on: 05 December 2025, 04:02:57 »And lets be honest, for anyone under 40, as long as it has CarPlay, nothing else matters.
This fills me with gratitude, that at the age of 41 and a bit, my daily driver is still an Omega V6
which can't play anything from my phone, and keeps skipping the tracks on CDs until it's warm. I am clearly just out of that age threshold
4
Omega General Help / Re: 3.2 Cambelt Change Request
« on: 08 October 2025, 08:51:18 »
Very happy to help - I will message tonight 
5
Omega Electrical and Audio Help / Re: Engine temp not displaying on Dash.
« on: 02 October 2025, 01:41:04 »
Absolutely bloody brilliant, well done on a great fix
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Omega General Help / Re: Oil in radiator header tank.
« on: 02 October 2025, 01:32:36 »
A used, stainless cooler, is likely to be fine. You'll need to source dowty seals, coolant bridge seals, union-to-cooler seals, grey RTV, cooler-to-plate o-rings, oil filter housing seal etc. But, a stainless, used cooler will be fine.
The old style coolers (which corrode) have protrusions on the top of the cooler radiator - whereas the stainless ones are completely flat on the top edge.
Here is the old stlye, known to corrode:
Here is the newer, stainless type, flat on top:
And, food for thought - I am currently in discussion with a European firm, about a bulk buy of these:
Ultimately it's almost impossible to get a new, original cooler these days (or they are astronomically priced)... so worth at least exploring potential other options / viable alternatives
The old style coolers (which corrode) have protrusions on the top of the cooler radiator - whereas the stainless ones are completely flat on the top edge.
Here is the old stlye, known to corrode:
Here is the newer, stainless type, flat on top:
And, food for thought - I am currently in discussion with a European firm, about a bulk buy of these:
Ultimately it's almost impossible to get a new, original cooler these days (or they are astronomically priced)... so worth at least exploring potential other options / viable alternatives
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General Discussion Area / Re: The British Rozzers are at it again
« on: 26 September 2025, 14:46:01 »
Back to the old bill. I served for years (mixture of response, traffic, and detective) and have always been fiercely pro police.
However, I think I got out at the right time (2023).
The whole system is broken. No resources to attend a burglary, but some areas (take Brighton) seemingly have plenty of cash to paint panda cars in rainbow colours and dance like clowns at pride marches.
The whole system is ficked. Most cops are now very young with zero life experience. I was once one of them - but at least then, there were experienced bobbies on the shift to keep the younger ones in check and help them develop.
Now, a cop who has served for thee years is considered “experienced”. Because all of the true experience and talent have left in droves due to how thankless the job became.
Most cops on the ground are hard working and mean well, but the more senior officers are too often politically motivated, and weaponise the junior officers to achieve their political goals.
The police and the judiciary are now used as a major government weapon. Look at Lucy Connolly… 3 years for a ranty Facebook post. I’ve prosecuted scary sexual predators for contact offending who have received less than this.
At the point I was calling it a day, there was talk of body worn video being compulsory for every single interaction, *and* senior officers (who haven’t worn a stab vest in decades) having the ability to remotely monitor what the PCs are doing and saying in real time.
A total removal of the ability for “proper coppering” especially with feral youth (from feral parents) needing a firm hand.
I’m glad I am out. It totally stinks now, up and down the country.
However, I think I got out at the right time (2023).
The whole system is broken. No resources to attend a burglary, but some areas (take Brighton) seemingly have plenty of cash to paint panda cars in rainbow colours and dance like clowns at pride marches.
The whole system is ficked. Most cops are now very young with zero life experience. I was once one of them - but at least then, there were experienced bobbies on the shift to keep the younger ones in check and help them develop.
Now, a cop who has served for thee years is considered “experienced”. Because all of the true experience and talent have left in droves due to how thankless the job became.
Most cops on the ground are hard working and mean well, but the more senior officers are too often politically motivated, and weaponise the junior officers to achieve their political goals.
The police and the judiciary are now used as a major government weapon. Look at Lucy Connolly… 3 years for a ranty Facebook post. I’ve prosecuted scary sexual predators for contact offending who have received less than this.
At the point I was calling it a day, there was talk of body worn video being compulsory for every single interaction, *and* senior officers (who haven’t worn a stab vest in decades) having the ability to remotely monitor what the PCs are doing and saying in real time.
A total removal of the ability for “proper coppering” especially with feral youth (from feral parents) needing a firm hand.
I’m glad I am out. It totally stinks now, up and down the country.
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Omega General Help / Re: Cambelt change – James V6CDX
« on: 17 September 2025, 23:20:09 »
You’re most welcome!
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Omega General Help / Re: V6 camshaft sensor
« on: 15 September 2025, 23:49:33 »
I second Docs post, if the car made a horrible mechanical noise, then don’t even turn the key again until the timing belt setup has been checked.
Not just by peeling the cover back a bit, but by properly removing it, and checking the tension and timing is totally correct and no FOD
Not just by peeling the cover back a bit, but by properly removing it, and checking the tension and timing is totally correct and no FOD
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General Car Chat / Re: Cam belt query.
« on: 11 September 2025, 22:18:21 »Both Astra's are now 8 years old.
Mrs AA's has done 17k.
Mine has done 23k.
Should I get the cam belts changed?
I recall from one of your other posts, that these engines are the 1.4 variant, in both of your Astras?
If so, I am 99.9999% sure they won't have cambelts, but rather, a timing chain setup. Which, at those mileages, won't need disturbing yet.
Best bet if that's the case, is just to make sure the oil and all filters are regularly changed (more often than the recommended intervals, in my humble opinion)
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General Car Chat / Re: Mercedes ML 280 CDI Project.
« on: 10 September 2025, 09:03:56 »Excellent progress… good luck with the MOTTa
Have to say it's been incredibly therapeutic whilst trying to avoid being in the house.
I can relate to that, there is little better escape than tinkering with a car, especially when the weather is nice, and you're not up against the clock.. mainly why I'm doing a little more of it
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General Car Chat / Re: Mercedes ML 280 CDI Project.
« on: 09 September 2025, 22:57:16 »
Excellent progress… good luck with the MOT
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General Car Chat / Re: Mercedes ML 280 CDI Project.
« on: 09 September 2025, 09:51:11 »
That will keep you busy for a weekend or two 
14
General Car Chat / Available for some jobs (Cambelts, etc)
« on: 08 September 2025, 17:07:17 »
Hi Folks,
Many years ago, I used to spend most of my weekends going up and down the country, doing all manner of servicing and repairs on members' Omegas, before my "real" job took over. Those that know me will know I am a competent Omega mechanic, particularly in respect of the V6 engine, for which I know most of its' nuances. Of note, I have both the kit and experience to undertake cambelt kit changes on all Omega models, setting them meticulously to factory spec. I generally do a couple each year to keep fresh, and in 2022/23 did a major top end V6 overhaul.
Fast forward (almost) 20 years, I now work part time, and am looking for something fairly stress-free to fill a day or two now and again. So, I have decided to come out of Omega "retirement" and put myself out there for a few jobs, if any members require it.
Due to injuries I now carry, my work will be limited to cambelt kits, servicing, diagnostics and engine repairs, or anything else I can do that's fairly leisurely. Anything more heavy (such as suspension work) will be off the menu. This is offered on an occasional enthusiast to enthusiast basis, with reduced prices to reflect this. You will be invited (and encouraged) to stay with me while I work, so you can see / understand what is happening, and observe first hand the fact it's done with pride and care.
I'm not even sure if many have any Omegas anymore, but, if you do, and have a cambelt kit etc due / looming, please do get in touch with me. I may be able to offer further discounts if, for example, a number of members are in a similar geographical area. If there is enough interest, I will do a long-weekend "tour" at the end of this month, eg to the North/South etc.
I should add - I travel to you
Many years ago, I used to spend most of my weekends going up and down the country, doing all manner of servicing and repairs on members' Omegas, before my "real" job took over. Those that know me will know I am a competent Omega mechanic, particularly in respect of the V6 engine, for which I know most of its' nuances. Of note, I have both the kit and experience to undertake cambelt kit changes on all Omega models, setting them meticulously to factory spec. I generally do a couple each year to keep fresh, and in 2022/23 did a major top end V6 overhaul.
Fast forward (almost) 20 years, I now work part time, and am looking for something fairly stress-free to fill a day or two now and again. So, I have decided to come out of Omega "retirement" and put myself out there for a few jobs, if any members require it.
Due to injuries I now carry, my work will be limited to cambelt kits, servicing, diagnostics and engine repairs, or anything else I can do that's fairly leisurely. Anything more heavy (such as suspension work) will be off the menu. This is offered on an occasional enthusiast to enthusiast basis, with reduced prices to reflect this. You will be invited (and encouraged) to stay with me while I work, so you can see / understand what is happening, and observe first hand the fact it's done with pride and care.
I'm not even sure if many have any Omegas anymore, but, if you do, and have a cambelt kit etc due / looming, please do get in touch with me. I may be able to offer further discounts if, for example, a number of members are in a similar geographical area. If there is enough interest, I will do a long-weekend "tour" at the end of this month, eg to the North/South etc.
I should add - I travel to you
15
Omega General Help / Re: x25xe wont start on my 1998 omega b
« on: 08 September 2025, 16:33:50 »
I agree with TB, go right back to basics.
1) Is the cambelt / valve timing correct? Has the belt slipped? Lost tension? Foreign object? Needs to be visually checked. (You don't need the tool for this, it will idle and run (fairly) happily on all 6, as long as the marks line up. The tool is to just ensure it's perfect.
2) Compression - do you have suitable compression on all of your cylinders?
3) HT leads - are they in good order and more importantly - are they connected to the DIS pack in the correct firing order?
4) Do you have a spark, at each lead? (You can get cheap tools that tell you if it's sparking) if you don't want to do it the old fashioned way by grounding a spare spark plug on the engine.
5) Do you have sufficient fuel pressure at the rail? You can get a cheap tool to measure this - it just connects via a Schrader (tyre) valve, on the rail. It should be >3 bar / 45PSI.
No5 has been particularly poignant lately - I have seen three omegas in as many months (including my own), with a split in the fuel line INSIDE the tank, between the pump and the top plate, where the fuel line exits the tank. This causes a massive drop in pressure (the fuel is being spewed back into the tank, and not to the rail) and causes horrible running issues.
Unfortunately as TB said the 2.5 ECU isn't that smart, and at best the codes can only be used as a guide - so you have to go back to basics here.
Please use the above as a checklist, and come back to us
1) Is the cambelt / valve timing correct? Has the belt slipped? Lost tension? Foreign object? Needs to be visually checked. (You don't need the tool for this, it will idle and run (fairly) happily on all 6, as long as the marks line up. The tool is to just ensure it's perfect.
2) Compression - do you have suitable compression on all of your cylinders?
3) HT leads - are they in good order and more importantly - are they connected to the DIS pack in the correct firing order?
4) Do you have a spark, at each lead? (You can get cheap tools that tell you if it's sparking) if you don't want to do it the old fashioned way by grounding a spare spark plug on the engine.
5) Do you have sufficient fuel pressure at the rail? You can get a cheap tool to measure this - it just connects via a Schrader (tyre) valve, on the rail. It should be >3 bar / 45PSI.
No5 has been particularly poignant lately - I have seen three omegas in as many months (including my own), with a split in the fuel line INSIDE the tank, between the pump and the top plate, where the fuel line exits the tank. This causes a massive drop in pressure (the fuel is being spewed back into the tank, and not to the rail) and causes horrible running issues.
Unfortunately as TB said the 2.5 ECU isn't that smart, and at best the codes can only be used as a guide - so you have to go back to basics here.
Please use the above as a checklist, and come back to us