Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[CBXPete]

Hi all,
I 've been surfing thro' all the topics on water leaks. My 3.2 Elite seems to have the usual symptoms, loosing coolant at back of engine, local garage seems to have problems locating where the coolant is coming from, and says they will have to strip out this, that, and the other to find it. Any obvious points to start with so I can point them in the right direction would be appreciated. Told them to hold fire for now.

Cheers
Peter.

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Hi all,
I 've been surfing thro' all the topics on water leaks. My 3.2 Elite seems to have the usual symptoms, loosing coolant at back of engine, local garage seems to have problems locating where the coolant is coming from, and says they will have to strip out this, that, and the other to find it. Any obvious points to start with so I can point them in the right direction would be appreciated. Told them to hold fire for now.

Cheers
Peter.

Well Peter, the obvious one with our V6's is the HBV (heater bypass valve) at the rear of the drivers side engine bank.

If you are up to it, it is a straightforward that will cost just around £35.

[Lizzie_Zoom]

This is the guide on how to change the HBV Peter:

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1193594464

 

[CBXPete]

Hi Lizzie,

Yes I told them to check that first, but perhaps they're unsure how to get at it, I'll call in tonight to explain, thanks for the links.

Peter

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Hi Lizzie,

Yes I told them to check that first, but perhaps they're unsure how to get at it, I'll call in tonight to explain, thanks for the links.

Peter

Good idea Peter, as a lot of us have found out on the forum that mechanics, even Vx ones, can fail to diagnose faults correctly, let alone put them right, especially on V6's!

They will come up with all types of bullshit, so be careful.
All they have to do is get the car up to working temperature and watch, along with feel, for any water coming from or around the HBV (as illustrated in the guide I have posted).  Moving the heater control from hot to cold could well also exasperate the leak

[Darth Loo-knee]

Hi Lizzie,

Yes I told them to check that first, but perhaps they're unsure how to get at it, I'll call in tonight to explain, thanks for the links.

Peter

If you have to explain where to look do you really feel confident in letting them work on your car? :-?

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Hi Lizzie,

Yes I told them to check that first, but perhaps they're unsure how to get at it, I'll call in tonight to explain, thanks for the links.

Peter

If you have to explain where to look do you really feel confident in letting them work on your car? :-?

A very good point Daz! 8-) 8-) 8-)

[Monza]

I may have missed it, but with the number of us their are, is it time we put a directory of TRUSTED garages around the UK that understand our Migs?

[CBXPete]

If you have to explain where to look do you really feel confident in letting them work on your car? :-?[/quote]

Yes I know what you're saying, but I have used this garage for many years and had excellent sevice from them on my other Omega's (tractors). Today they seemed very busy and under pressure so perhaps have not had time to diagnose properly. I'll call in tonight after work.

Pete

[robbo299]

Hi, got the same prob on my elite. Bought HBV for £36 today from dealer and got good discount on 5 litres of antifreeze. Took it to a mechanic ( advertised as Vauxhall and Saab specialist ) i have used before a couple of times to see how much to fit. I was told, as i had the parts, just the labour would be £200! When i questioned the amount i was told inlet manifold etc had to be removed and replaced with new O rings gaskets etc. Remembered the link on changing the valve in the "How to" section and decided to look elsewhere. I would do it myself but time and lack of garage means i have to look to get it done by someone else. Contacted another " Vauxhall specialist" and he said it could be done by removing the scuttle, it would be a bit fiddly, and he would charge £50 labour. So if your not entirely happy it pays to shop around.

[feeutfo]

Pete, pm your location if you have no joy before wednesday. I will be passing through Devon on weds evening/thursday morning if you want me to fit an hbv or see where the water is coming from. Did another members hbv on his 3.2 on his drive last week and have done 2 of my own. Only needs the scuttle off and a pair of long handle pliers or grips....if it is the HBV of course. Shout if you get stuck and we'll sort something out.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Basically a good tip is to not take it to a main dealer! 

Sadly the cheapest quote is rarely the best, nor does paying over the odds guarantee a top job, either.

[CBXPete]

Thanks for all the comments, this garage also thought the manifolds etc. have to come off. I have printed off the details on how to access the HBV via the scuttle and put it through the door last night, so lets see what happens today. Thanks for the offer Chris, I'll see what they say today.

Cheers
Peter

[CBXPete]

Picked up the car yesterday, garage confirmed it was the HBV said they found the printed details from this site very useful. Charged me 2 hours labour + part  cost me just over £100. I'm happy got the 'rocket ship' back, saves me driving to Goodwood in the 'Tractor'. Thanks to all on 'oof' for advise and offers of help.
Pete