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[OMEGA VXR]

Hi all

Bit of a problem yesterday morning.......took out the 4 spark plugs and to my horror they were all covered in oil,looked inside the wells and they were full of oil too,i used the car saturday night and it was fine apart from the oil smell when the heaters on!!
The thing is i had the cam cover gasket changed (non genuine item)at a garage march 05! the garage has since closed down!!!!! what can i do?

Thanks

Lee

[Nickbat]

The gaskets blow when the breathers get blocked. This can be overcome by cleaning the breathers at least once a year (depending on mileage etc.) AND, most importantly, changing the oil at least every 6 months. The bottom line is if the breathers have not been cleaned since Mar 05 and of you haven't had regular oil changes, it's not the garage's fault (IMO). So no there's nowt you can do but replace the gaskets yourself or cough up to get a garage to do it. Make sure, when you do get the gaskets repaired to clean the breathers (see How To section) and change the oil.

Good luck  

[TheBoy]

what can i do?

replace the gaskets!

sorry for flippant remark, couldn't resist ;)

Seriously, you have little comeback, as its nearly 2 years.  Most places give 1yr max.

As said, regular oil changes and a clean breather prevent this happening. Also use genuine Vx gaskets next time, pattern ones frequently give problems.

Please note that breathers will not be cleaned by most 'services' - if you want it doing (you really, really do), then clean them yourself - AA has written a good guide :y

I suspect that 4 pot cam cover gaskets are not too difficult (v6 ones are not too bad, but require more work to get to them), so probably worth 'having a go' at it...

[JamesV6CDX]

Doddle on a 2 litre or a 2.2 - always use genuine VX gasket though, and make sure all surfaces are clean and torqued down spot on.

Also get the breathers squeaky clean and do an oil and filter change.

I believe there is a How2 for the breathers on the 4 pot here? If not, I will do one, when I sort the breathers on my project car over the next week or so (as long as it runs!)

[Chopsdad]

Doddle on a 2 litre or a 2.2 - always use genuine VX gasket though, and make sure all surfaces are clean and torqued down spot on.

Also get the breathers squeaky clean and do an oil and filter change.

I believe there is a How2 for the breathers on the 4 pot here? If not, I will do one, when I sort the breathers on my project car over the next week or so (as long as it runs!)

You mean this http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1162397695

[nixoro]

As James says its a doddle but make sure you use the correct sealant when you get it done and if you do it. Also recommended is to use a genuine VX gasket.

I did mine using the green snot that turns hard after a while and breaks up, use the proper black stuff and torque the cover down correctly and you should be fine. (Something I never did owing to not having the proper tools for the job )

Also as mentioned its worth doing the breathers and whilst your at it acess to the spark plugs is plentiful so if your sparks need changing this would be an ideal time whilst you have the cover off.

HTH