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[rob114]

Hi guys,

Was driving down to London yesterday feeling good about the MV6 - it's just been serviced,MOT'd,new tyes etc. Running V smooth!

Then bang, it decided to bring me back down to earth with a low oil warning on the display - knew it was trouble cause I checked the oil level b4 leaving.

Pulled over at the next service station to see a substantial drip leak onto the ground from the rear of the engine - my mechanic had tightened up a loose pipe to the oil cooler that was leaking pre service so suspect this area is to blame.

Purchased v expensive oil from the shop & topped it up - the warning didnt come back up - journey was 300 miles.

Weird thing is that this morning,expecting to see all the new oil on the road - it wasn't! Sure,there was a little oil on the road but not that much considering how much it had lost yesterday. The dip stick was showed no real oil loss.

Question is do I drive home on fri - topping up as necessary to have my mechanic friend have a look or pay london ££££££ to have it sorted?

Is this a sign of someit else about to go?

Wouldn't really know how to check the oil cooler pipes but would have a go!

sorry to drone on

rob

[Kevin Wood]

The oil cooler pipes will only leak when under pressure so not when the engine is stopped.

I don't think the oil loss is such an issue but the problem is, if there's a loose or stripped connection at the oil cooler pipes and it gives way, it will starve the engine of oil pressure and if you're not very quick shutting it down, it will be terminal.

I would at least have a look at the connections down there and make sure they are secure, if leaking a little.

Kevin

[ians]

By 'substantial drip leak ' , do you mean it was peeing out, or you could see a drop underneath?
I think this is unlikely but could it be that they hadn't filled it up properly after the service - ie run the engine to allow filter etc to fill before rechecking the dipstick?   How long did you drive before the warning came on?

I think I would get it looked at quickly for signs of imminent failure.   You obviously don't want to be driving it when low on oil.
Do you have AA/RAC recovery?   Also worth putting a couple of 5L cans in the boot just in case..

Actually I'm worried when I hear that mechanics tighten things up to cure a leak - more likely to compound the problem eg cam covers..

[rob114]

Thanks for the replies

had a look at the underneath which is fairly oily.

had the engine on for some time & the only visible signs of leaking is a very slow drip off the studs at the bottom of the bell housing.

I checked the oil before setting off yesterday & it was fine - it took 3 1/2 litres on the way down.

It drove for about 150 miles before the warning came up.

Can you give me some advice re checking the oil cooler cause I have no idea ! or is unrealistic to give it a 'quick check'?

I can see the oil filter which appears to be seated correctly & have checked the sump plug.

Any more advce really appreciated - cheers

[ians]

Rob,

You need someone more knowledgeable about these engines, but I can tell you that the oil coller sits in the valley of the V behind the thermostat - you can't see it without removing the plenum (square alloy unit that sits on top).   I'm not sure where the associated pipework goes - maybe down the back, in which case inspection may be better from below.

But wait a bit and an expert will be along I'm sure.

Cheers
ian

[rob114]

thanks Ian - will wait for any further advice!

Thing is if I thought a garage knew wat they were doing/not rip me off & somewhere in south east london would let them have a look but havent lived here for 14 years - of course I could always let vauxall steal one of my kidneys to have a look..!

Am a bit stuck coz if at home would just park it up & get it sorted - though don't want to risk engine failiure either!

cheers

[TheBoy]

The oil cooler is too deep in valley to most garages to 'have a quick look'

AA/RAC it home?

[ians]

AA/RAC it home?

I think that's your best bet if you've got recovery - will save you on petrol too

[rob114]

cheers,will update when I know wat the problem is