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[PJ]

Had a 2.2 GLS petrol for a month (45K miles) and had the following sequence of events in the space of a few miles:-

- emissions warning light came on (engine block symbol)
- engine started to misfire, like one cylinder was coming in and out of firing
- temp gauge shot into red.... at which point I had the car towed home

I suspect head gasket gone but oil does not appear emulsified, though water level has gone down.... any ideas as to what the prob could be much appreciated!

[Auto Addict]

It could be the water pump has failed, causing the timing belt to have slipped.

[PJ]

That would make sense as water in header tank down by 3 litres but oil level remains the same and oil does not appear to be mixed with water.... and would be good news as this is an easier job!
Thanks a lot
Pete

[star_whites]

Has it gone vapour coming from the exhaust as the symtems are the same as what my 2.0 made prior to the gasket going and dumping the water into the oil?

[PJ]

Not sure if there is water vapour coming from the exhaust: it seems pretty clear right now, though I do recall it perhaps looking a bit steamy when hot yesterday, but now it seems clear and just smells strongly of unburnt petrol which suggests it is the timing gone as a result of water pump failure.... I may be clutching at straws in that I hope it is the water pump and not the head gasket.... off down to garage tomorrow for engine sniffer test!

[Auto Addict]

Until you ascertain whether or not it's the water pump, don't drive it.

[PJ]

The lorry is on it's way!

[PJ]

Ouch.... it is the head gasket that has gone, which is strange as engine has only done 45K mile. Will get water pump changed at same time and just hope head isn't cracked.... looking at best part of a grand when all is said and done as it is! Are Omegas prone to head gasket going at such a low mileage?

[Proz]

Ouch.... it is the head gasket that has gone, which is strange as engine has only done 45K mile. Will get water pump changed at same time and just hope head isn't cracked.... looking at best part of a grand when all is said and done as it is! Are Omegas prone to head gasket going at such a low mileage?

I dont know if they are " prone " to it but the head gasket on my 2.0ltr gls went at about 70,000 miles ...the price i got including new timing belt and head skimmed was under £500 , thats not at a Vx garage though .

[Marks DTM Calib]

Ouch.... it is the head gasket that has gone, which is strange as engine has only done 45K mile. Will get water pump changed at same time and just hope head isn't cracked.... looking at best part of a grand when all is said and done as it is! Are Omegas prone to head gasket going at such a low mileage?

Thats stupidly over priced!

[PJ]

The garage is quoting £790 for replacing gasket, testing/skimming head and new cam kit, and a 2nd garage quoted pretty much the same.... not Vx garages.... maybe the SE England factor?

[VX1]

That is rediculously over priced. If you got all the parts yourself you will still have change out of £500 plus you know the job has been done to your satisfaction and been done correctly. As for the head bieng cracked doubt it very much especially if you stopped the car as soon as the temp guage went into the red. There is the knowledge of forum members on here and a How-To as well to be confident to do yourself.

Paul  

[mark readman]

This is a known problem on the 2.2 petrol engine, just had mine done at 100k, the gasket vanishes at pot 4 between the water jacket and the cylinder, it blows out pressure on fire and sucks in water on compression.
most run fine for the first couple of mins then the Lambada sensor starts picking up on steam in the exhaust and trips the emmisions light, engine then begins to mis-fire
Early signs are the heater valve blowing as pressure increases and rapid fluid loss with water and steam exiting the exhaust.
Cause: sub standard head gasket used.
Vauxhall don;t want to know !

[Marks DTM Calib]

This is a known problem on the 2.2 petrol engine, just had mine done at 100k, the gasket vanishes at pot 4 between the water jacket and the cylinder, it blows out pressure on fire and sucks in water on compression.
most run fine for the first couple of mins then the Lambada sensor starts picking up on steam in the exhaust and trips the emmisions light, engine then begins to mis-fire
Early signs are the heater valve blowing as pressure increases and rapid fluid loss with water and steam exiting the exhaust.
Cause: sub standard head gasket used.
Vauxhall don;t want to know !

The cause is MUCH more likely to be poor servicing of the coolant and antifreeze mix.

Remember that it needs to be maintained at a 50:50 mix (never top up with water alone) and should be changed every few years to keep the anti corrosion additives in good order.

Generally, it is this that rots the headgaskets out!