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[bob24]

Hello, I have a considerable amount of oil escaping from the cam cover gasket. I have changed the gasket for a patent (non vauxhall) one recently and the "O" ring in the oil filler cap. It seemed OK for a couple of weeks after changing the gasket but now the leak is worse. I wondered whether it could be the sump breather gummed up? If so how do I get to it? The engine has done 158K miles so there is probably a bit of blow by causing crank case compression. It still pulls OK and still does good MPG. The Haynes Manual (Bless) says the crank case gasses are drawn through a wire mesh into the inlet track. Can this mesh get blocked at high mileage?
I have read on one post that non Vauxhall replacement gaskets are no good so perhaps this is the problem. I did not use a gasket compound either as the original gasket looked to be fitted dry and Haynes said nothing about using a compound. Any help welcome.
Sorry if this issue is already covered but I have spent 3 hours searching the site. 
Regards Bob24.

[tunnie]

Hello, I have a considerable amount of oil escaping from the cam cover gasket. I have changed the gasket for a patent (non vauxhall) one recently and the "O" ring in the oil filler cap. It seemed OK for a couple of weeks after changing the gasket but now the leak is worse. I wondered whether it could be the sump breather gummed up? If so how do I get to it? The engine has done 158K miles so there is probably a bit of blow by causing crank case compression. It still pulls OK and still does good MPG. The Haynes Manual (Bless) says the crank case gasses are drawn through a wire mesh into the inlet track. Can this mesh get blocked at high mileage?
I have read on one post that non Vauxhall replacement gaskets are no good so perhaps this is the problem. I did not use a gasket compound either as the original gasket looked to be fitted dry and Haynes said nothing about using a compound. Any help welcome.
Sorry if this issue is already covered but I have spent 3 hours searching the site. 
Regards Bob24.

I'm afraid you've wasted your money on pattern, they have a long history of failing very quickly.

You need to fit genuine gaskets, cost around £45 for the 2.0/2.2's & will last much longer (10 years/ 100k)

Please see my guide which is for 2.2, but 2.0 is similar, you need to use the black sealant and correctly torque the cam cover to 8Nm.

Ensuring the breathers are clean is key as well, along with regular oil changes. GM oil is best value for money, avoid the likes of Castrol as they easily mayo up.

Bigyin54 are you reading this? This is exactly why we recommend genuine!

[tunnie]

Guide here: http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90597.0

Drop a PM to a member called "AndyC" here, he is a parts manager at a Vauxhall dealer, he will get you all the parts you need, including sealant at a better price than trade. 

AndyC Details here: http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=97927.msg1284440#new

[Abiton]

I've seen virtually no info on here about the 8v 2.0, so don't really have a clue what the breather arrangements or camcover is like.  Is it a plastic cover like the newer engines or metal?  Got a photo or two?

Blocked breathers are always going to make life harder for a camcover gasket, so yes, take off whatever hoses/separators/flametraps you can and get it all as spotless as possible before fittting a new gasket.

[tunnie]

Think 8v is X20SE? Top does look plastic, be it very different.

[tunnie]

Give me a link to one you've used & know works then? 

[JB1977]

had this problem on a carlton 2.0 a few years ago,turned out there was a slight blockage on the oil pick up in the sump and there was a little mesh/gauze filter in the rocker cover that was also blocked! new sump gasket and gauze and it was right as rain,cant remember if the later 8v in the omega was the same regarding the metal/plastic rocker covers as i had one briefly but never got to do much to it.

[bob24]

Thanks to all who replied. Much appreciated.
To start with let me say that the photo from Tunnie is the correct one. That's what my cam cover looks like. I am doing lots of short (4 mile) runs with no long runs so suspect it may be a blockage in the breather. I do about 8K miles a year and change the oil every year so it is well looked after. I can't say I'm keen on taking the sump off to clean the mesh but maybe that's what needs doing. I will use a Vauxhall gasket and black jointing compound. Do you have a brand name for this type of compound? When I have the cover off I'll see what oil passages are accessible.
Again thanks for all your time guys.
Bob24.

[RobG]

Thanks to all who replied. Much appreciated.
To start with let me say that the photo from Tunnie is the correct one. That's what my cam cover looks like. I am doing lots of short (4 mile) runs with no long runs so suspect it may be a blockage in the breather. I do about 8K miles a year and change the oil every year so it is well looked after. I can't say I'm keen on taking the sump off to clean the mesh but maybe that's what needs doing. I will use a Vauxhall gasket and black jointing compound. Do you have a brand name for this type of compound? When I have the cover off I'll see what oil passages are accessible.
Again thanks for all your time guys.
Bob24.

Every 4K would be even better