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[Sir Tigger KC]

Mine's sprung a leak!!    Well I'm fairly sure, as there is coolant dribbling down the back on the nearside and I've had the scuttle off and inspected with the engine at temp/running and the HBV and associated pipework are dry.  I guess it could be the coolant bridge or oil cooler plate leaking but they were both fine when I last stripped it down a couple of months ago. 

Ultimately, I won't know for sure until I strip it down again and have a good look at whats going on, but at 222,000 miles I think it's likely.    So assuming it is the head gasket leaking, these are my options as I see it.....

A) Fix it! 

B) Bypass the HBV and chuck a bottle of radweld/leakstop/headgasket sealer in. 

C) Scrap it and move on.    It's only a hunk of metal right? 

So looking at fixing it as I'm sure I'll get roundly slagged off for even considering B & C, especially B!      There are gasket sets on ebay like this.....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-CAVALIER-OMEGA-SAAB-900-2-5-V6-HEAD-GASKET-SET-/120369008302?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3AVauxhall%7CModel%3AOmega%7CCars+Year%3A2000%7CPlat_Gen%3AB%7CCars+Type%3A2.5+V6&hash=item1c068d4eae

Has anyone used them?    It's seems convenient and a decent price.    Also I guess I'd need new head bolts, a cam locking kit, coolant, oil and filter.  So I reckon I'd be looking at about £250 in parts and stuff. 

Decisions decisions......   

[05omegav6]

Before ordering, double check that it's the correct kit...

Says not suitable for post '95 Vectra B... early Omega engines are different... but the say they have the later ones listed too

Looks pretty decent value though, and Elring are reputable

[Webby the Bear]

I put Elring on and touch wood they're good 

Check the coolant bridge first before paying out 

[andrew38]

Wow, 222k miles and if it is the head gasket, Option 3 scrap it and move on, why waste time on it or even time thinking about it.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Wow, 222k miles and if it is the head gasket, Option 3 scrap it and move on, why waste time on it or even time thinking about it.

That would be the rational thing to do! 

To be honest I might as there are a few other issues to sort out, but as generally she's in good nick I'm tempted to have a go! 

[05omegav6]

Wow, 222k miles and if it is the head gasket, Option 3 scrap it and move on, why waste time on it or even time thinking about it.

If it were silver, I would agree, but it isn't and is therefore well worth repairing...

Also consider the fact that a replacement would cost a damn site more than the diy repair ever could

[05omegav6]

Wow, 222k miles and if it is the head gasket, Option 3 scrap it and move on, why waste time on it or even time thinking about it.

That would be the rational thing to do! 

To be honest I might as there are a few other issues to sort out, but as generally she's in good nick I'm tempted to have a go! 

Fixing it would be cheaper than trying to find summat to replace it Unless of course, you want to buy another fixer upper

[omega3000]

Not saying what cc gaskets im using and too early to say if there any good but
they are holding better than any I've bought at a meer 16 notes 

[Nick W]

Replacing the thermostat whilst you have the cambelt-cover backing plate off is dead easy(you don't have to split the housing and transfer tube), and has got to be worth the £20 it costs.

New manifold studs are a good idea, which is another fiver, especially considering what a crap job sorting blowing manifolds is with the engine in the car.

I wish the firm I bought my Elring gasket-set from had more than one; at £12.50 it was a real bargain!

[biggriffin]

Got an 3.0L engine here with 85k on. If your interested 

[Sir Tigger KC]

Got an 3.0L engine here with 85k on. If your interested 

Great!  When can you deliver?   

[Sir Tigger KC]

Are there any parts where Vx are recommended?   

I was thinking that maybe the head bolts might be a good part to have genuine, so I popped into the stealer on my travels this afternoon and they're £69 for a set!    I forgot to ask if that was including VAT or not! 

Would these do? 

[Nick W]

I don't see any reason to use OE bits for any of this job.

Those were the headbolts I bought

[JamesV6CDX]

I don't see any reason to use OE bits for any of this job.

Those were the headbolts I bought

Apart from cam cover gaskets , camshaft seals, etc

[Sir Tigger KC]

I don't see any reason to use OE bits for any of this job.

Those were the headbolts I bought

Apart from cam cover gaskets , camshaft seals, etc

etc?