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[Lizzie Zoom]

Wouldnt worry about steering idler unless you can feel the steering wandering while your driving.
Why will the " camcover gaskets need doing by then" ?
If you keep the breathers clean, camcover gaskets shouldnt present problems.
I did mine years ago when I first got the car but havent needed to touch them since, because I clean the breathers regularly.

It is just that I haven't done them for some time as my mileage is now so low.  In the past I have found the usual oil in the plug wells, which has prompted me to do them.  I must be honest in saying I do not regularly clean the breathing system fully, just the easy top end!  If I remember correctly,  Serek fully cleaned the breather system about 3 years and just 5k miles ago. That is why I am now thinking that it is the right time, and the easy option, later this year, to get that job done by Serek. BUT, I still may just wait and include these works in MY work plan later in the year. 

Once more though I do not have any factual reason for having that job done, apart from previous experience and the knowledge that on the Omega you cannot leave it too long due to the nature / weakness of the breather system, and I have always done it.  The expression "peace of mind" also comes into it.  I did note once though that a OOF member stated that oil in the plug wells actually does nothing as electricity does not conduct through oil (??)   I have yet to prove that

[cam.in.head]

clean oil doesnt but carboned up old oil can plus it wrecks the rubber boots !   add that to the water that can get in there and you end up with a mayo mess !

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

All very true, but still no need to replace camcover gaskets as a matter of course.
Cleaning the breathers should be done that way though.

[Lizzie Zoom]

clean oil doesnt but carboned up old oil can plus it wrecks the rubber boots !   add that to the water that can get in there and you end up with a mayo mess !

That is exactly how I understand it.  I change my oil regularly, usually within 3k miles, and indeed currently I last changed it 2k ago.  In fact that is another job on my list for the Summer months.

[Sir Tigger KC]

All very true, but still no need to replace camcover gaskets as a matter of course.
Cleaning the breathers should be done that way though.

Yes, if they're not leaking, leave them well alone. 

[Lizzie Zoom]

All very true, but still no need to replace camcover gaskets as a matter of course.
Cleaning the breathers should be done that way though.

Yes, if they're not leaking, leave them well alone. 

Yes, thanks    

I think i have rather got into the habit of changing them!

[dave the builder]

Congratulation on the pass 
I imagine a dealer or anyone fitting shocks will just fit regular shocks ,not self levelling . is this YOUR case ?
IIRC, swapping from S.L set up to standard requires springs too 

Oops
Maybe I need to cut down on posting so much.
I only posted about once this year and caused 5 pages of arguing 

New aftermarket steering idlers are rubbish and will probably result in more play than the originals 'slight play'
rocker cover gaskets , "if it aint broke ...."
just stick to the IMPORTANT JOBS , like a new 'magic tree' air freshener for the windscreen 
PM Jamie ,he can talk you through it 

[Lizzie Zoom]

Congratulation on the pass 
I imagine a dealer or anyone fitting shocks will just fit regular shocks ,not self levelling . is this YOUR case ?
IIRC, swapping from S.L set up to standard requires springs too 

Oops
Maybe I need to cut down on posting so much.
I only posted about once this year and caused 5 pages of arguing 

New aftermarket steering idlers are rubbish and will probably result in more play than the originals 'slight play'
rocker cover gaskets , "if it aint broke ...."
just stick to the IMPORTANT JOBS , like a new 'magic tree' air freshener for the windscreen 
PM Jamie ,he can talk you through it 

Thanks Dave, and sorry for not answering your first post

Yes, as you can see I have taken full note of all the sound advice which I have received on this great Forum.  It probably will save me a lot of £'s, time, and anguish.

The trouble is that the older I get the less  I a) want to carryout myself b) can carryout c) have the confidence to do work that, as a 17 year old girl I would have done, in all weathers, without thinking!! So I am rather pleased that the wise on here have dissuaded me from doing anything for now, until a good cleaning underneath session when it is much warmer and dry!!

 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Genuine steering idlers are difficult ( maybe impossible ?) to get hold of now.
Several years ago I fitted an aftermarket steering idler to an Omega and then took it for MOT test.
It failed on excessive play in the idler, which had covered about 10 miles from new.
In the end I managed to buy a new old stock Senator idler, which is identical apart from being longer, then pressed the bush out of it and fitted it to my old idler.
Not sure what the answer is these days for worn idlers. 

[Sir Tigger KC]

Genuine steering idlers are difficult ( maybe impossible ?) to get hold of now.
Several years ago I fitted an aftermarket steering idler to an Omega and then took it for MOT test.
It failed on excessive play in the idler, which had covered about 10 miles from new.
In the end I managed to buy a new old stock Senator idler, which is identical apart from being longer, then pressed the bush out of it and fitted it to my old idler.
Not sure what the answer is these days for worn idlers. 

I used to just nip up the nut now and again.