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[hugster62]

Hi guys

Nice site.  I have a BIG problem. Here's the story... A couple of days ago whilst doing about 70mph, white/grey smoke started to billow out of the back of the car (A 1996 2.0 16V CD), it lasted for about 10 seconds and the stopped.  The rest of the day and pretty much all of the next day it was fine, no smoke.  Then yesterday it did it again, again for about 10 seconds, and then stopped.  Finally tonight it did it again (only when i got to about 60-70mph again though, same as the last two times) but this time it was continual. I was only about 1 or 2 miles from home so got back and turned it off.

Here's some points... It has had a slight oil leak (very slight) and had been topped up with oil this morning.  There is plenty of water, it hasn't been disappearing and i haven't had a water leak or needed to top it up. The engine management light has been coming on intermittently but isn't in now and the white grey smoke is now coming out of the exhaust whilst the car is idling.

Can anyone help me please? I fear the worst... HEAD GASKET?!!???

Graham

[tunnie]

I know its hard to tell in this recent heat, but do your heaters in the cabin work? (warm air from the vents)

It could be a HBV (heater by-pass valve) problem...

[Marks DTM Calib]

Step one......read teh stored fault codes.....the ECU light has been lit so a fault will have been logged.....

Also, what service history does it have....any recent.....last air filter change?

[hugster62]

Hi, not sure because i haven't had the heaters on for a while and i don't really want to start the engine.  I will try the heater without the engine running to see. If it is the problem you suggested will I get heat or not?  Thanks, Graham

[Admin]

Well it's not the HBV as that has no connection to the combustion system.

First check the fault codes (look in the maintenance guide). Even though the EM light is not on, the codes will be stored.
Post up the results.

Next, how is the oil filler neck and the bottom of the dipstick? Any signs of contamination.
A bit of creamy deposit round the filler is ok, I am talking big amounts.

How is the temperature gauge? Is it going over 100?

How is the car running? Is it idling and revving smoothly or is it very lumpy and hesitant?

It could be the HG (which on the 2.0 is not that bad) or it could be other things including a failing catalytic convertor (hence the EM light).

We will know better with the answers to the above questions.

Oh, and welcome to the forum, I just wish it was under better circumstances.

[hugster62]

Ok, just tried the heater, they work fine hot air from vents.

Graham

[tunnie]

Ok, just tried the heater, they work fine hot air from vents.

Graham

My mistake it won't be HBV... sorry   (bit stupid when it comes to cars!)

[hugster62]

Thanks for the welcome guys...

answers to questions...

1. I bought the car a month ago and it doesn't have a manual or anything so not sure hoe to get the codes off the display
2. No signs of contamination at all (hopefully that's good)
3 Definitely not going over 100 on the temp gauge
4 Not much of a service history really, but overall in really good condition.  It drives really well, when it idles it does sometimes feel like it may stall but doesn't and it's only very occasionally.

(I'm really impressed with this Omega, it's the first one i've had and would def. have another even after all this!!)

Graham

[Admin]

Read this.
http://topbuzz.co.uk/info/fault_codes/fault_codes.htm

Diagnostic socket is under steering column. 16 pin connector mounted vertically.
Short pins 4 & 6.
Pin 1 is top right, pin 2 is directly below etc.

You will have The Siemens/Simtec Ecu.

Read the codes, post up the results.

[Marks DTM Calib]

....and pop the airfilter out to make sure its clean....

[JamesV6CDX]

any coolant loss?

[hugster62]

Ok guys


I will check the codes first thing in the morning as it's quite dark now, In answer to your other questions I have no coolant loss and this is going to sound real dumb... where exactly is the air filter located, i don;t have a manual or anything with this car

Thanks guys

Graham

[JamesV6CDX]

Ok guys


I will check the codes first thing in the morning as it's quite dark now, In answer to your other questions I have no coolant loss and this is going to sound real dumb... where exactly is the air filter located, i don;t have a manual or anything with this car

Thanks guys

Graham

You can't miss it mate, Huuuge black square box at the front of the engine, to the drivers side. A few clips, lift up the top, and there you have it!

[hugster62]

Thank you, I will check that first thing in the morning also and will post all results tomorrow.

For all your help so far guys I thank you, what a great site

Graham

[hugster62]

Morning guys

OK following on from last night I have checked the air filter and it looks like brand new. I have also located the 16 pin ALDL plug and here are the results.  I inserted the paper clip and turned on the ignition.  The light flashes 10 times, pauses, flashes 3 times, pauses, flashes 4 times, pauses, and then flashes 10 times.  It seems to repeat itself after this.

Ok, fingers crossed it's not too bad...

Graham