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[big-o-bob]

Hi

I have a problem with my 2000/W  2.5 V6 (75,000 miles) Omega and not sure what the exact symtoms are for failing oil coolers.

If the oil cooler was failing, would there be coolant leaking externaly? as well as oil in the coolant and coolant in the oil.

Thanks in advance for any help.  I am really reluctant to start stripping it down until I am confident this is what it is.

Also, I know it's unlikely on V6's, but if the head gasket was blowing, would that leak coolant externaly?  

It has full dealer service history, so I presume the coolant will have been changed regularly.

Performance wise, the car is as sweet as a nut.  Thanks again for any help.  Cheers, Rob

[ians]

One thing at a time...

What actually are the symptoms?

[big-o-bob]

Sorry mate, i'll try to explain..

The car is losing coolant, not much, just about a jug full per 800 miles.

I can see a small amount of coolant on the front of the oil sump (bellow the auxilary belt pulleys) and there are a few small drips of coolant on the gearbox housing.

The coolant in the header tank is slightly brown in colour and in my opinion, the oil seems a bit watery.  

There is no loss of performance at all, and I can't actually see any coolant running out from anywhere without taking bits off.

I just wondered if the oil cooler would leak externaly as well as internaly? or if it could be something else.

I know the HBV valve fails on these, but with the coolant being brownish, I can't help suspecting somethin else...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, cos I really don't want to strip down to the oil cooler if it turns out to be something daft, like the water pump...Thanks again, Rob

[chrisdb]

Sounds like maybe the water pump. Do you know if has been changed from new?

[big-o-bob]

Thanks mate.

I don't think the water pump has been changed at all, so it is a possibility.

I'm not sure if this would explain the brown coolant or waterery oil though - Or maybe the coolant is just supposed to be that colour, i'm not sure.

It does have full dealer history though, and I thought they were supposed to use the pink coolant.

Thanks again, Rob

[Cumbria]

Never rely on dealers to do a proper job

[RobG]

Thanks mate.

I don't think the water pump has been changed at all, so it is a possibility.

I'm not sure if this would explain the brown coolant or waterery oil though - Or maybe the coolant is just supposed to be that colour, i'm not sure.

It does have full dealer history though, and I thought they were supposed to use the pink coolant.

Thanks again, Rob

Is there oil in the expansion tank or is the coolant just murky :question

[ians]

if there is  water in the oil it will be obvious creamy emulsion colour on the dipstick (don't worry if there is some in the oil filler pipe - that's normal.).   Brown crud in the coolant sounds more like it is very overdue a coolant change.

Maybe worth flushing the coolant.  If its been run on understrength collant or plain water the oil cooler could have corroded and may be about to go big time.

[big-o-bob]

The coolant is a merky brown colour (No obvious seperated oil in the header tank).

There is no obvious creamy emulsion in the oil dipstick. (The oil just seems a bit watery, maybe it's normal).

Maybe it's not the oil cooler, but something else.  I will have to start stripping down to find the culprit.

I hope it's just the water pump...Thanks all for you're help so far

[Darth Loo-knee]

If the oil cooler has gone like already said you will have oil in the coolant reservoir. I have seen it that bad as it looks like oil has been poured in the reservoir
If you dip your finger in you will be able to tell if its oil or just dirty water.
If you are removing your water pump most of the water will come out of the engine, so drop the radiator water too then when you refill put in 50/50 red long life anti freeze.
Another point just to make is if you are doing the water pump maybe an idea (unless you know) to replace your cambelt and tensioners as you are right there.

[TheBoy]

Check the HBV first.

Brown water could simply be the result of poor servicing.

[big-o-bob]

Thanks

I intend to drain and flush the cooling system.  I can't tell for certain if there is oil in the reservour or if it's just a merky colour.

I will have a closer look at the coolant state when I drain it out...

I will then investigate further, with all your advice in mind.

I'll let you know the outcome.  thanks again

[Marks DTM Calib]

I suspect that given where the coolant is coming form that you have a leaking oil cooler plate or thermostat seal.

[big-o-bob]

Thanks mate - will have a look.

If it is a leaking cooler plate, can this be used again with new sealant or is a new one required?

Also is the thermostat seal easlily accessable when stripped down to the oil cooler plate?

Cheers Rob

[vauxmad]

always use new seals if they have been on the car any lenght of time never re use.