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[Richard P]

After parking this afternoon I noticed that there was what I thought to be a fairly heavy water leak from the Mig. On closer inspection I found that the liquid wasn't water but a clear liquid with a slightly oily feel to it. It seems to be leaking from behind the engine. The leak seems to be coming from a metal block at the rear of the engine between the exhaust downpipes. This metal block has what looks like a couple of nipples protruding from its underside and its from here that its leaking. All fluid levels under the bonnet appear to be OK though. Has anyone any ideas?

Many thanks

Richard P.  

[Mr Carbon]

Hello mate.

Sorry to state the obvious but it's not dripping condensed water from your cold air con pipes, is it?

[Richard P]

I thought it might be something like that but the leak seemed too great for A/C, and the liquid had a oily feel to it, like brake fluid.

Richard P.

[Pitchfork]

After parking this afternoon I noticed that there was what I thought to be a fairly heavy water leak from the Mig. On closer inspection I found that the liquid wasn't water but a clear liquid with a slightly oily feel to it. It seems to be leaking from behind the engine. The leak seems to be coming from a metal block at the rear of the engine between the exhaust downpipes. This metal block has what looks like a couple of nipples protruding from its underside and its from here that its leaking. All fluid levels under the bonnet appear to be OK though. Has anyone any ideas?

Many thanks

Richard P.  

H2O2??

[Richard P]

D2O = Heavy water
H2O2 = Hydrogen peroxide

I dont' think I'm leaking either.

Richard P.

[Markjay]

The 'oily feel' could be water collecting some oil deposits while running down the engine. Or coolant that has traces of oil from previous oil cooler failure.

Omegas are prone to coolant leaks from the Heater Bypass Valve (HBV), which is at the back on the engine (driver's side), so worth checking that. Also, the oil cooler in the middle of the V at the centre of the engine can leak from the cover plate.

But first try to establish what it is that's leaking - if you can't identify the substance, check all levels i.e. coolant level, brake fluid, PAS fluid etc, see what's missing...

[Lazydocker]

Sounds like Air Con Condensate to me but I'd keep an eye on levels if I were you... As stated above, HBV is a common weak point and would also generate a puddle in the right area.

Another idea is to taste test it, although I wouldn't recommend it if you're at all squeamish! Just dip your finger in the puddle and have a taste... If it's anything other than the pure water you get from the Air Con you'll know!

[dbug]

Got an auto box mate? - if so thats atf

Check fluid level in autobox - leak probably front seal.

[Richard P]

Thanks for all the replies.

I checked it again this afternoon and it would appear that the liquid is coolant. I also noticed that the expansion bottle was very nearly empty.

I assume therefore due to the liquid being coolant, and where its leaking from, that the heater bypass valve is at fault. Hopefully I can get my local mechanic to replace it some time in the next few days.

Richard P.

[OmegaGav]

Thanks for all the replies.

I checked it again this afternoon and it would appear that the liquid is coolant. I also noticed that the expansion bottle was very nearly empty.

I assume therefore due to the liquid being coolant, and where its leaking from, that the heater bypass valve is at fault. Hopefully I can get my local mechanic to replace it some time in the next few days.

Richard P.

You could always try it yourself look here http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1193594464
Doesn't look too hard a job watch what you're mechanic charges because it looks like a hard job at first

[Andy B]

......
 Hopefully I can get my local mechanic to replace it some time in the next few days.

Richard P.

It's not difficult to replace yourself .... honest! The last time I changed one, I was in a field & it took an hour from start to finish.  
Go on ...... you know you want to.      

[Richard P]

Well, as they say, if a jobs worth doing its worth getting someone else to do it.

I got my local garage to change the HBV today and at the same time put in a new power sounder box as mine has been playing up for a while.

£160 including the dreaded VAT.

Delighted to be back on the road again.

Richard P.