[fsurfer]

Recently I discovered I was loosing coolant - which was I thought was down to when I drained the system to put all-year-round red anti-freeze and re-using the spring-clip - so I changed this to a screw type.

But I am still loosing coolant, no scum in header ( a trace of red antifreeze around the header tanks lip) - so changed the cap, oil level is fine and no scum in can cover.

Searching around the internet and then chatting to my local dealer discover its a known problem on a host of Vaux, Opel and Saab


90566947 looks like the Starship Enterprise lol



The heater control valve!!! So soon I will be taking the rear plenum and fitting a new one.

Still I only paid £13.98 instead of £38, both come with a 12 month GM cover

[flatbeat]

if you find out will you let me know please as at the min i think its down to my head gasket and dont realy want to change it

what engine have you got in the vec

[fsurfer]

Its a x25xe and the cars temp is never higher than 89-92 without ait-con and 85 with air-con on.

Checked oil, cam-housing / fillercap and header tank for scum and checked system at norm running temp - no expanded pipes or are there any bubbles released into the header tank if I release the pressure cap after it has cooled down. Also tried the 3000rpm test without pressure cap and thereare no smell coming from heater vents.
Talked and described the mystery to dealership spares dept after discovering a similar prob on the web and they said it was quite common!! then chatted to my local garage and they agreed.
Havent tried removing the vacuum pipe to this valve as its right behind rear plenum a right pain.

I did notice water droplets on the subframe when we were checking my exhaust on the ramp but it didnt click.

[flatbeat]

sounds like the same prob i got with my 20xev no gunk in the oil or header tank no signs of water leak anywere
the dont even over heat

[fsurfer]

a faulty oil cooler I discovered can give the same signs as a blown head gasket, another distraction theres so many!!!

I changed the cam and crank sensor yesterday (have spares lol) - didnt have any error codes, only because I had this gut-feeling...when the coil-pack goes the crank sensor shortly follows (as it has in the past) - my coil pack went a couple of months ago. Made an instant difference as did changing the fuel filter, we all know how our cars sound. Also, proved it was the EGR valve causing that meshing noise I was worried about in my very first post on the forum.

The car flys.

But I will also be adding K-Seal and more Red antifreeze when I change the valve.

[flatbeat]

	Quote:
	Originally Posted by fsurfer Recently I discovered I was loosing coolant - which was I thought was down to when I drained the system to put all-year-round red anti-freeze and re-using the spring-clip - so I changed this to a screw type. But I am still loosing coolant, no scum in header ( a trace of red antifreeze around the header tanks lip) - so changed the cap, oil level is fine and no scum in can cover. Searching around the internet and then chatting to my local dealer discover its a known problem on a host of Vaux, Opel and Saab 90566947 looks like the Starship Enterprise lol The heater control valve!!! So soon I will be taking the rear plenum and fitting a new one. Still I only paid £13.98 instead of £38, both come with a 12 month GM cover

is there a way to check this valve

[fsurfer]

So far all I can find out is by checking for obvious signs of leaks underneath and releasing the vacuum causes the coolant level to rise - which doesnt mean much as I haven't any or have I released the vacuum, I'm going by what the dealership / local garage have said, after I described the problem.

It may not be the problem, but its the cheapest option. the other is the temp sender (I do have a spare)

[flatbeat]

its not that mine only startted to do it when i took the engine out to do the clutch
mite black it off and see what happens
do let me know if you anyting out please m8y

[fsurfer]

will do

[Leeky]

Some good information there mate!

To add to the list, common causes of coolant leaks on Vectra B's are:

1. Pressure spring failing in the cap on the coolant tank. This is especially true on V6s, due as they run so hot, and a failed spring lowers the coolants boiling point by upwards of 10'C.
2. Heater bypass valve (you've covered that here nicely!)
3. Coolant bridge leaks (around the engine temp sensor, or coolant temp sensors
4. Leaking radiators (pretty obvious), I've seen the plastic sides split and leak too
5. Leaking/split coolant hoses
6. Failed water pump seals causing the coolant to seep through and down the cambelt side of the block (usually you can see coolant residue from underneath in that area)
7. (for V6s) leaking, split or otherwise failed oil coolers (often mistaken for head gaskets on V6's)
8. The good old head gasket! (though usually very rare on all but the X20XEVs for some reason! (in my experience!)