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Vectra b Head gasket fail.
macc man - 6/1/16 at 11:44 AM

Has anyone had experience of a head gasket leaking oil from rear of engine. It is hard to tell where it is coming from without removing the inlet manifold etc. You can see a steady drip from the top of engine. I have replaced the cam cover gasket twice so do not think this is the cause. I have bought a head gasket kit with bolts etc. Is it a DIY job or will I need specialist help.
Never tackled a head off on a twin cam before so any wisdom would be welcome. Many thanks.

Mr Whippy - 6/1/16 at 12:33 PM

I'd remove the manifold first anyway to see where it's comming from or use a small web cam on a stick to look under it

Adamirish - 6/1/16 at 05:50 PM

Yes, it's not unheard of. I've seen the same on a couple of different engines.

Twin cam timing is no problem. Not sure on the timing marks on the ecowreck engines but you may need to lock the cams. There will be plenty of guides online.

ian locostzx9rc2 - 6/1/16 at 06:08 PM

Your need to get the head skimmed and fit new head bolts with the head gasket cambelt kit and water pump possibly as well won't be a cheap job I'm afraid .

macc man - 6/1/16 at 08:00 PM

Some years back the water pump failed and the engine ran dry. Has had new belt and water pump.Has run fine up until recently when oil started leaking. Body is good and low miles so may be worth spending on.

rusty nuts - 6/1/16 at 08:21 PM

The Vectra engine suffered with water pump and timing belt tensioner failures so not worth doing the head gasket without replacing them

britishtrident - 6/1/16 at 08:39 PM

Basically this type of seepage is caused by stress relation/low temperature creep of the gasket material.
As with any modern engine read the manual BEFORE stripping the engine.
New gasket is all that is only part likely required. So called stretch bolts can be re-used up to 5 times provided the threads are in good condition. Clean check the head bolts screw in freely by hand before you put the head back on.
Don't oil the head bolts just wash them down with WD40 or Kerosene and allow to drip dry and make sure the holes that the bolts go into are dry. The reason for this is it is known on these engines for the bolts to hydraulic lock in the holes.

macc man - 7/1/16 at 10:40 PM

Thanks for all the replies, I will have a go this weekend weather permitting.