Vxr vectra oil in coolant. Z28net

[zimbob]

My car is not working properly, my car burst a coolant pipe and upon further investigation I discovered the coolant system was full of oil.
I changed out the oil cooler hoping this would resolve the problem but unfortunately it hasn't and my car has burst another coolant pipe and their appears to be oil in the coolant again.
I am now faced with the probability that a head gasket has failed.
If anyone out there can offer any advice or suggestions on diagnosis or alternative causes it would be really appreciated as I'm utterly on my own and I really like my car and I want to get it working properly again.
My local Vauxhall garage quoted £1600 to investigate the problem.

[Daywalker]

@nick150 is the man to message as he is a guru with these engines

[zimbob]

Hi Nick your inbox is full, we have never spoken before but I am all out of ideas on how to get my car back on the road.
If you could help me in any to get my car back on the road I would be very thankful.
My car has burst a coolant pipe and I replaced the pipe and oil cooler "heat exchanger" but unfortunately on my way to a job interview while sitting in stationary traffic it burst the coolant pipe connecting to the expansion tank.
I'm now left with the conclusion it's a busted head gasket.
So would you agree with this or could it be something else, how can I tell what bank has ruptured.
I've always been a big fan of your work I hope we can discuss this issue further and possibly do some business
Thanks in advance

Jim.

[ST200]

Any competent garage will be able to correctly diagnose front or rear head gasket using a compression tester. Does sound like hg failure especially with oil/coolant mix. The engine compression stroke will have back pressured into the coolant system where the hg has failed and blown the least resilient part being your coolant hose. The coolant system runs around 18psi but the compression stroke is much greater than this, thus why your hose has popped.

[northpole]

I agree a compression test is needed to diagnose this problem... but if you are going to diy it i would just replace both headgaskets just to be sure both are done correctly problem is both heads will need to be skimmed and checked if they are still level... I would also have new valve stem seals put in and while you are at it a brand new timing kit aux. belt kit and of course fresh spark plugs. but that is me.

either way it is going to cost you some money and if money is tight you could just have the one side that has the blown gasket fixed but i would try and do all the above I just mentioned.