So what 'appened was...

[jasper5]

Go back and fit new copper washers to the unions (or heat the old ones up and quench them in oil).

Run the engine and check the trans oil, there is a seperate dipstick for the transmission oil (it will have a cold setting and a hot setting).

The correct way of checking transmission oil is to run the engine, flick the gearchange through all the gears including park, then leave the engine running in park, remove and clean the dipstick and put it back in, then remove it and check the level.......topping up is done through the dipstick hole.

If you feel like changing the trans oil, don't forget to replace the oil filter (probably in the transmission sump on your car).

Make sure you use the correct oil....probably Dexron on yours.

[swiss]

Dexron indeed sir, there's a thread at the Omega forum which specifies which flavour thereof.

Hmm... I suppose this is all going to depend on how much Dexron costs 'round about these parts. Also what, potentially, could I break in fixing this transmission issue? For example if we think I might break the exhaust off or something, maybe I ought to get replacement parts for that job in now

Thanks for the input chaps, will advise on progress (if any).

[jasper5]

I bought some AQM fluid last week, says meets Dexron specs on the container, that cost £3-99 a litre. It will be cheaper if you buy 5 litres, but you shouldn't need 5.

Stick a litre in and see how things go.....after you fix the leak.

As has been said, lack of oil seems to be your problem, don't do anything else until you have the oil level sorted.

[STALLED]

Make sure you use the right Dexron - Remember there is Dexron 1 2 and 3 - All have different friction properties which will KILL clutch packs and cause mayhem if the incorrect fluid is used!

People assume that 3 is best for their car because it seems like an improvement because its a higher number - Wrong, very wrong.

What gearbox does the Omega have - ZF 4HP20?

[swiss]

Hi guys.

No idea which autobox the Omega has. My understanding is they built 'em with two over the years, both Beamer models IIRC.

So today the missus stopped at the Vaux stealers. She asked for an estimate and instead the techs performed a 'full diagnostic' and tried to charge her big monehs for it. She told 'em to stick it.

Apparently the trans level was so low they 'couldn't even perform any testing on it'. Anyway, I now possess two litres of Castrol Dexron 3 (7.45 each from Halfrauds) and a nice big tube of silicon sealant. Figure if I slap enough on there it might hold together long enough till I can get my officer's contract and some money to do it properly.

Additional: after a few days of driving around, the front brakes have become skveaky. In conversation with GM, wifey's been told by one guy that modern pads are made with a metal compound which causes squealing and by a different tech that the pads need greasing. Well, I greased those bastards with the copperslip which was supplied with them. Greased 'em up good, I did. So I dunno.

Tom

[teamster1975]

modern pads are made with a metal compound

"Sintered" pads I think? I use them on my bike, EBC

[swiss]

No idea. However, the banging transmission has ceased banging - w00p w00p!

Took a whole two litres of fluid, telling me the bugger was bone dry. No wonder it was crunchy. Also threw in a can of Wynn's transmission Stop-U-Leak. No idea if placebos actually work on cars but it can't hurt. The two offending unions have half a tube of Loctite silly cone sealant around them, so we'll see how long the oil actually stays in the box.

And has the wife said thank you or well done? Still waiting, my friends...

[teamster1975]

Good job Tom

[Welly]

Hope the box holds out now. Good job you sloshed in that fluid - sounds like it was well empty. Lesser quality boxes would have spat the dummy out by now for sure.

Here, have a Welly "thank you" and a "well done" ......you'll be waiting a long time for her indoors's

[swiss]

Ta muchly peepls. Today, by general agreement, seems to be BBQ day so I have bought myself a crate of bière spéciale, put it in my rubbish fridge (still not cold, drinking it anyway) and refusing to work on anyone's car. To the garden!