Corsa HG

comet

Hi Folks - can I pick your brains please.

I've got a 1.2 16v Corsa, came to me with the story it had overheated on the motorway, the guy ran it until it massively overheated and then stopped. A blown HG was diagnosed. When it came to me it would start from cold, and the coolant system was instantly pressurised, which seemed to confirm HG failure. I've stripped the head off and the HG itself looks perfect. The head also looks OK.

The gasket for the timing cover in the area around the water pump has disintegrated. Since I need to replace that I might as well do the timing chain whilst I'm at it.

The coolant is full of debris and rust so I'm guessing it hasn't been changed for years. I was sort of hoping to find a clear break in the HG - but it's got be wondering what else might be the cause. Any thoughts?

Also - am I right thinking you can get the timing chain cover off without removing the sump? (Since the head is off I can't use a beam, so I was planning on sticking a jack under the sump whilst I take the engine mount off.)

vocky

it's a very common problem on the small block 16v engines, get the head skimmed :thumbup:

wash the coolant system out with some washing machine liquid, about half a cup full and fill to normal level, run the engine to temp, drain and repeat, finally use coolant

comet

Cheers Vocky - I am hoping it's just a case of the head warping so I'll get it skimmed.

Update - I called in at our local Vx dealer to price parts (using my VVOC membership - over £300!!) - they reckon it is possible to do the timing cover without removing the sump, but not recommended.

I can get the HG plus bolts, timing cover gasket for less than £70 from the The Gasket Shop on ebay. http://stores.ebay.co.uk/THE-GASKET-SHO ... 4340.l2563 they seem to have good feedback so I'll give it a go.

Daz

Its alot easier with the sump off... and make sure youve got the locking kit for the cam gears, as theres a discs you need to take off the old gear on the inlet cam for the cam sensor, and the locking kit has the tool for that iirc

comet

Thanks - I'll do it properly then with the sump off.

I've got the timing kit for it - it's a bit weird working on an engine with no timing marks. But I've got the crank locking tool in place so providing I don't move that, and put the camshafts back as they came out - and then use the inlet timing disc tool - just maybe it will go again!