Smoking.

dunowt

Hey all, the Astra has started smoking quite a bit at the top end of the rev's and is eating oil like its going out of fashion, So i think its time for new valve stem oil seals,guides. Can anyone give me a rough idea on how much this would cost if i took it to a garage to be done? Also do you think the piston rings would need doing as well? Just wondering whats the best thing to do?
Cheers,

sandyc

I did the same job myself last year. It started off as a head rebuild but I decided to do the rings, big ends and chain while the head was off as it wasnt alot of extra work.
Parts prices for a head rebuild through a garage would be in the region of about £150.Labour would come in about 5 or 6 hours max depending on the garage.
Add an extra hour or 2 labour plus about £150 parts to do the rings and big ends.
Perhaps another £150 for a chain too.
With a bit of luck you will get change from a grand and it can all be done with the engine still in the car. So walk away from any garage that seems to think it will have to come out.

dunowt

A Grand!o_O I was hoping it wouldnt be as much as that mate. A think i will be keeping a smoky engine for a while!!!!

sandyc

If you're good with the spanners it aint a hard job if you break it down into little jobs. The hardest bit really is the timing chain. If you can do that the rest aint bad. Give yourself a clear weekend or 2 at most and you could bring it in well under £500 by the time you have all the neccesary parts and gear.