First post here.
I have a 2002 Astra Convertible. Currently sitting on 110,000 kms (about 68,000 miles). The car has no rust anywhere ('cos in Sydney Australia) and is in good cosmetic condition. I am the 2nd owner, wife now uses it to commute every day about 1 hour each way. Previous owners only used it at weekends so it has had a gentle life. It's only fault other than below is missing lines on the three line display.
It has a water leak from the back of the engine somewhere (haven't narrowed down where from yet). Due to the difficulty getting parts at reasonable cost over here. ( A waterpump from the dealer is approx twice the cost of a genuine pump posted from the UK ) I am considering getting the parts in place to change the waterpump, T'stat and all their associated seals including the O rings on the pipe between pump and T'stat. Fortunately I can pick up the tool to hold the balance chain pulley in place locally at a reasonable price, but I am seriously considering just going for a full cam chain, balance chain and tensioners replacement at the same time. I will also probably look to replace all the coolant hoses while I am at it.
I know this may seem a bit overkill but this car is likely a keeper. My main question is it to early to worry about chains and should I just restrict myself to solving the leak for now, or do I just go for it.
I'll be doing the work myself but this is well within my mechanical capabilities, fortunately I can take the car off the road for a couple of weeks if required.
I have a 2002 Astra Convertible. Currently sitting on 110,000 kms (about 68,000 miles). The car has no rust anywhere ('cos in Sydney Australia) and is in good cosmetic condition. I am the 2nd owner, wife now uses it to commute every day about 1 hour each way. Previous owners only used it at weekends so it has had a gentle life. It's only fault other than below is missing lines on the three line display.
It has a water leak from the back of the engine somewhere (haven't narrowed down where from yet). Due to the difficulty getting parts at reasonable cost over here. ( A waterpump from the dealer is approx twice the cost of a genuine pump posted from the UK ) I am considering getting the parts in place to change the waterpump, T'stat and all their associated seals including the O rings on the pipe between pump and T'stat. Fortunately I can pick up the tool to hold the balance chain pulley in place locally at a reasonable price, but I am seriously considering just going for a full cam chain, balance chain and tensioners replacement at the same time. I will also probably look to replace all the coolant hoses while I am at it.
I know this may seem a bit overkill but this car is likely a keeper. My main question is it to early to worry about chains and should I just restrict myself to solving the leak for now, or do I just go for it.
I'll be doing the work myself but this is well within my mechanical capabilities, fortunately I can take the car off the road for a couple of weeks if required.