Corsa mechanics in West Manchester

[SgtWilson]

Friend of my niece made the mistake of getting her 1.2 2009 Corsa (70K) serviced at a well known dealer... who told her there was oil in the coolant, and the timing chain was noisy and needed to be done, at a cost (only for the chain) in excess of 700 sovs. They didn't quote or show any interest in resolving the oil in coolant issue so some ambiguity there. My guess is this is an attempt to flog her another car but my question for the AS massive is; is there a respectable Corsa experienced indy in West Manchester who can give her a second opinion on both of the issues highlighted? I would have thought, for the chain alone, 300 - 350 would be more reasonable, using GM parts rather than some shonky Ebay bits.

[Split_Pin]

I cant give any advice on what garages to use as I live in Scotland.

From 1997 onwards, the low capacity 3 and 4 cylinder multivalves were all basically the same design. They have a gasket near the timing chain case which seals a water channel presumably from the waterpump which is bolted to the top outside of the case  (can't remember exactly now as it's a while since I've had to do anything to my example). This is a known weak point and can cause fluids to mix, giving the symptoms of HGF. I don't believe it is an expensive repair.

In respect of the timing chain itself, how noisy is it? The one on mine wasn't noticeable at speed but became quite audible at idle. They are robust little units and usually chap on for ages like this. The chain usually stretches a bit in the end, throwing a code for multiple cylinder misfire, together with rough running/starting rather than snapping.

My advice would be to take it somewhere else, have them pressure test the HG, if that's fine then it will almost certainly be what I was talking about. If its the not serious outcome, I'd say you were safe to run it for a bit more and let it earn its new chain. I got a full kit including new guides and timing case seals for £50 from Autodoc. Labour was a couple of hundred pounds. It will be quality German manufactured parts too.

Hope you get it sorted.

[lisbon_road]

All above sensible.  Just to add, they like oil changes at about 5K miles.  

Changing that gasket at the same time as a chain change is sensible.  I wouldn't worry about genuine GM parts, they're not considered especially good.  

[sierraman]

They all do that with the chain rattle. It’ll go on for ages like that as well. £700 sounds a lot though. 

[wuvvum]

There's a Corsa experienced indy in Chester, which isn't a million miles away.

 

Oh, sorry, you said "respectable".  Can't help you in that case I'm afraid.

[SgtWilson]

I'll rephrase that to read "trustworthy" rather than respectable. Who needs their mechanics to be canonised anyway (even if they can do miracles)?

[sierraman]

This really does not need a specialist. Any garage should be able to tackle this, Corsas, Astras, Focuses etc it’s bread and butter to a garage. It’s a 10 year old Corsa not the Starship Enterprise. 

[Stanky]

Last I heard, @pauldoubleyou had a late-00's-shaped Corsa gap on his drive, he'd love* to take a look at this one I'm sure. He's also got all the kit too, or at least thats what the word on the street is anyway...

[lisbon_road]

Don't need a lot of kit.  Socket set.  I set the camshaft positions with a bit of angle iron, some hacksaw blades and a few feeler gauges.  They just need something to set them straight.  

[theshadow]

should cost about £340 inc chain,done a few on corsa,agilia etc.

[Budgetbond]

Give swinton car clinic a try they've actually specialised quite a bit in corsas they're a cheap independent but employed some ex Vauxhall mechanics and have specialised in sorting out similar probs in did was in the past and they're cheap and amenable. Rays the boss he's really sound haven't got they're no. off the top of my head but they've got a website but they're worth a quick chat you can say I've recommended you cheers gez

[SgtWilson]

Thanks for all the useful information. I've pointed her at this thread and who knows, AS may have another lurker.

[pauldoubleyou]

I am a bit sad i have taken the throne as the Corsa rep lol

Mine had chain failure and it wasnt worth the grief of sorting it. The o/s mount and also the sump needs to come off to remove the chain cover, then it should be a simple crank off - chain replace - guides - tension. Fair whack in labour but to be honest i think youre right on the money for a £350 mark at minimum. £700 seems excessive, ask for a breakdown?

Oil in the water could only realy be a few things, ie oil cooler. Not sure it would be the HG as it would be the other way round?