Diagnosis - Corsa!

nicole.17

Any mechanics on this board that could offer any advise please?

I have a vauxhall corsa SXI, brought 2 months ago. Heating stopped working a couple of days ago but I thought nothing of it (it never worked on previous car for 2 years - stupid I know).

Yesterday, temp gauge went to just over 90 degrees whilst on motorway, then dropped to the bottom. Car started making a funny noise, steam/ smoke (not sure now) was coming from the car.

The emission control system warning light came on at this point and the car began to slow down. I pulled over into the layby and the engine turned itself off. Steam came from the bonnet. I opened it up and let it cool, checked coolant level and it was empty. Steam stopped after a couple of minutes.

Highway assistance arrived in a few minutes and gave me some to top it up but soon realised that it was leaking out quickly further along the system. I'm not sure where from.

Turned the engine on (2 clicks) and the temp gauge appeared to have gone up to it's normal level. Tried to start engine but it wouldn't - sounded like it would when your battery is dead and needs a jump start.

I haven't looked at the oil, but I don't have my car with me as I am waiting for a family mechanic to have a look this afternoon.

Any ideas? Thank in advance, I will try to give more into if I can!

addyboy1982

Head gasket gone? Could just be that or possibly water pump leak/failure causing the car to boil dry and in turn blowing the head gasket.

forgotmyname

The gauge dropping was because you ran out of coolant.

Then engine then cooked itself to death. The slowing down was the engine seizing.

New engine or new car time. Unless your very lucky.

It wont have done any good to the engine though and i would get shot ASAP.

Muscle750

Possibly water pump gave up and it cooked itself pretty rapid fill it back up with water and see if it will start if it won't I think it's finished and will require the head off at the very minimal

Strider590

Obviously an instant catastrophic failure......... Unless you were unlucky enough to forget your weekly vehicle check (tyres, levels, etc).

nicole.17

Thank everyone, any idea what I'm looking at for the cost of a new engine? And where to start looking? Cheers

jaydeeuk1

What year / engine size is the car? You still have to find the source of the leak which might be a pipe, or could be radiator or heater matrix... Was the footwell of the car damp? The HG won't go for no reason, so lack of coolant and overheating would have caused it.

Jamie1981

I would imagine you have the 1.2 SXI Corsa C between 03-05?

If your lucky and the head gasket has gone but not fried the rest of the engine, your probably looking at around £500 for the replacement and a good service (service is optional but I would) not including finding the problem that caused the head gasket to go.

I would imagine the water pump has failed and if you are looking at an engine replacement expect to pay £1,000 upwards.

sharpy2010

Its time for a new car, not the hassle of a new engine. Thats assuming the current engine has given up, of course.

A new engine for an old Corsa just isnt worth the bother.

paddedjohn

04 corsa engine supplied and fitted, service, timing chain and clutch for good measure cost me £550 last year.

poppasmurf_bewdley

If your battery is charged and the engine won't turn over, then in all probability the engine is seized and now just a pile of scrap.

The heater not working was a sign of water loss and should have been investigated asap. That's a lesson you have learnt the hard way.

If you've been happy with the car previously, then contact a breakers yard and you should be able to source an engine for a few hundred plus fitting. Also have the radiator and hoses checked to ensure they weren't the cause.