Timing Chain Replacement on 2009 1.4 Vauxhall Corsa

mwinston

Hi,

Looking for opinion/advice on costs of some repairs to a 2009 1.4 petrol Vauxhall Corsa Design with 73k miles on the clock.

First, an explanation of issues over the last few months:
- End of August this year noticed coolant very low, refilled, very low again after a few days
- Mechanic couldn't find obvious leak, mentions could be head gasket but no tell-tale signs of that issue
- Coolant still running low after refilling, at least a month has passed with no luck in finding leak and now some signs of milky oil
- Liquid sealant used for head gasket repair, coolant stops leaking - paid for liquid sealant can't remember exact cost, less than £50
- End of October paid £235 for a new heating/aircon motor and labour as that failed
- Two weeks ago, engine very noisy, oil pressure sensor failed, oil leaked, engine ran very low on oil, pressure sensor and oil replaced for £85
- Last Tuesday engine stalled twice and problems restarting, car not used since
- This Tuesday car driven to local garage where they explained the timing chain kit needs replacing
- Car then wouldn't start when I collected from garage and no longer starts so had to use my breakdown cover to tow it back home

The mechanics have said the timing chain kit, thermostat, water pump, oil filter, oil and antifreeze need replacing at a cost of £570 inc VAT and labour.

Also they want to check the "top end" for damage to hydraulic lifters and rocker arms due to oil leak as they could be damaged if ran dry when oil leaked, if so, extra £264 for parts.

I also explained the worry over the head gasket coolant leak and they said if you're going to repair the car, the timing chain kit is such a big job that it would be daft not to check and sort head gasket at the same time. I've not had a head gasket cost yet.

Worst case cost (before head gasket) is £834. Head gasket parts would be extra but I understand this isn't technically that expensive and most of the labour would already be done with timing chain kit.

Is the £570 over priced for timing chain kit?

Is this car simply not worth repairing? Spending in the region of £1000 when I've spent £350 ish in the last few months seems over the top. On Auto-trader I can see the same model, similar milage in slightly better condition but obviously sound running order for £2200-£3000. Don't know whether to cut my losses.

forgotmyname

Its not £570 for a timing chain kit. Its £570 in VAT and labour. The actual kit is probably way less than half that cost.

If you think its costly then do it yourself. The tools required will mean you save very little or nothing.

Phone the main dealer and ask them how much.

jobdone1

Get a second hand low millage engine loads out their and get him to fit bound to work out cheaper than repairing a duff engine. Have the engine delivered to the mechanic address tow your car their and let fit be much better option

sk240

Those little ecotech engines suffer really badly if they are not maintained properly!
The oil pressure switch probably blew because the breather pipes were/are blocked with mayonaise.
The actual camchan change is fairly time consuming, so would guess at 4 hours (so around £240 labour at an independant) and the timing belt kit is around £80, add in new oil and aux drive belt your looking at around £375+VAT so your quote does seem a little pricey.

parking_question_chap

Isnt it a belt?

gabitzul

Nope, both 1.2 and 1.4 Vx petrol engines of these generation are chain driven.

(Had one years ago, a 1.2 5dr Club. Horrible car, sold it on within 3 months of buying. Lost some money but I just could not bear it, sooo slow, noisy and cramped for my taste).

parking_question_chap

Oh right, didnt realise that.

73k seems pretty quick for a new chain if the engine has been looked after.