Cambelt replacement

[WAslayer]

I'm not a Corsa owner, but have seen neighbours struggling with theirs. Modern engines are so compact that they are hard to work on, without removing something first (like the front wheel). Those old Corsa engines have a known issue with the spline on the belt pulley, and if that goes while driving, the consequential damage means its cheaper to replace with a second hand engine. Just my 0.02 cents worth...

Used to work for an engineering company specialising in overhauling engines etc.. When these engines snap a cambelt, you can kiss your valves and pistons goodbye.. They have probably the most dainty valves I have seen in an engine, not including the 12 or 16 valved engines..

We had to quite a lot of people bring in their engines to have the valves as and or pistons replaced when this happened.. this was in 2009 and I have no idea what engineering work costs these days compared to price of engines..

 

[SauRoNZA]

I highly, extremely highly, recommend goch and Cooper auto in Brackenfell.. Fantastic service, free shuttle service to and from work when you drop your car and collect it..

My car has been there twice and the wife's once and all future work I will be doing with them as well..

RMI approved, honest and trustworthy.. I have had no issues with either cars since it went for repair/service there..

I can't give you a detailed quote but, my last invoice with them from last year had labour per hour at around R500 and should be less than the dealer.. This being the new year, I would expect an increase..

Used them a couple of times between two cars.

Let's just say they hide their workmanship behind all the extras like most dealers do and they don't cost any less than the dealership really.

Had a few subsequent findings of screws and seals and o-rings just being missing when they were last to work on the car.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Are you sure you had to take the cambelt off to replace the thermostat? I know it's pretty close to the thermostat housing but there should be enough clearance to do it.

Yup definitely needs to come off in the case of the Corsa and related engine models.

But any mechanic with half a brain would replace the thermostat while there anyway.

My unfortunate luck the new thermostat was dodgy and needed to be done again three months later.

 

[kripstoe]

Used them a couple of times between two cars.

Let's just say they hide their workmanship behind all the extras like most dealers do and they don't cost any less than the dealership really.

Had a few subsequent findings of screws and seals and o-rings just being missing when they were last to work on the car.

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