Opel Corsa Lite 1.4 - Cambelt failure

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Juna3112

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Hi all - new to the forum and would like to get some help.


So on Friday while driving on the freeway at about 80 (was raining) the car goes dead.

Though it was water related, however after checking the engine, realized that the cambelt had snapped.

Now, before taking the car to a mech, I just want to know if the valves on these cars bend, or can I just put another belt and be good to go?

Any assistance is appreciated.

Thanks
 
that the 8 valve jobbie right. because they were non interference motors, meaning no bent valves
 
Thanks bud.

Im gonna attempt a DIY over this weekend.

Will feedback - hopefully all goes well.
 
Juna3112 said:
Hi all - new to the forum and would like to get some help.


So on Friday while driving on the freeway at about 80 (was raining) the car goes dead.

Though it was water related, however after checking the engine, realized that the cambelt had snapped.

Now, before taking the car to a mech, I just want to know if the valves on these cars bend, or can I just put another belt and be good to go?

Any assistance is appreciated.

Thanks
Click to expand...

There are 4 different engine models used in Corsa B's
1.4 L C14NZ I4 (petrol)
1.4 L C14SE I4 (petrol)
1.4 L X14SZ I4 (petrol)
1.4 L X14XE I4 (petrol)

If you do some research you should be able to reliably determine if yours is non interference, however the risk of just slapping on a new belt is too high to cause more damage, perhaps go to a semi cheap mech to lift the head only while you are present, should all be fine he will be suitable to replace the belt( remember all the motors use yield bolts on the head, they are expensive and need to be installed correctly, there is only one way to do it so don't let anyone tell you **** so they can use bolts from the hardware shop unless you have money for a whole new head later on) Should there be damage leave the head off and start searching for a proper mech of your choice.
 
Last edited:
gamer16 said:
If you do some research you should be able to reliably determine if yours is non interference, however the risk of just slapping on a new belt is too high to cause more damage, perhaps go to a semi cheap mech to lift the head only while you are present, should all be fine he will be suitable to replace the belt( remember all the motors use yield bolts on the head, they are expensive and need to be installed correctly, there is only one way to do it so don't let anyone tell you **** so they can use bolts from the hardware shop unless you have money for a whole new head later on) Should there be damage leave the head off and start searching for a proper mech of your choice.
Click to expand...

The car was doing 80km/h when the belt went. Any damage that can be done has already been done. Given the cost of the stretch bolts and a gasket set, not to mention a mechanic's fees, why on earth would you want to pull the head off unless it needs to come off?

If you're replacing the cambelt just make very sure that you've got the cam in the correct position and all the marks are lined up,, and stick it on. It's probably worth replacing the tensioner while you're in there, and if the motor runs properly, you're fine. If the valves have been bent, you'll know as soon as you try to start it.
 
Colin62 said:
The car was doing 80km/h when the belt went. Any damage that can be done has already been done. Given the cost of the stretch bolts and a gasket set, not to mention a mechanic's fees, why on earth would you want to pull the head off unless it needs to come off?

If you're replacing the cambelt just make very sure that you've got the cam in the correct position and all the marks are lined up,, and stick it on. It's probably worth replacing the tensioner while you're in there, and if the motor runs properly, you're fine. If the valves have been bent, you'll know as soon as you try to start it.
Click to expand...

The risk however is a slightly nicked piston vs a hole in it
 
Sup guys - thanks for all the responses.

The mileage is around 121000km.

I will have a look at the engine today to determine the exact model.

The plan is to also replace the tensioner & waterpump.

The disappointing thing about this whole situation is that I just bought this car last month.
The seller told me that he had just done a service @ 120k including the cambelt.
There was no service history books, however the guy seemed genuine so I took it on good faith.

Nonetheless, il take this on the chin & will feedback.
 
just fit a cambelt and turn the motor manually a few times, if nothing touches you should be okay. Start the car, it will miss horribily if the valves are bent
 
Juna3112 said:
Sup guys - thanks for all the responses.

The mileage is around 121000km.

I will have a look at the engine today to determine the exact model.

The plan is to also replace the tensioner & waterpump.

The disappointing thing about this whole situation is that I just bought this car last month.
The seller told me that he had just done a service @ 120k including the cambelt.
There was no service history books, however the guy seemed genuine so I took it on good faith.

Nonetheless, il take this on the chin & will feedback.
Click to expand...

Send it back to where it was fixed and tell them to take responsibility? What make was the belt?
 
saturnz said:
just fit a cambelt and turn the motor manually a few times, if nothing touches you should be okay. Start the car, it will miss horribily if the valves are bent
Click to expand...

PROTIP - remove the spark plugs and turn the engine by hand for a couple of revolutions. Make sure you turn it in the right direction as well.

I did it with my Corolla after fitting a new head gasket and the cylinder head after having all the valve stem seals replaced with new ones.
 
Please do let us know , the same happend to me today , and everyone is telling me the valves will be bend and that i should just bring the car in
 
thechamp said:
Did you miss the part about no service history books?
Click to expand...

LOL...yep not gonna bother with that bud, mainly because the cambelt wasnt actually changed.

Had a look at the belt last night as I removed the side plastic cover.

In my view it looks like the original belt as the condition of the belt was old & brittle.

Getting the new parts tomorrow and hoping for the best. :)
 
Juna3112 said:
LOL...yep not gonna bother with that bud, mainly because the cambelt wasnt actually changed.

Had a look at the belt last night as I removed the side plastic cover.

In my view it looks like the original belt as the condition of the belt was old & brittle.

Getting the new parts tomorrow and hoping for the best. :)
Click to expand...

Good luck, I bought mine just after the cambelt was replaced at 149 000km's ,still had the Williams Hunt invoices inside the service books, it now at more than 200k and still going strong.

Did you decide to do the job yourself or you taking it somewhere?
 
Thanks.

That's great - Just maintain your car and im sure she will give you many more happy miles.

I've decided to do this myself, however if it turns out that I do need to take out the head etc, then Il have to go to a mech.
 
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