Problem with opel astra 1.6 16V cde

Frankc

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Dec 21, 2005
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Yip. Bought Opel from my dad and so far as I can remember had a problem with the radiator fan only switched on if very hot, say at 85% - 90% of the meter reading, so I installed a manual switch. Mostly only need it when in slow moving traffic but 30 - 60 seconds is enough to bring the temp down.

Perhaps electrical yes because even the sensor is mechanical and that would give a more constant reading, wrong or not. (Let the car idle until reached normal temp and then for another minute or two, three. Drove 4 km at same level. Start to climb and then in both open road and town up (to halfway mark) and down (a bit over normal) and without apparent effect from radiator fan. 15 Minutes later when idle to open gate, down to normal and stay normal for another minute or two. (Same thing twice today)

Normally I would just fix and eliminate things but my daughter will borrow car for court case 200 km away Wednesday so I don't want to take changes and want to hear what other people think.
 

airborne

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I'd fix the radiator fan automatic switch as it definitely sound like that's the issue.

What are the temps like If you run the fan continuously from start up?
 

Drake2007

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Perhaps electrical yes because even the sensor is mechanical and that would give a more constant reading, wrong or not..

I would get that sorted out properly then, that is an unnecessary distraction when driving and trying to keep an eye on the temperature.
 

Frankc

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Heat sensor under coil and top of radiator replaced - That fixed the age old problem that the automatic fan only kicked in at high temp.

Flushed engine, new filter and oil. New radiator, termostate and good quality anti-freeze plus radiator stop leak to stop potential minor cracks in the head. Water pump about 6 months old. New airfilter (to make sure there is enough cool air) and spark plugs.

Double checked the timing as I had to remove the belt to replace the termostate.

All that is short is the temp sensor for the meter and radiator coolant cap. Will also recheck the water and oil levels to rule out head gasket. (No stock so will get tomorrow but after that I am out of options, except perhaps moving to other planet)
 

Hemi300c

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It does seem to be a sensor issue hopefully that closes the chapter and it stays cool after replacing.
 

airborne

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I think it's a good time to take it to a good mechanic, you've done the diy replace everything in the hope it will do the job merry go round, time now for someone to pinpoint and repair the real problem.
 

Frankc

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I am a do it myself person with everything and besides don't have the money to pay other people hehe.

The problem was 95% likely a minor crack in the head or head gasket. Yesterday I added Loctide radiator sement power in the radiator after I noticed a bit water in the exhaust (after some idling so definitively not normal).

Drove 10 km with constant reading a bit above normal after initial halfway mark for a few minutes but anyway bought new temp sensor that brought the reading back to normal. (I will monitor and if the problem arise again I will do a engine overhaul that is anyway on my wanted-to-do list hehe)

Thanks for the help guys
 

airborne

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I'm also all for diy but especially with cars when you don't know the system intimately to troubleshoot nor have all the correct diagnostics equipment it make sense to pay a good independent mechanic to look at it, definitely don't take it to the dealers.
 

Tongi

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Mar 25, 2017
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Hallo
I have an opel classic 1.6 16v cde.This car makes some noise when turning the strearing to the left hand side especially when the key is not on.Also if i press the bonnet right on top of the right hand side wheel i hear the same cranking noise as well.what could this be.
 

genetic

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Hallo
I have an opel classic 1.6 16v cde.This car makes some noise when turning the strearing to the left hand side especially when the key is not on.Also if i press the bonnet right on top of the right hand side wheel i hear the same cranking noise as well.what could this be.

CV Joints.

What do you mean by "the key not being on"? If they key is not in the ignition and engaged, the steering wheel will lock when turned.
 

rietrot

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Something important maybe part of the suspension is lose. Push and pull on everything until you get the faulty part.
 

airborne

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Take it to a suspension specialist place and ask them to check it out, probably the Cv joint, not to expensive but they'll get to the bottom of it pretty quickly
 

Drake2007

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Oct 23, 2008
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sounds like the front shock mounting, have both replaced same time when redoing your shocks.
 

Printa

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Feb 3, 2019
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Hello friends can some one show me what is a solenoid purge of opel Astra 1.6 16v 2001 model please?
 

Printa

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I actually have a detailed spreadsheet with all expenses (except petrol) of my Astra. It's not expensive to keep the car in good shape and these 1.6 16v Ecotec units does go like hell when they are properly maintained.

What you need to keep in mind is that because cars are complex mechanical things it is hard to generalize. Sure, you do get high failure rates in certain models but I'd say the Astra G is a pretty solid car. As I pointed out in this thread there are some things that are well known to fail on these cars after it had done a given mileage but most mechanics that are worth their keep should know this.

We all know you are a VAG fanboi / Rouxenator hater and that's cool, I would not expect any other type of response from you and to a degree I enjoy a bit of trolling (giving and receiving). Factually however I can state that Opels are excellent cars and the Astra G is a good model. It is sad that Opel is so underrated in South Africa but I guess that makes them more unique and it is one of the things I like about them.

I have had and still do have a lot of fun in my old Astra.
I love this car but it complicates me sometimes: It is recently diagnosed with a solenoid purge problem but I dont know what that is. can asome one show me what this is please friends?
 

Rouxenator

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Mine had that, it comes from filling past the first click at the pumps. You can ignore it because it is a difficult fix and does not affect anything.

Actually, Scotty explained it this past weekend :
 

Printa

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Feb 3, 2019
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Mine had that, it comes from filling past the first click at the pumps. You can ignore it because it is a difficult fix and does not affect anything.

Actually, Scotty explained it this past weekend :
Thanks....... I read all the comments and found that mine has started to loose the power as well ever since that yellow engine showed up. The mechanic diagnosed it and sent me to buy a part which is, according to the seller, a MAP sensor. I brought it, he fitted it but the light stayed and the problem continued..... really I dont know what to do or to take it.
 

Handsomepear

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Oct 15, 2019
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Hi im buying a opel astra cde 1.6i 16v ecotec verry good condision but 250 000 kms on the clock is it worth it or not
 

TheChamp

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Hi im buying a opel astra cde 1.6i 16v ecotec verry good condision but 250 000 kms on the clock is it worth it or not
Are you buying it for less than R25k? That is the only condition it can be worth it. Does it have service history?
 
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