Thermostat cost to replace

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Bobbin

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Hey all,

Long story short my SO's Corsa Lite 1.6 broke down. Apparently the temperature gauge was through the roof and there was "water bubbling".

A mechanic reckons 4.5k to fix the thermostat issue. Although the part is cheap apparently they need to lift the chassis to fix it.

Just checking if this sounds right?
 
Last edited:
Lift the chassis to fix the thermostat?

Tell that mechanic he's talking shyte..
 
Sounds like the Thermostat was a primary cause of the overheating, and subsequent damage have occurred.
I.E. Blown head gasket etc..
 
Thermostats normally fail open, not closed.
So here the problem is most likely not the t'stat. More likely water pump, blocked radiator, or blown head gasket.
The latter is most likely to have happened ANYWAY, because of the overheating.

Take it somewhere that knows what they're doing.
 
Nisho said:
Sounds like the Thermostat was a primary cause of the overheating, and subsequent damage have occurred.
I.E. Blown head gasket etc..
Click to expand...
+1 The thermostat is an easy and cheap part to replace, sounds like the head gasket is going to need replacing and possibly the head has to be straightened (can't remember the correct term for this)
 
Segg said:
+1 The thermostat is an easy and cheap part to replace, sounds like the head gasket is going to need replacing and possibly the head has to be straightened (can't remember the correct term for this)
Click to expand...

skimmed :)
 
Thanks for responses all. Given the limited info, do you think it is safe to drive at short distances? Just to get it home and start quoting around...
 
Since your are in Little Falls and if it is the head gasket, try Ernie's service centre
they quoted me R3.9k for my 2005 Runx. They have their own engineering department.
I will be sending my car there next month.
 
Bobbin said:
Thanks for responses all. Given the limited info, do you think it is safe to drive at short distances? Just to get it home and start quoting around...
Click to expand...

If the car broke down due to overheating then you should definitely not start it until a proper mechanic has taken a look. There could be internal engine damage or a seized engine or cracked head etc. Rather tow it home if you can.

BTW, how do you lift the chassis? Jack up one of the wheels? :) Does not make sense.
 
The head gasket is gone plus you will need a new radiator, anti-freeze, thermostat and a fan switch for good measure. From experience I'll say don't put Payne gaskets on the car, go for agents gaskets or Victor Reinz or the equivalent. Unfortunately the cylinder head will need new valves and due to the overheating, it will need to be skimmed because it gets warped.

If she is planning on keeping the vehicle, a good mechanic will advise you to change the rings and bearings along with the water pump and oil pump. That way you'll have sludge free oil and clean water flowing efficiently through the engine :)
 
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Bobbin said:
Hey all,

Long story short my SO's Corsa Lite 1.6 broke down. Apparently the temperature gauge was through the roof and there was "water bubbling".

A mechanic reckons 4.5k to fix the thermostat issue. Although the part is cheap apparently they need to lift the chassis to fix it.

Just checking if this sounds right?
Click to expand...

Please don't get someone to so it...

It's 2 bolts and 2 screws :D

Fk'ng mechanic is drunk :D
 
Fox1 said:
The head gasket is gone plus you will need a new radiator, anti-freeze, thermostat and a fan switch for good measure. From experience I'll say don't put Payne gaskets on the car, go for agents gaskets or Victor Reinz or the equivalent. Unfortunately the cylinder head will need new valves and due to the overheating, it will need to be skimmed because it gets warped.

If she is planning on keeping the vehicle, a goo mechanic will advise you to change the rings and bearings along with the water pump and oil pump. That way you'll have sludge free oil and clean water flowing efficiently through the engine :)
Click to expand...

Wut

Valves and radiator? Thumbsuck of note.
 
Bobbin said:
Hey all,

Long story short my SO's Corsa Lite 1.6 broke down. Apparently the temperature gauge was through the roof and there was "water bubbling".

A mechanic reckons 4.5k to fix the thermostat issue. Although the part is cheap apparently they need to lift the chassis to fix it.

Just checking if this sounds right?
Click to expand...

Thermostat +- R150. Replace it, then go to Silverton's Radiators and do a pressure test. If head gasket is blown, replace the gasket - probably few hundred bob. To get the head skimmed - I recollect less than a thousand.

You can go the thermostat + gasket yourself.
 
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