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Astra Woes

  • 20-07-2015 1:21pm
    #1
    macrubicon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 648 ✭✭✭


    Looking for a bit of advice / information if anyone has it.

    The OH has an 04 Astra H with the 1.4 Petrol engine (Z14XEP). Bought from Opel second hand with 1 previous owner with FSH with the Opel dealer. The OH has had it serviced on schedule with Opel. Currently 67k miles on the clock.

    The car is/was running fine but one day on checking the levels we noticed the coolant was quite low and the oil could do with a top up. Top ups were done and a few days later we checked again - the oil was fine but the coolant was low again.

    Checked the oil cap and sure enough some mayo on the cap.

    We had no lights or warnings on the dash and a scan revealed no problems at all. Was booked into the dealers and left there until they could get around to it as we did not want to be driving it fearing the head gasket or something similar. The car is perfect otherwise.

    Turns out the timing chain is rattling, the oil pump and water pump need replacing and the crank seal is weeping - and that's before we get to the coolant issue. The Head Gasket is fine so the diagnosis is cracked block or cracked head - either way the garage solution is a reconditioned engine at a cost of €2,700 part only. When asked how this could happen the answer - it's wear and tear!?

    Funny enough there was an 06 in with exactly the same problem too...

    Google suggests there was a recall in the UK for the timing chain on some VIN's of this particular engine...

    Just wondering if anyone has ever heard of this problem before or has any suggestions as they are basically asking us to do a repair of the value of the car on a good day! They are also suggesting a mechanic might buy it as a "project" car for himself too which sounds a bit off.


Comments

  • #2
    Atlantic Dawn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 85,547 ✭✭✭✭Atlantic Dawn
    GDY151


    Might be worth getting a 2nd opinion.


  • #3
    pat k
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 74 ✭✭pat k


    I have an astra H 1.4 petrol (2005) and I remember it was recalled 2 yrs ago because the crank bolts were not tightend to spec .
    seems your best bet is to sell yours off for parts , way too much to repair it imo


  • #4
    macrubicon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 648 ✭✭✭macrubicon


    Atlantic Dawn wrote: »
    Might be worth getting a 2nd opinion.

    That's our thought too but does anyone have any suggestions for an indy?
    pat k wrote: »
    I have an astra H 1.4 petrol (2005) and I remember it was recalled 2 yrs ago because the crank bolts were not tightend to spec .
    seems your best bet is to sell yours off for parts , way too much to repair it imo

    I think we were covered under that one as well at the time.


  • #5
    liamjames1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 63 ✭✭liamjames1


    Hi,

    Sorry to hear about your problems.

    I viewed a 2007 1.4 3 dr H/Back last night and was considering making an offer on it today. He is looking for €4,950 with 70k miles on the clock. It passed the NCT in june (although I have read this doesn't mean much). Waiting for the guy to come back to me about service history. It is my first time buying a car.

    Based on your experience / the experience of others...do you think I should avoid??


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