Thursday, June 2, 2011

How hard is it to change a head gasket on a 1.2 corsa swing ?

Hi i have a 1994 vauxhall corsa swing. Its a 1.2 4 cylinder engine. I believe that my head gasket has either gone or is about to go. The symptons are:

white smoke from exhaust but only on certain days

poor acceleration

when i removed the oil cap there was a white milky substance.

I am gutted about this as it is my first car and havent actually drove it on my own yet.

I have slight mechanical knowlege and as i am out of work i cannot afford to pay labour costs which i have heard are around 450. Therefore as it would cost more to repair the car than i bought it. I thought that i would attempt to change the gasket myself. Is it easy ? How do i go about timing the cams and that ?. Thanks DecHow hard is it to change a head gasket on a 1.2 corsa swing ?Not being rude, but if you're not even sure if you have an 8v or 16v engine, do not attempt this yourself. It will be the 8v engine as the 1.4 and 1.6 were the only 16v engines in the Corsa until the chain driven X12XE came out.



You would need a head gasket set, 10 head bolts, thermostat, cambelt/tensioner, sealant for joint between rocker box and head, antifreeze, oil and filter. It's also advisable to have the head skimmed at the same time. Please don't try it if you're not sure because it is a big job and will be more expensive if it goes wrong.



Have you tried a smaller garage, these will have a more reasonable labour rate?How hard is it to change a head gasket on a 1.2 corsa swing ?It depends if you no what you doing or not, If you not done this type of thing before then dont atempt it as you need to have the head tested and make sure it at top dead centre and timing is correctHow hard is it to change a head gasket on a 1.2 corsa swing ?you would need a head gasket, head re-skimmed, full engine flush including all pipes and also your best of replacing the cambelt and water pump. if your doing it yourself then i would say about 150 or find yourself a re-con engine.How hard is it to change a head gasket on a 1.2 corsa swing ?you can have all the manuals you like , you still need the skill and/or experience .How hard is it to change a head gasket on a 1.2 corsa swing ?a big job to do even if one knows how so best you pay to have it doneHow hard is it to change a head gasket on a 1.2 corsa swing ?not hard.just get the torque wrench settingsHow hard is it to change a head gasket on a 1.2 corsa swing ?If it's the 16 valve fuel injection engine then I suggest that you don't try. There's a good reason why the labour costs are that high, basically because it's over complicated and will be a difficult job. That does sound like a head gasket or a cracked head problem. If it's been driven like that for a while the whole engine may be ruined, due to the poor condition of the oil - emulsified oil isn't a good lubricant. Whatever the case, it'll have to be dismantled before you will know more. It may be much easier to sell it and buy another car. Basically, if you have to ask this question then you don't have the experience to do the job without a lot of difficulty.



Edit: It's difficult to be sure what you'll need to replace until you've stripped the engine. Your best bet may be to get your apprentice mechanic friend to help you, he may help you cheaply/as a favour and will benefit from the experience. Of course, however, he's also more likely to make a mistake. If you can get another engine (a good one) for under 250 (or even 100) then replace the engine, it's probably much easier that way (I'd do this if it was mine). Examine the clutch at the same time too while it's apart. You should have it done in a day with your friends help. Don't forget to send your log book back to the DVLA with your new engine number on it. If it's an OHV (overhead valve - push rods) engine then taking the head off is a very simple job but it's probably an OHC (overhead cam - timing belt/chain to top of engine) engine. The 16 valve one may even be a twin cam, not good for a beginner. Remember, it's a fifteen year old car so don't spend a fortune on it - don't spend anything unless you're sure of success, another good working engine will give you that certainty.How hard is it to change a head gasket on a 1.2 corsa swing ?If you are genuinely going to attempt the job yourself you need a Haynes Manual. It is absolutely essential that you follow procedure with a head gasket renewal. You will also need a torque wrench covering the stipulated ranges. The Manual will give you all the info you need, including setting up the timing gear and applying the correct torque to the head bolts. None of it is particularly difficult, but you need to be focussed and methodical. There are no shortcuts or tips, just read and do. If you are impatient or in a hurry you will balls it up.

If the surfaces of the head are cracked or burned you need an exchange head. If there is damage to the engine block face, expense is inevitable as the engine will have to come out, or you bodge it and sell. Good luck.