Strange problem with my Corsa C

[fazi123]

Hello everybody,

I have a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 (2004). I have some issues which I would love to get the opinions of some of you more experienced folks.

1. Coolant loss (I have replaced the Heater Matrix. I have also checked that there is no coolant in the oil.)

2. Car stutters at all sorts of speeds - this isn't very descriptive, but it feels as though the engine is shaking the car for 2/3 seconds at a time, before being normal again. I noticed this particular this tonight on the way back to London from Birmingham. It did happen the once on the way going too, but didn't notice it too much.

Ideally I don't want to spend too much money on these issues, as this car was only purchased as a run around as I get my finances sorted following a recent house purchase.

Thanks

Faz

[Crafty_]

Coolant loss could be anything - have you had a good look for leaks ?

Does it pressurise ? i.e. if you drive it, get it warm and then (carefully!) take the cap off of the expansion tank, is there a release of air ?
Open it slowly and beware some steam may escape, cover the cap with a cloth as you undo it

Sometimes leaks can be hard to find - it could be the radiator leaking and it evaporates so you don't see it, ditto for the expansion tank cap and the water pump too.

The other possibility is that the head gasket is damaged and is allowing coolant from the water jacket to enter the combustion chamber. If this is the case it might be related to the running issue.

[cold thursday]

The water pump/seal often fail on these, the water can leak into the head so it can look like a head gasket problem, when it isn't.

Edited by cold thursday on Tuesday 27th August 22:05

[fazi123]

Thanks for the replies guys. So it seems as though it is a head gasket problem. What is the solution for this? And what kind of monies should i be willing to pay for this issue to be resolved?

Thanks again

Faz

[bearman68]

Or there could be a small coolant leak, and a coil (or a EM sensor) on the way out. Just worth a look before tearing apart the engine.

[PaulKemp]

There are test kits available for head gasket leaks, checks for gasses in the water, if that is clear then other problems are cheaper to fix
A basic head gasket replacement can be as cheap as a few quid and some time or asich as several hundred with gadkets, seals and head stretch bolts

[fazi123]

Thanks for giving me the other less worrying diagnostics aswell. Much appreciated. Would you guys be able to point me in the direction of a good indy in the East London/Essex area?

Cheers,

Faz