Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts

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Mon 12 Feb 2024 15:40
Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts - stuartl

Good afternoon.

I've bought a Corsa for my stepdaughter as a first car. It has suspected HGF so I'm getting the head off, getting it pressure tested and skimmed, fitting new water pump, thermostat, timing chain kit etc.

I'm aware there are various bolts and gaskets that need replacing and am looking for recommendations for decent parts , not the cheapest and definitely not ebay!

As always, grateful thanks in anticipation of any help received

Edited by stuartl on 12/02/2024 at 15:50

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Mon 12 Feb 2024 16:06
Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts - elekie&a/c doctor
If the engine has been overheated, you’ll be wasting your time .
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Mon 12 Feb 2024 16:28
Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts - stuartl

It was running fine, just drinking coolant and white smoke/mist from exhaust

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Mon 12 Feb 2024 16:36
Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts - elekie&a/c doctor
Been there, got the T shirt. Good luck with that.
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Mon 12 Feb 2024 16:54
Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts - stuartl

Can you elaborate?

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Mon 12 Feb 2024 17:11
Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts - elekie&a/c doctor
Head gasket failure is usually the result of another issue. I suspect this engine has overheated at some time in its life . I would expect to find cracked/ warped cylinder head and possibly crankcase damage. You would be better off finding a known good engine.
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Mon 12 Feb 2024 17:46
Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts - stuartl

I get what you're saying, as I said, I was intending to get the head pressure tested and skimmed as well as replacement of the cooling system components.

Is there such thing as a 'good known engine' when buying secondhand? My theory behind rebuilding was that at least I'd know what had been done......

Edited by stuartl on 12/02/2024 at 17:47

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Mon 12 Feb 2024 18:02
Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts - elekie&a/c doctor
My worry is that you could spend loads getting the head skimmed and pressure tested , and then find the block is cracked/warped . There are numerous Vauxhall specialists that break these Corsa for engines .
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Mon 12 Feb 2024 19:58
Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts - paul 1963

Once again I've got to agree with the Doc, find a good used engine, I know some specialists will send you a video of the thing running or buy a complete mot failure.

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Tue 13 Feb 2024 06:24
Vauxhall Corsa D 2008 1.2 Petrol - Top end rebuild- best replacement parts - stuartl

Thanks for the replies! I have much respect for the Doc and his vast knowledge. I will do as you both suggest, thanks for your time and input guys

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