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On certain Vauxhall Corsa models (2006+), after removing the sump plug as part of the oil service, the threads can be damaged.

Re-threading the plug leads to complications that includes subsequent oil leaks. Therefore, Corteco recommends that re-threading should always be dismissed as an option.

Corteco has introduced a cost effective aftermarket solution, which is a replacement plug, supplied complete with all washers required. It is supplied as part of a set that covers the fastest moving sump plugs in the UK car parc.

Petrol Corsa 1.2 X12XEP engine code.

The electronic throttle body motor can become faulty.  This can then cause additional damage to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) throttle body circuit drivers inside the ECU. Guide fault codes logged by engine management system can be P1500/P1523/P1526. If only the ECU is replaced, the same problem can recur, as the real cause is the throttle body motor. This is why it’s advisable to replace the throttle body too.

The Vauxhall Corsa 1.2, like smaller cars such as Fiats, Renaults and Peugeots, are the most likely to suffer head-gasket failure, according to Steel Seal, the quick-fix solution for a blown head gasket.

Small engines, often with aluminium-alloy cylinder heads, and low-capacity coolant systems, are particularly vulnerable to over-heating, which in turn can lead to the head gasket to blow.

Furthermore some cars can even suffer from a blown head gasket at low mileages – in some instances at just 30,000 miles. This can be down to a manufacturing defect or cheap head gaskets being fitted which becomes a false economy.

The 2006 Vauxhall Corsa was introduced with the same range of engine sizes available in the previous model, albeit the earlier 1.8-litre engine was dropped and a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine was made available from 2007. With the introduction of extended mileage oil drain intervals, it’s important that vehicle technicians top-up these vehicles with the correct specification oil.

Sven Nielsen, Technical Director from Meyle, talks to CAT about some of the problems that may arise with the Vauxhall Corsa:

1. Stabiliser links often worn out

Problem:

Intense strain and high surface pressure wear and stress on the ball joint (head Ø 19 mm). This causes a premature failure of the ball joint and generates noise at the front axle.

Meyle’s Solution:

MEYLE in house engineers increased the diameter of the ball head of the tie rod end to 22 mm. Ball joints were given wear-resistant synthetic ball sockets with high-tech grease. The reduction of the surface pressure ensures a significantly longer lifetime.

Engine Oil

a.       For this particularly series of Corsa, Vauxhall list only one or two specifications for engine oil which should be covered by Comma Long Life 5W30 and Comma Syner-Z 5W30. For the 2006-2010 models the usual recommendation is Comma Long Life 5W30 however, there might be some cross over at the tail end. From 2011 onwards, Vauxhall list dexos 2 which is now GM global oil specification introduced for gasoline and diesel vehicles and is covered by Comma Syner-Z 5W30.

To remain competitive in the replacement parts market, factors and garages need to be able to access the latest parts as soon as the demand for them begins. This is clearly why the parts suppliers are so keen to let them know about new-to-range parts as soon as they are added.

Tecdoc Commercial Director Shaun Greasley explains, for those that use Europe’s leading parts information data provider TecDoc, this information and a whole host more besides, is automatically updated and available at their finger tips to help them drive more revenue through the business.

Sven Nielsen, Technical Director from MEYLE, says the Ford Fiesta suffers from the following problems:

1. Stabiliser links often worn out (35-16 060 0021/HD)

Problem:

Intense strain and high surface pressure wear and stress on the ball joint (head Ø 16-20 mm). This causes a premature failure of the ball joint and generates noise at the front axle.

MEYLE Solution (35-16 060 0021/HD):

MEYLE in-house engineers increased the diameter of the ball head of the tie rod end to 22 mm. Ball joints were given ultra wear-resistant synthetic ball sockets with high-tech grease. The reduction of the surface pressure ensures a significantly longer lifetime.

This Ford Fiesta range also uses the 1.6 TDCi engine and this is one area a garage should look at when servicing. Oil sludge caused by contaminated injectors reduces oil flow to critical moving parts. In many cases when the turbo has failed the engine components such as the crankshaft has already been subject to wear. It is important when servicing these engines to inspect the oil filter when removed, if there are signs of oil sludge then the banjo bolt and gauze filter on the vacuum pump should be checked. If oil sludge is present then there should be some manual cleaning of the crankcase including oil sump removal then the engine flushed and oil and filter change carried out.

First series Ford Fiestas experience issues with injection pump pulleys, which work loose and generate vibrations in the belt. A consequence is 'jumped teeth'.

On a general note, the OE timing belts in the Synchronous Belt Drive System (SBDS) have a 'dimple', but Gates points out that its OE quality replacement belts and aftermarket replacements in general do not. There is no cause for concern.

Excessive noise inside the SBDS has been attributed, on some models at least, to rust.  A careful inspection is recommended.