Corsa-B.uk - Vauxhall, Opel and Holden Corsa B Owners Club

Hi to all. This is my first posting here - having just bought my 1999 Corsa 3cyl with 150,000 km. on the clock.
So far - after 1000km. everything seems great. I just thought I would ask the group if there is anything I should look out for?
What are the "typical" problems with this engine?. Are there any jobs I should put on the priority list ?
the car seems to run great - and with good economy too.
Best regards to all;
Geoff

i Have the same car had it around 5-6month now and not had one problem...
just keep it well maintained and serviced and as with any it'll look after you buddy..
i carnt help with the typical problems bit as ive not had one with mine yet touch wood haha..

The general thing that people say is the timing chain- listen out for a loud rattle at warm idle (moreso than usual!) and consider getting it changed. I have one of these 3 cylinder lovelies too (now 76k, was 67k when I bought it) and had no major problems, the ones I have had have been small and I think just because of my particular car (oil pressure switch needed changing- dead easy and costs a fiver, battery went 2 months after i got it, but i think thats cause it hadn't been used for a while) but apart from that, all good (again, touch wood, aha)

And backing up what Dan said- just keep it maintained and serviced and it should do you fine

The general thing that people say is the timing chain- listen out for a loud rattle at warm idle (moreso than usual!) and consider getting it changed. I have one of these 3 cylinder lovelies too (now 76k, was 67k when I bought it) and had no major problems, the ones I have had have been small and I think just because of my particular car (oil pressure switch needed changing- dead easy and costs a fiver, battery went 2 months after i got it, but i think thats cause it hadn't been used for a while) but apart from that, all good (again, touch wood, aha)

And backing up what Dan said- just keep it maintained and serviced and it should do you fine

Thanks for the replies.
I have just done a 2,000km. trip through France and I must say, it performed superbly. Excellent fuel economy - but it did use quite some oil. A lovely quiet cruiser - 120kph. all the way.
I have been told to watch the fuel pressure switch as this is often troublesome. Where exactly is it located ?
Oh - and on mine the heater controls are not iluminated. Can someone please confirm that they should be before I start taking the thing apart?
Regards
Geoff

as far as i know they should be lit up, my heater panel didn't light up on my corsa when i got it or my old astra, think they blow all the time. easy fix though, just take it out and replace the bulbs.

Hi Geoff, glad you had a good trip- sounds like great fun! How much oil did it use?

Fuel pressure switch is like a little plug with a cable attached that fits onto the front of the engine near the dipstick (I'd send a pic/link to a pic) but I can't find one...

Heater controls should be illuminated, mine were the same as yours and then I changed the bulbs. I personally swore that if they go again I wouldn't change them again- it is a beast of a job (really awkward- have to take the whole centre console out and stuff in order to get to the bulbs).

Essexjohn- you must have an extremely polite dashboard or more patience than me!

kedw200: think I must just be a laid back kind of person, Must Admit I ended up with lumps missing out my hands but I don't mind doin stuff inside the car as you don't end up with grease upto your elbows. gotta change my drive belt tensioner now so the patience will go out the window to be replaced by blood, sweat, tears and lots of swear words!

thanks guys. I really think that having the heater controls illuminated is very important - so I will do it. I wonder if perhaps it would be a good idea to use 24V. bulbs instead. I know they will not be as bright, but they will not burn out.
I have to say, after the (fully laden) journey through the length of France - I am astounded at how good this car is. To be honest, I bought the car on ebay in order to bring some things over from UK to my home (france) - where I planned to sell it in order to cover my costs. Instead, it is so much better than my Twingo that i am going to keep it and sell the Twingo!.
I am told that oil usage is an issue for many of this generation of Vaux/opels and as mine has done 150k.km. I think that a full check over will get to the bottom of the oil usage.
Does anyone think that I should change the timing chain? - oh yes, and can anyone point me to a service schedule as I don't have a handbook;
Regards to all
Geoff

I'd get the timing chain done if you don't know when it was last done, i was once told that vauxhalls use about a litre of oil every 1500 miles during normal usage but not sure how true that is. if you want bulbs that will last longer go for led's instead. crazyleds.co.uk do full dash&heater control kits for about £10-£15 in various colours including white if you want the standard look.