advice wanted

[stuartbat]

I know this is a vectra forum so dont me hehe

Just got my hands on a little corsa 2 door gls runaround, w reg, 71k on the clock for £200 the thing is the timing chain is well noisey and the oil pressure light flickas when on tickover. Some kwik fit numbty had charged the previous owner more the £700 for some "fixes" but he didnt do anything by the looks of it.The engine has overheated at sometime in the past, There is mayo in the oil filler cap and it looks like oil in the water resovoir. What do you reckon guys should I
a) new head gasket and full gasket set. New timing chain or the upraded timing chain tensoner. Full service
b)or Just drop a new engine only going to leave a 1.0 for the time being as i cant decide whether to keep for work (when i can go back to work) or to fix then resell

If i keep it i will source a redtop for it at a later date :-) im just not sure what is best to do atm thats why i thought i would ask you guys.

New engine is £250 + fitting time

Gasket and chain is about £140 + fitting time

[glenboy]

I'd stick a new engine in but replace everything before it goes in,good luck m8

Have you got any pic's so we can see how your getting on with it........

[stuartbat]

Yeah ill take some pics once im back from me hols

[m8internet]

Keep it until you have owned it for 12 months then trade-in for new car
At £200 I'd write it off as the repair costs are more than the value
I'd rather spend £500 and have something a bit more reliable
Most small petrol engines are at the end of their life at 10 years / 70K miles
I managed to get 140K miles out of a small diesel

[stuartbat]

Nah i wont trade it in i might make it my project its crying out for 200 bhp :-)

[GARY3306]

Cut your losses and drop a new lump in mate. I wouldn't be surprised if it's cooked by the sounds of things. You could end up chasing your tail if you just tried to put it right

[stuartbat]

yeah thats what i was thinking as its only about £200 for a 50K lump then just the spanner time