Sludge in engine 1.6 Astra (8 valve) | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

Tue 22 Nov 2005 07:28

Sludge in engine 1.6 Astra (8 valve) - cdbr

Think that the thermostat on my 1.6 Astra 8 Valve (1997 era) is not working properly, car normally only just reaches the lower part of the temperature guage, and we have had sludge for as long as I can remember.

Whereabouts on this engine is it, and how do I check if it is knackered or are they cheap enough to replace anyway?

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Tue 22 Nov 2005 08:33

Sludge in engine - Rover25

The thermostat itself is cheap, however IIRC it is neccessary to remove the timing belt and rear timing belt covers to access it.
Checking it requires removal and if you're going to do that you may as well put a new 'stat in and a new timing belt whilst you're at it.

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Tue 22 Nov 2005 19:37

Sludge in engine - Ruperts Trooper

If the timing belt needs to be removed, fit a new belt and a new water pump. It's never worth refitting an old cambelt and the water pump is cheap since you've got all the other parts off. If the water pump fails it leads to belt failure with obvious consequences. Although 8 valve Vauxhalls suffer less damge when the belt breaks it can sometimes be terminal, unlike on a 16v where it's always terminal.

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Tue 22 Nov 2005 19:53

Sludge in engine - bell boy

you are probably giving it only short journeys,give it an oil and filter change and then a good run for 40 miles,that should cure it,try this medicine every other week

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