[Corsa C 2000-2006] Loose rocker arms and destroyed cams.

[ashy]

Bought a 2002 Corsa 1.2 16v with problems, which was bought cheap enough to justify engine replacement at worst case scenario. Engine ran fine with no mis-firing however sounded HORRENDOUS. Very loud rattle. Have lifted the camshaft cover and found some of the rockers/rocker arms (beneath the cams, on top of the lifters) not straight and very loose. A couple of them are that loose that the cam lobes have been running off the rockers completely and running on the edge, and have completely destroyed the cams. Scores and chunks missing from the cams. Timing chain seems slack too.


What would have caused this?

[Taurus]

I've seen that happen a few times - usually on cars with poor service histories. They are a good little engine but they do need frequent oil changes and it is best to use good quality filters as cheap copies can break up and clog the oil feeds.

Depending on the state of the lower end you may get away with replacing the chain kit, cams and valve gear. Though probably cheaper to source a replacement engine to be honest. The 2002 engine is much cheaper to source than the twinport.

[zuluman]

"12-2-2011: Readers report receiveing letters from Vauxhall offering to check camshaft retaining bolts."

Source: Vauxhall Corsa C 2000 - Car Review | Honest John

[Taurus]

You also see cam follower failure with no evidence of loose carrier bolts. When the bolts work loose it tends to end in a snapped camshaft rather than the followers moving about. Although stories of loose carriers were rife at one stage I believe it was really only a limited batch of engines that were involved.