Head gasket 1.6 8v Astra 2003

[Stuartggray]

My prospective son in law has a 1.6 Astra. Radiator went, it was replaced but the car shows classic signs of head gasket gone. Bubbles in radiator expansion tank when started, oil in car is emulsified.
It is a 1.6l 8 valve 2003 model.
Any ideas for price to repair in the Dunfermline area? I said I'd stand the bill.

[Stuartggray]

Ball park figure? £300 to £500? I need to know to stuff the correct readies in my wallet.

[robg2]

The oil looking emulsified in the cam cover isn't particularly unusual for these engines - plus they're generally fairly bombproof and will tolerate lack of water or oil remarkably well.
So I'd make definitely sure it's fubar'd before committing to changing it. My suggestion is that if it's not using lots of water then it's possibly not blown.

It's also quite an easy change on these very late engines, as the head gasket is a steel type so doesn't take ages to scrape off the head and block face.
The cambelt requires removal to do the head gasket, and whilst you're doing that you might as well replace the thermostat.
A good pro mechanic should be able to do this in 3 hours.

[Stuartggray]

robg2 said:

The oil looking emulsified in the cam cover isn't particularly unusual for these engines - plus they're generally fairly bombproof and will tolerate lack of water or oil remarkably well.
So I'd make definitely sure it's fubar'd before committing to changing it. My suggestion is that if it's not using lots of water then it's possibly not blown.

It's also quite an easy change on these very late engines, as the head gasket is a steel type so doesn't take ages to scrape off the head and block face.
The cambelt requires removal to do the head gasket, and whilst you're doing that you might as well replace the thermostat.
A good pro mechanic should be able to do this in 3 hours.

Thanks - most useful information. Much appreciated.
Prospective son in law has found a local pick and pull (actually a place I used in my younger days!) on the recommendation of his mechanic friend. A complete engine (a good few actually) for £180, guaranteed running. We might just go with this and slot a whole new engine in for peace of mind. The present one has water blowing all over the place bubbles everywhere as soon as it starts. The bottom end of the dip stick is pure emulsion and feels a bit gritty if you know what I mean.