vauxhall astra van engine

[mr-white]

need to replace or repair the engine as the big ends are blown. The van is an R reg, 1.7 turbo diesel, it runs but smokes alot and knocks. How easy is this to repair ?

If i replaced the engine could i replace the current vauxhall engine with an Isuzu 1.7 turbo diesel engine ?

[Mikey G]

Are you sure its related to the condition of the engine internals?
Smoking and knocking can also be caused by the pump timing and mixture being out on a diesel engine.

[mr-white]

someone else suggested that, i had the local garage look at it and thats what they told me.

[Justin S]

Are you sure that it isn't already the Isuzu engine.I know that mine in my vans from m plate up to the 03 were,just different placky covers.The latest van engine is an HDi engine,but the belt for the alternator still says Isuzu on it....

[mr-white]

is there a way i can find out ?

[chuntington101]

yep get a price on the altemator! lol

if its more than the car is worth (no offence but they cost a fortune) then you got the izuzu (spell) engine. i cant remember wehat things you have to look for (for parts shop lad lol) but it did used to shock the customers when they needed a new one.

sorry Chris.

[mr-white]

is it a case of just swapping the engines or is there more to it being it a different engine ?

could i just change/repair the big ends ?

[wildoliver]

My advice sell it and get a new van.

[mr-white]

the vans in good condition and has had alot spent on the engine thats the main reason why it needs to be repaired not scraped

[Justin S]

do not ever repair an engine that has lost its big ends enough to knock,as you will oval the circle on the rods and will never be the same.My workmate found out after our boss did a cheapy big end job on his car and after running it in for 1500 miles(and he did) gave the M23 a coating of oil as the rods came out for air.Best thing is to get another lump and drop it in.

[wildoliver]

Doesn't matter what has been spent on the engine if it is knocking AND smoking then it needs a crank regrind, new shells, gasket set, possibly rebore and new pistons or a head rebuild, the cost of that little lot is more than a replacement engine, fair enough it would be as good as new almost but its probably going to cost more than the van's worth unless you do it all yourself, and then it will be touch and go.

Cheapest way forward, get one from a scrappers.

[mr-white]

ok so its a replacement engine then.

the con rod went 3 years ago but it didnt damage the engine so the con rod and a piston was replaced.

the engine in it is definitely a vauxhall not an isuzu. if i was to get an isuzu would it be a case of just swapping them or would it need to be altered/adapted to fit or would it just be easier to stick to another vauxhall ?