Engine Mechanical:
Full overhaul and repair of all engine variants (see engine_specs for details)
Fuel System:
Carburetor and Fuel Injection (Bosch LE2-Jetronic, Motronic M1.5/M2.5) systems, fuel pumps, injectors, lines
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control (where applicable)
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fans
Exhaust System:
Manifolds, catalytic converter (if fitted), mufflers, pipework
Transmission Manual:
F16, F18, F20 gearboxes, clutch, linkages, overhaul procedures
Transmission Automatic:
THM180, AF13/14 automatic transmissions, control systems, overhaul procedures
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, driveshafts, CV joints, differential
Suspension Front:
McPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar, steering knuckles
Suspension Rear:
Torsion beam axle, shock absorbers, trailing arms
Steering System:
Manual and power steering rack, pump, column, universal joints
Brakes Front:
Disc brake calipers, pads, rotors, lines
Brakes Rear:
Drum brake systems (or disc on performance models), wheel cylinders, shoes, drums
Brake Control:
Master cylinder, brake booster, proportioning valve, ABS (if fitted)
Electrical System:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lights, wiring diagrams
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, switchgear
Body Exterior:
Body panel repair, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement
Body Interior:
Seating, trim panels, dashboard, carpet replacement
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system (if equipped)
Body Electronics:
Central locking, power windows, mirrors (if equipped)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant checks, brake fluid flushes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault codes (where applicable)
Engine Repair:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head overhaul, piston/ring replacement, bearing replacement
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, automatic transmission service
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder rebuild, bleeding
Suspension Component Replacement:
Shock absorber, strut, control arm, ball joint, tie rod end replacement
Steering Component Replacement:
Steering rack replacement, power steering pump service
Electrical Component Diagnosis And Replacement:
Alternator, starter, battery testing and replacement, wiring harness repair
Bodywork Procedures:
Dent repair, rust prevention and repair, panel alignment
HVAC System Service:
Component replacement, refrigerant handling (professional advice implied)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full rebuilds)
Diagnostic Level:
Detailed diagnostic charts and procedures
Torque Specifications:
Included for all critical fasteners
Clearances And Tolerances:
Provided for engine and drivetrain components
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems
Engine Families:
Family I (GM 'small block')
Petrol Engines:
1.4L (C14SE, C14NZ), 1.6L (C16SE, C16NZ), 1.8L (C18XE - 16v DOHC, C18NZ - 8v SOHC), 2.0L (C20NE - 8v SOHC, C20XE - 16v DOHC 'Red Top')
Diesel Engines:
1.7L (4EC1, 4EE1 - Isuzu-sourced indirect injection)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 60 hp (1.4L) to 150 hp (2.0L C20XE)
Torque Range:
Approximately 100 Nm to 180 Nm
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (Stromberg, Pierburg) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
ECU Systems:
Opel/Vauxhall ECUs, Bosch Motronic variants
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 6,000-9,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for exact engine/oil type)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 18,000-24,000 miles for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: 40,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years for most petrol engines (non-interference engines like C16NZ might tolerate failure, but C20NE/C20XE are interference engines and require timely replacement).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.5 liters (depending on engine, consult manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., GM DEX-COOL or equivalent blue/green coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded earth points, faulty headlight relays, intermittent dashboard warning lights
Engine Issues:
Oil leaks from sump gasket/rocker cover, thermostat housing leaks, early diesel engines can be prone to glow plug issues.
Suspension Wear:
Front suspension top mounts, ball joints, and track rod ends are common wear items.
Body Corrosion:
Wheel arches, sills, rear spring mounting points, and tailgate/boot aperture are susceptible to rust.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and failure of mufflers and pipework, especially in humid climates.