Problem with '97 Astra LS

Eurorunner

Over the last couple of weeks, my Astra's been making some strange noises. Wasn't that bad and i was going to hang on until my next service to sort it out as its due shortly.
However, this morning its definitely a problem. It seems to be eminating from the fan belt (the belt attached to the alternator). Belt doesnt seem to be loose as such ...could it be the bearings?


If this rings any bells with anyone here, please post.

hellboy99

What sort of noise and do you notice a loss of power when it happens ?

Eurorunner

hellboy99 wrote:

What sort of noise and do you notice a loss of power when it happens ?

I wasn't concious of a loss of power before but there certainly is now that its worsened. The noise...bit difficult to discribe...like as if somethings loose...

I need to try and get it home too (40 clicks). Hoping this isnt something thats going to lead to irreparable damage..

BrianD3

Could be bearings, could be timing belt tensioner either. Or power steering pump or water pump there is a fair number of things in that area that could cause it and it can be difficult to pinpoint a noise. I had a noise recently in one of our cars that I'd swear was coming from the timing gear area but turned out was a blow from the exhaust manifold!

IME water pumps are often the source of such noises.

If it is alternator related perhaps it will increase in loudness if you put an electrical load on the engine eg turn on the heated rear window. Likewise if it's power steering related it may be louder at full lock.

hellboy99

What BrianD3 has said is right it could any number of things, get the altenator checked out first along with the timing belt. Remember that if it turns out to be the timing belt and it needs to be replaced get the water pump change at the same time (any good mechanic will now to change it but no harm to make sure)

Astra's tend to give problems with the water pump and head gasket.

Eurorunner

hellboy99 wrote:

Astra's tend to give problems with the water pump and head gasket.

Have already had the head gasket blow up - 6 months past. Know a few folks with astras that have had water pump issues in the past alright.

BrianD3 wrote:

If it is alternator related perhaps it will increase in loudness if you put an electrical load on the engine eg turn on the heated rear window. Likewise if it's power steering related it may be louder at full lock.

Just tried this out but it didnt seem to make any difference.

Cheers for the info. I will post back what the culprit was...

bazz26

The water pump along with the fuel pump on the 1991 - 1998 Opel Astra were notoreous for giving trouble.

Eurorunner

bazz26 wrote:

The water pump along with the fuel pump on the 1991 - 1998 Opel Astra were notoreous for giving trouble.

Is a waterpump replacement an expensive fix? (i'm down the country and out in the sticks so whatever the price range is, I should be on the lower end of it)

bazz26

You are better off bringing it to a good independant mechanic first so that he can find out what is wrong with the car.

Really we are only guessing what might be wrong.

Eurorunner

bazz26 wrote:

You are better off bringing it to a good independant mechanic first so that he can find out what is wrong with the car.

Really we are only guessing what might be wrong.

I made it 6/40 miles home. Luckily enough theres a garage within ten minutes walk so will see what they say when they reopen on Tuesday.

It just cut out - and the engine won;t turn over at all when I stick the keys in the ignition..

BrianD3

Sounds like your alternator could have given up the ghost!

After it cut out did the starter make any attempt to start the engine when you turned the key?

I just hope that your timing belt is OK and that a timing belt/tensioner failure is not the cause of the engine cutting out and failing to restart :eek:

Eurorunner

BrianD3 wrote:

Sounds like your alternator could have given up the ghost!
After it cut out did the starter make any attempt to start the engine when you turned the key?

Absolutely nothing happening on trying to turn it over.
What sort of money would an alternator be?

BrianD3 wrote:

I just hope that your timing belt is OK and that a timing belt/tensioner failure is not the cause of the engine cutting out and failing to restart :eek:

I take it I'd be taking it to the recycling centre if this is the case! It was 15k away from being due for a timing belt replacement...although i'm sure that doesnt necessarily mean anything...

BrianD3

It really is just speculation but from your description of the car making no attempt to start after it cut out, it does sound like the alternator gave up and the car ran using residual battery charge until it ran out. A new alternator would likely be expensive (couple hundred?) but you should be able to get a decent 2nd hand one for a lot less and fitting it might take an hour or so. Also it might be possible to fix your old alternator, there are places that specialise in alternator/starter motor repair.

hellboy99

If indeed it is the altenator you may be able to get it reconditioned, may just be the diode pack or brushes that need replacing. Drop into Myles Balfe Ltd. in Broadstone, Phibsborough Rd (he's near the Fire Station).

Eurorunner

Turned out to be new waterpump and timing belt. Have to go with that..and even then, there could have been more damage done....