Vauxhall Astra problem

[jhgeordie]

I blew the block of my engine at the bottom end. The ends came through the block. There was oil and water in the reservoir and sump. What happened. I had a new clutch fitted recently could this be at fault?

[New Forester]

Fairly comprehensive engine disembowelment, then.... Can't see how this could be because of a new clutch. Perhaps a con-rod broke, allowing the rest to flail about? (When you say "the ends came through the block", what exactly do you mean?) Or perhaps the crankshaft broke? Not sure what would happen if the engine seized solid at speed. If the block was smashed, the oil and water would no longer be separated, so that explains the water in the sump. I have seen a couple of scrapped engines where something like this had happened, but I don't know what caused it in those cases. I suspect repair may not be an option.

[v64paul]

hell no say i ! but nice try... its a pretty safe bet that the engine gave out a few distress signals BEFORE it stopped so comprehensively. put it down to experience and next time check your oil and water regularly...

[crazyfingers]

This is exactly what happened to my sisters Vauxhall Astra LS 1.4 16v. What model/age was yours? My sisters one had only done 38000 miles so we are trying to find out what could cause it to seize while driving doing 70mph in 5th gear on a motorway. Fortunately no one was hurt but if this is a common fault maybe it needs to be investigated. Can anyone else shed any light on this? Or maybe help with complaints procedures? Thanks

[Ian H]

Sounds bad. Complete destruction of the engine would only come about because of either seizure ( no oil ) or a major failure of an internal component ( very rare ). Cam belt failure ? a possible or lack of oil in the engine or busted oil pump ( the oil light would have been on before the destruction took place ).