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Engine Seized at 64,000 Km Reveals Fault in Previous Timing Belt Replacement; Onix 1.0 Owner Faces Budget of R$ 18,000 After Deflector Failure Caused Oil Leak.
A case shared on the channel “Cars with Thiago“, on YouTube, shows the drama of a Chevrolet Onix 1.0 owner who had an unpleasant surprise at 64,000 kilometers.
The engine began to knock. The immediate question: was it possible to refurbish it or would a new engine be necessary?
The car was taken to a specialized mechanical workshop, where the responsible professional decided to open the engine.
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The goal was to assess whether the damage allowed for a cheaper repair or if a complete replacement would be unavoidable. Unfortunately, the reality was more severe.
Why Did the Engine Seize?
The main villain of the story was the oil deflector.
This part plays an important role in the lubrication system and is directly linked to the timing belt replacement, which is common in this type of engine.
Whenever this belt is replaced, it’s also necessary to replace the deflector.
If not, it can become dented or deformed, causing leaks.
This is exactly what happened with this Onix: the deflector was dented, and the engine oil completely leaked through the seal.
With the engine running without proper lubrication, the internal parts suffered intense wear, leading to the dreaded engine knock.
The mechanic also tried to evaluate the possibility of refurbishing, but upon analyzing the internal condition, he found that the level of damage was too high. The engine already showed many problems, and there was no adequate maintenance recorded.
And How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Onix Engine?
Given the critical situation, the safest route was to opt for a new engine. The workshop then provided the complete budget: R$ 18,000. This amount includes the purchase of a new engine and all the necessary labor for replacement, adjustments, and tests.
It is a high cost, especially considering the market value of the vehicle. But when the engine is heavily damaged, complete replacement ends up being the only reliable long-term alternative.
What to Learn from the Case?
This case serves as a warning for all drivers. The replacement of the oil-bathed timing belt, common in modern three-cylinder engines like those in the Onix, requires extra attention.
The replacement of the deflector is not optional: if neglected, it can cause losses of thousands of reais.
Additionally, it is essential to have maintenance performed at trusted workshops and to follow all manufacturer recommendations. A small mistake in service can cost the entire engine.
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