Originally Posted By: pbm
Originally Posted By: WyrTwister
Originally Posted By: csandste
Think you chose the trouble free engine of the two. My 1.4 had to have two valve covers replaced under warranty because of the PCV, and a secondary valve in the intake manifold was flashing CEL codes mostly in cold weather. Drove fine and didn't want to drop a thou when I could just pull the battery and reset things, but compared to my Kia Soul's engine (and my Kia Rio's before that), the small GM turbos looked a lot more complicated and potentially troublesome. If I remember the 1.8 correctly, it's comparatively pretty simple.
Don't know how simple it is . The 1.4l is suppose to get a little better MPG's , but I do not think that would be worth it . Further down the road , with the potential for more expensive maintenance / repairs .
If I'm not mistaken, your 1.8 has a timing BELT that needs replacing...the 1.4T has a timing CHAIN that doesn't.
You are correct about the timing belt . I was kind of miffed about that . But then I started reading about engines that seemed to wear or stretch timing chains , prematurely . Replacing a timing belt looks a lot more doable DIY , than DIY'ing a timing chain .
Owners manual call to replace the timing belt at just shy of 100,000 miles . When the time comes , I think I can DIY the timing belt . Last time I check it out , an AC Delco kit was less than $ 125 . Course , this is from RockAuto & you have to add freight .
You can also buy a kit that includes the water pump . But the 1.8l does not have the water pump inside the timing belt cover ( many 4 cylinders do ) . The water pump is " outside " and looks easier to get to .
So , I will probably do what I have done with all my cars , drive it until the water pump gives problems & then replace it .
All in all , I have been pretty satisfied with the little engine , at 48,000 and change .
I would be much happier with the transmission if it had a dip stick and DIY serviceable filter . I have done 3 spill and fills so far & hope to get around to doing it again , soon . It holds around 4-1/2 quarts of Dexron 6 , so does not cost that much to do & I certainly wish to keep the non-DIY fluid clean , in hopes that filter never clogs .
Thanks ,