Mk3 Cavalier Owners Club | Vauxhall Cavalier Dot Com

Hi guys, with MOT time looming after Christmas, my autochoke has decided to stick on constantly.

The thermostat is shot and is being replaced by Vauxhall next Friday, but even when I run the car up to temperature, the autochoke wont disengage.

I was wondering, is the Autochoke on the 16SV the same as the Autochoke on the 18SV? If so, can I swap it straight over even if the 18SV is an Automatic box and mine is a manual?

Thanks in advance.

Any tips on an efficient fitting would be appreciated.

Ben_L wrote:Hi guys, with MOT time looming after Christmas, my autochoke has decided to stick on constantly.

The thermostat is shot and is being replaced by Vauxhall next Friday, but even when I run the car up to temperature, the autochoke wont disengage.

I was wondering, is the Autochoke on the 16SV the same as the Autochoke on the 18SV? If so, can I swap it straight over even if the 18SV is an Automatic box and mine is a manual?

Thanks in advance.

Any tips on an efficient fitting would be appreciated.

chances are it's the same unit, worst case is that you might have to play a little with the orientation to get the operation about right.

I can't believe it...

The Autochoke is fine... Now the car has water in it!?

I checked it the other week and there was some in it, today as I poured it in, there was the sound of water trickling straight through the engine...! None in there whatsoever... So, more water inserted... Let it run to temperature (Took forever as the thermostat is not working properly) and the choke cut out. As it should.

So, booked in at Vauxhall to have the thermostat changed next week!

Ben_L wrote:I can't believe it...

The Autochoke is fine... Now the car has water in it!?

I checked it the other week and there was some in it, today as I poured it in, there was the sound of water trickling straight through the engine...! None in there whatsoever... So, more water inserted... Let it run to temperature (Took forever as the thermostat is not working properly) and the choke cut out. As it should.

So, booked in at Vauxhall to have the thermostat changed next week!

Are you sure the thermostat isn't working properly? If there isn't enough water in it then all sorts of weird stuff will happen with the heater, gauge and choke. I would concentrate on working out where the water went.

planetc wrote:

Ben_L wrote:I can't believe it...

The Autochoke is fine... Now the car has water in it!?

I checked it the other week and there was some in it, today as I poured it in, there was the sound of water trickling straight through the engine...! None in there whatsoever... So, more water inserted... Let it run to temperature (Took forever as the thermostat is not working properly) and the choke cut out. As it should.

So, booked in at Vauxhall to have the thermostat changed next week!

Are you sure the thermostat isn't working properly? If there isn't enough water in it then all sorts of weird stuff will happen with the heater, gauge and choke. I would concentrate on working out where the water went.

Well, I've changed the Radiator and there's no signs of leaks in the bay or on the interior floor... And the rad gets warm as soon as the engine is started, as opposed to taking some time due to the thermostat being closed.

The gauge when the car is moving with the heater ON only just manages to get above the blue section. It will run to 90 and the fan kicks in when the car is sitting stationary for some time, or after a long motorway run when sitting still.

I've no idea where the water is going, I thought it was characteristic of older cars to use a little oil and water.

Ben_L wrote:

planetc wrote:

Ben_L wrote:I can't believe it...

The Autochoke is fine... Now the car has water in it!?

I checked it the other week and there was some in it, today as I poured it in, there was the sound of water trickling straight through the engine...! None in there whatsoever... So, more water inserted... Let it run to temperature (Took forever as the thermostat is not working properly) and the choke cut out. As it should.

So, booked in at Vauxhall to have the thermostat changed next week!

Are you sure the thermostat isn't working properly? If there isn't enough water in it then all sorts of weird stuff will happen with the heater, gauge and choke. I would concentrate on working out where the water went.

Well, I've changed the Radiator and there's no signs of leaks in the bay or on the interior floor... And the rad gets warm as soon as the engine is started, as opposed to taking some time due to the thermostat being closed.

The gauge when the car is moving with the heater ON only just manages to get above the blue section. It will run to 90 and the fan kicks in when the car is sitting stationary for some time, or after a long motorway run when sitting still.

I've no idea where the water is going, I thought it was characteristic of older cars to use a little oil and water.

Certainly sounds like the stat is jammed open. Older cars can often swallow a little oil through wear and tear, and sometimes will use a little water, but there will always be a reason for water loss. It's not something to consider normal.