Opel Corsa B, Tigra and Combo cars — summary (Opel Corsa B)

The Opel Corsa B was introduced in the UK in March 1993 to replace the previous Corsa, the "A" model. The Tigra was launched in November 1994. These models are small and economical cars and have in-line 3- or 4-cylinder water-cooled engines. The power unit is located in the engine compartment transversely to the direction of travel of the car and is tilted forward.

The engine block is made of gray cast iron. The crankshaft is located at the bottom of the cylinder block, resting on the main bearings. The crankshaft is connected to the pistons via connecting rod bearings and connecting rods. The engine is covered at the bottom by a sump, which collects oil during operation, intended for lubrication and cooling of the moving parts of the engine. The cylinder head is made of light alloy and is attached to the cylinder block with bolts. The valve seats and guide bushings, made of steel, are pressed into the cylinder head. The use of aluminum improves heat dissipation and reduces the weight of the engine.

The cylinder head is designed according to the so-called transverse scavenging scheme. This means that fresh air-fuel mixture enters from one side of the cylinder head, and exhaust gases exit from the other side.

Petrol engines 1.0 and 1.2 l

3 or 4-cylinder DOHC engines have 4 valves per cylinder. The valves are driven by two camshafts via rocker arms. Hydraulic tappets are installed to compensate for valve clearances. The camshafts are driven by a chain.



The cylinder block consists of two parts connected with bolts. The upper part is made of gray cast iron, the lower part is made of aluminum. The lower part is the base for installing the crankshaft main bearings.

Petrol engines OHC 1.2 and 1.4 l

With an overhead camshaft. The camshaft drives eight vertically arranged intake and exhaust valves via a rocker arm. Hydraulic compensators automatically compensate for the resulting valve clearances. Thus, valve clearance adjustment is not required as part of maintenance. The camshaft is driven from the crankshaft via a toothed belt.

Petrol engines DOHC 1.4 and 1.6 l

With two overhead camshafts, driving two intake and two exhaust valves of each cylinder, respectively. Both camshafts are driven by a toothed belt. The valves are driven by hydraulic tappets. Valve clearance adjustment is not required during maintenance. The multi-valve design ensures good cylinder filling and efficient exhaust gas removal, which in turn ensures efficient fuel use.

Diesel engine

The vertically arranged intake and exhaust valves are driven directly from the camshaft via plate tappets. Valve clearances must be adjusted as part of maintenance. The camshaft is driven from the crankshaft via a toothed belt.

An oil pump mounted at the front of the lower part of the cylinder block is used to lubricate the engine. On gasoline engines, the oil pump is driven directly by the crankshaft, and on diesel engines, by a toothed belt. Oil from the oil pan flows through holes and channels to the crankshaft and camshaft bearings, as well as to the cylinder walls.



Coolant pump (water pump) on 4-cylinder petrol engines, it is located at the front of the cylinder block and is driven by a toothed belt. On 1.0 and 1.2 L DOHC petrol engines, the water pump is located at the front of the timing case and is driven by a toothed belt

V-belt. The water pump of diesel engines is mounted on the side of the cylinder block and is driven by a V-belt.

The air-fuel mixture is prepared in gasoline engines using a central or distributed injection system. Diesel engines are equipped with a highly economical direct fuel injection system with electronically controlled injection pump driven by a toothed belt.

In petrol engines, the spark for igniting the air-fuel mixture is generated by an electronic ignition system. Adjusting the ignition timing is not required as part of maintenance.

The engines meet all modern requirements regarding the content of toxic components in exhaust gases.

The transmission of torque from the engine to the front wheel drive shafts is carried out by means of a 5-speed manual gearbox (MCG) installed on the left side of the power unit, or a 4-speed automatic transmission (AT) - for more details, see Chapters Manual 5-speed gearbox and Automatic 4-speed transmission.

The brake system is equipped with a standard vacuum booster. All models use disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. The standard equipment of most models includes the ABS system.

The fully independent front suspension consists of MacPherson struts and transverse lower arms. The rear suspension is semi-independent with a torsion beam and two longitudinal arms - for more details see Chapter Suspension.



Steering - rack and pinion, with hydraulic booster, the steering gear is located behind the engine. The electro-hydraulic steering pump is mounted directly on the steering gear and does not require maintenance. The hydraulic fluid reservoir is built into the pump assembly, - see Chapter Steering.

Both series (Corsa B and Tigra) are equipped with full-size driver airbags, installed as standard equipment. Side airbags may be optional. An engine immobilization system is used to protect against burglary. The standard radio is equipped with a security code.