so got some more things done. changed the valve cover on the astra, mostly as the pcv is in the cover much like our trucks and this thing has been using oil and leaving the occasional cloud.
pretty easy job. didnt look too bad inside, a little buildup, but nothing i am going to get to bent out of shape over. best part is it dont seem to be smoking anymore, and so far the oil consumption is at a minimum drastically reduced.
also decided to take a look at the third brake light as it has been out as long as we have had it and it gives a warning every time.
found some very bad connection at the board, and the printed was peeling off, so basically it is junk.