Hi all,

I've got a 2001 (Y plate) Vectra with a Z22SE engine, which has just hit 100,000 miles.

The issue is that it's using in the region of 1-1.5 litres of oil every 400 (ish) miles. This is fast becoming an expensive habit - around £7 per week on top of ever increasing fuel costs!

I can't find any specific oil leaks, and it doesn't leave pools of oil on the floor - but at the same time it's not smoking particularly either (perhaps a small amount but not particularly significant). So i'm confused as to where it's all going. One thing I have noticed is that when the car is hot and running, if I get out to open a gate or whatever, the engine has a very distinct hot oil smell.

Now i'm pretty sure the timing chain has not been done, as I occasionally get a bit of rattle as the engine first fires into life, which stops as soon at the oil is up to pressure - I realise this needs to be done as a matter of urgency before it breaks or jumps and leaves me car-less. I'm wondering if, when replacing the chain kit, I should go the whole hog, and remove the head to see if I can find evidence of oil passing anywhere it shouldn't be.

What's the likelyhood of failing head gasket? Valve stem seals? Piston rings?

Need to decide whether to bother spending the money as it's only an LS, and ideally i'd like an Astra Bertone once I manage to save up some money.

I'm going to check the plugs for oil fouling later, and will do a dry and wet compression test on the cylinders, then update this thread with my findings.

If anyone has ideas of other things to check i'd be grateful.

Thanks

Rob