My wifes Zafira has developed a significant noise on start up, it sounds like a diesel.
I have read all the threads about cam chain noise, but can't determine if the cam chain noise is always audible or only for a short period of time after start-up?
When I first noticed it, the noise was always present so I put the car in for service at our local VX main agent, they told us there was nothing to worry about, everything was OK. But! the mechanic had noticed a slight timing chain noise which we should monitor and bring the car back if it gets any worse.
Actually since it has come back from the service, the noise is the same, but heard less often and for much shorter periods of time. Maybe an oil change has done it some good?
The car is an 03 plate Zafira Auto. It has a FSH (main dealer) and only 49,000 miles. I have checked the engine nos. 11174180, and this falls after the cut in date for the revised oil feed for the tensioner.
Could someone please advise me if this issue has been found in engines after the introduction of the oil feed change. Also is it usual for the "chain noise" to appear and disappear in this fashion?
I have asked the dealer to quote for the cost of replacing the chain, but they have yet to reply. But when I made my request they told me there were no outstanding recalls or service bulletins valid for this vehicle.
Tomorrow I will contact the VX customer care service and asked them for a response to this issue, any advise and tactics to use with them would be much appreciated.