Serious engine rattle

Chrism3fbp

Hi i have an x reg vectra 2.2 and that has developed a loud rattling. When the car is started from cold it rattles like mad for about 5 seconds then quietens down and seems fine. However once the temperature starts to rise the rattle is back, not as loud this time but still sounds like a diesel, then the oil waring light comes on and as the temperature comes up to normal the rattle just gets louder and louder till i have to switch it off in fear of destroying the engine.

Took it to a local garage and when i said it was a z22se the mechanics said they werent even prepered to look at it. :?

Matt

Well the local garage is a bit shit then!

What is the oil level like, as if the oil warning light is coming on, then there could be a lack of oil.

Has the oil nozel been changed as well? How many miles does it have on the clock?

vocky

<u>do not even start the engine</u>, get it towed to a garage and have the chain replaced, it is about to snap :thumbdown:

Chrism3fbp

Just taken the cam cover off this afternoon to have a look and the chain is slack round the cams.
How easy are they to change? I have a full workshop avalible to me and have changed cam chains before but never on an engine this complicated.
The slack cam chain still doesnt explain why the oil light is coming on. Could the pump have failed starving the chain of oil?
Oil level in the sump is normal on the dip stick.

Car has done 98k but no record of the oil jet ever being done.

vocky

the timing chain is quite easy to do, especially if you have fitted a timing belt/chain before :thumbup:

I would check the oil pump whilst it's off the engine, it's built into the lower timing chain cover, sometimes the pressure relief valve can stick, remove it and make sure it's not scratched / 'picked up'