Astra 2.2 possible chain issues

Nick2_2astra

Hi to all users,

I had my timing chain changed about a year ago, but continued to have the same problem, the engine was making a kind i tapping or slapping noise which sounded like was coming from the chain, so it was replaced by a local mechanic, i put the car in the garage and its stayed there ever since, i decide to take the car out to get it sorted but have no idea where to begin, i read some reports on a possible crack in the manifold, not checked this yet, also the balance shaft chain, been told that the mechanic should of advised changing this at same time as timing chain, here is a link to the exact noise to how my car sounds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmYaZL0CLIw

Please could you be kind enough to offer you info and advise.

JohnnyN

On first impressions it sounds like something is catching one of the chain guides maybe?? It maybe worth removing the cam cover just to have a look if the top guide rail is tight and you'll also be able to see if the chain has any slack between the sprockets.

There are a few chain guides in the whole chain mechanism including the balance shaft chain. It does sound like you need someone who knows what they are doing to have a look at your car. I see that you are in Northampton? Vocky is in Milton Keynes, maybe worth a PM to him to see if he can help. Tell him I sent you.

;-)

Nick2_2astra

JohnnyN said:
On first impressions it sounds like something is catching one of the chain guides maybe?? It maybe worth removing the cam cover just to have a look if the top guide rail is tight and you'll also be able to see if the chain has any slack between the sprockets.

There are a few chain guides in the whole chain mechanism including the balance shaft chain. It does sound like you need someone who knows what they are doing to have a look at your car. I see that you are in Northampton? Vocky is in Milton Keynes, maybe worth a PM to him to see if he can help. Tell him I sent you.

;-)

Thank you for your response, however i did forget to mention that the tapping noise it make does stop after 10 minutes when the engine is warmed up, with it doing that i can only assume it to be more hydraulic.

JohnnyN

Could be something as simple as changing the hydraulic lifters then. ;-)

Matt

Wynns sell an additive to put into the oil specifically for noisy lifters. Costs a few quick from Halfords. That could be worth a try.

Nick2_2astra

Matt said:
Wynns sell an additive to put into the oil specifically for noisy lifters. Costs a few quick from Halfords. That could be worth a try.

Definatly not Hydraulic lifters mate.

JohnnyN

Better take it to the garage then and get it stripped.

vocky

thats the chain, get it changed

Nick2_2astra

Can i ask, what would be the damage if say the balance shaft tensioner failed ie fell apart? would it completely stuff the engine of will it run like a bag of s**t

Nick2_2astra

Is there any other mechanic's local to northampton that possible fit news chains?

Vocky are you in Milton Keynes?

Nick2_2astra

Nick2.2astra said:

JohnnyN said:
On first impressions it sounds like something is catching one of the chain guides maybe?? It maybe worth removing the cam cover just to have a look if the top guide rail is tight and you'll also be able to see if the chain has any slack between the sprockets.

There are a few chain guides in the whole chain mechanism including the balance shaft chain. It does sound like you need someone who knows what they are doing to have a look at your car. I see that you are in Northampton? Vocky is in Milton Keynes, maybe worth a PM to him to see if he can help. Tell him I sent you.

;-)

Thank you for your response, however i did forget to mention that the tapping noise it make does stop after 10 minutes when the engine is warmed up, with it doing that i can only assume it to be more hydraulic.

Tried to Pm Vocky but say's user does not exsist, ummm

daaaaavek

Nick2.2astra said:
Can i ask, what would be the damage if say the balance shaft tensioner failed ie fell apart? would it completely stuff the engine of will it run like a bag of s**t

It will eventually run like a bag of shite because the water pump will have stopped turning causing the engine to overheat.

Matt

Nick2.2astra said:

Nick2.2astra said:

JohnnyN said:
On first impressions it sounds like something is catching one of the chain guides maybe?? It maybe worth removing the cam cover just to have a look if the top guide rail is tight and you'll also be able to see if the chain has any slack between the sprockets.

There are a few chain guides in the whole chain mechanism including the balance shaft chain. It does sound like you need someone who knows what they are doing to have a look at your car. I see that you are in Northampton? Vocky is in Milton Keynes, maybe worth a PM to him to see if he can help. Tell him I sent you.

;-)

Thank you for your response, however i did forget to mention that the tapping noise it make does stop after 10 minutes when the engine is warmed up, with it doing that i can only assume it to be more hydraulic.

Tried to Pm Vocky but say's user does not exsist, ummm

His username is all lowercase. Make sure you type his username like this "vocky"

Alternatively, click this link:

ucp.php?i=pm&mode=compose&u=13

vocky

Benny is the guy for getting the chain kits fitted, he is located in wolverhampton, he is very good 🙂

Nick2_2astra

My engine runs at normal temperture, have notice a lot of oil on the block of the engine around a blanking plate which cover up one of the sprockets to the balance chain, but not sure if coming from there.

vocky

might be worth checking the tensioner as thats near there

Nick2_2astra

Just so you all know just found Balance shaft chain kit £55+vat from a dealer

Part number 12576647

Dealer Name 06vauxhall
Telephone 01695 572461
Fax 0500 576757
Address 152 county road
ormskirk
l39 1nw
merseyside
United Kingdom

make sure you leave me one lol

benny

Nick2.2astra said:
Just so you all know just found Balance shaft chain kit £55+vat from a dealer

Part number 12576647

Dealer Name 06vauxhall
Telephone 01695 572461
Fax 0500 576757
Address 152 county road
ormskirk
l39 1nw
merseyside
United Kingdom

make sure you leave me one lol

f me thats cheap ...... are you shure /./.?? thats less than cost .........

rushy

Nick2.2astra said:
Just so you all know just found Balance shaft chain kit £55+vat from a dealer

Part number 12576647

Dealer Name 06vauxhall
Telephone 01695 572461
Fax 0500 576757
Address 152 county road
ormskirk
l39 1nw
merseyside
United Kingdom

make sure you leave me one lol

Your not wrong mate, but better still its inc vat, just checked on CPC :thumbup:

Nick2_2astra

I can confirm that this is correct, i contacted dealer who then confimed it, i have order the kit for myself as i just found my balance chain to slack, so that price who can complain Good Times, now i got to get it fitted Bad Times.