Timing Chain Adjuster Question

adam4412

I have a 2.2 Direct (Z22YH) Vectra SRI 06 plate at 43K the chain slipped with no prior warning, after fighting with my local dealer I went to VX UK and got the engine repaired under warranty.

30K and 12 months on the chain is rattling again at start-up when stood overnight, I don't believe the chain has worn that much to need replacing again. I think that the mechanical side of the adjuster is sticking/failed and the slack is only being taken up by the oil pressure.

I would like to know the answer to the following questions please:

Can I just change the adjuster?
Is there any problems with just removing the adjuster from the engine with out removing any timing covers, ect (will it fall apart)?
Is there any upgraded adjuster available?

BURT150

Were both sets of chains changed or just the timing chain?

BURT150

No the cam chain tensioner wont fall apart if you unscrew it from the back of the block. If it dose your in trouble but at least you'l know what it is!

adam4412

I don't know, the dealer had the car for 12 weeks to resolve quoting me part problems for the delay, all I know is chain slipped and bent 3 valves. The engine run a lot better after the work but has slower started to return to its old ways, intermittent erratic idle and now chain is rattling at start-up.

If changing the chains again is the only way forward then I will complete asap as I don't want the expensive repair bill as the car is out of warranty.

The rattle does sound top end if that helps?

BURT150

I would say get it checked out cus it wont last long. There are some very good mechanics on here who will change chains for reasonable prices. If you want it checked out pm benny. depending on where you are.

12weeks is a piss take BTW its a days work if that!

Heres a thread that'l help :thumbup: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=3808

adam4412

I will do the chains myself if I need too, just want some advice on the adjuster. My concern is it's only lasted 30K and started again, I think it's only the adjuster failing as once you have started after overnight standing it rattles for a few seconds and then you can restart as many times as you like throughout the day with no rattle.

Do you think it's the adjuster and not the chain?

BURT150

I had exactly the same problem with my vectra b z22se cold morning starts i used to get a scraping rattly noise till i bit the bullet and whiped off the timing cover to find that the balancer chain tensioner had given up and the chain went slack and started cutting into part of the block so i ended up chainging the lot myself.

Its not a bad job if you want to have a go yourself. Theres how to's on this site and a weath of knowledge from the members.

It dose seem odd that its gone after 30k but after you saying it took the stealers 12 weeks to put right it seems like they werent to happy about doing it and its a wonder what they actualy changed!!

The only way to know realy is to read up on it then get the timing cover off and have a good look at whats going on.

you can still refit the cover and it'l still be driveable.

si_c1978

<u>DONT</u> forget that vocky has swapped his z22se tensioner for the mechanical z20net tensioner, might be worth trying to lay your hands on 1 much more reliable apparently
:thumbup:

adam4412

Is the Z20NET adjuster a different design from the one currently used in the Z22YH? and is it a striaght swap?

vocky

the z20net uses a sprung tensioner - works without oil pressure

the z22se uses an oil pressure/ spring tensioner - needs oil pressure

straight swap :thumbup:

adam4412

Took out the adjuster tonight, chain jumped 2 or 3 teeth. Chain needs replacing, about 2-3inch of play with no adjuster in place.

The adjuster was fully adjusted and no damage so this chain has only lasted 30K!!!

2 chains in 70K is a joke, car will be going very soon

BURT150

Thats not long for a chain kit. Time for another new one then.

Autovaux are good priced for chain kits and there delivery is quick too :thumbup:

Did you have a look at the balancer chain too?

RaDz

vocky said:
the z20net uses a sprung tensioner - works without oil pressure

the z22se uses an oil pressure/ spring tensioner - needs oil pressure

straight swap :thumbup:

Do you know where the Z20NET tensioner can be bought from??? Ive looked everywhere online and cant find it.

si_c1978

i dunno it may be a saab part id have thought you can get em through vauxhall mind, i think the saab engine code is b307, out of a saab 9-3 :thumbup:

VecB

GM part no. 55352127 from Z20NET, i looked that from EPC . Not 100% sure.
I have installed it too and works great, no cold rattles at all.

RaDz

VecB said:
GM part no. 55352127 from Z20NET, i looked that from EPC . Not 100% sure.
I have installed it too and works great, no cold rattles at all.

I just called my local stealer and get this.......................................... cost for the part is $208 :o I asked the guy on the phone if the part was made of gold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's $208 Aussie dollars so for all you fellas its £117

Anyway, VecB you are correct with the part number but apparently that particular part number has been superseded. The new part number for the tensioner bolt is GM # 12608580.