Coil pack test?

Darren_Derby

Is it possible to test a Z22SE coil pack? I'm suffering with a misfire, but don't want to waste money on a new coil pack if that's not really the issue. Alternatively anyone live in Derby that would like to help by letting me try theirs? Put new spark plugs in but didn't help much, not sure what to try next??
Many thanks, Darren.

Darren_Derby

Any advice greatfully accepted. I'm about to work outside in -1oC checking for air pipe leaks and see how bad the throttle body looks. Really can't afford for a garage to spend several hours labour looking for the problem and potentially not find the issue. Tech 2 has let me down in the past! Thanks.

cavaddict

Never heard of a test for one of these. Have you checked your plugs? If you had been a bit closer i could have lent you one of mine.

MikeS

on my opcom you can check the spark on each cylinder

Darren_Derby

Thanks anyway. Yes, I changed the plugs as my first move. It improved things slightly, but it's still bad. Very 'lumpy' idle and hesitating at low revs (but fine above 2500 revs!).
Cheers.

MikeS

front lambda sensor ?

Darren_Derby

Thanks. Found where that was this morning, whilst freezing my bits off! Should that show up an eml on the dashboard, as I have no warnings showing? I think they cost around £50. Would it show up if my local garage connected whatever diagnostic software they have? Cheers.

MikeS

it is overfueling then it will be rough at idle and hesitant then should clear up over 3000 rpm

but first i would look at the EGR valve

when does the problems happen ?

hot or cold engine ?

vocky

try removing the coilpack, then take off the spark plug extensions, then clean up the metal stubs on the underside of the coilpack - they can get quite rusty

Darren_Derby

Thanks guys, really appreciate all the help your giving me. I'll have a go at cleaning the coil pack connections, and see if that helps. Regarding the EGR valve, I seem to think there's a way of removing it and blanking the hole to see if the problem goes away. Could anyone explain how (do I leave the egr connected)? Mike S - yes, that's exactly what's happening. When I changed the plugs they were very black, and the exhaust tip has recently become black too. Its happening when the engine's cold and when hot too.
Thanks again, Darren.

P.S. any forum members in the Derby area with diagnostic software? I know the local garages will have something, but I really don't trust them to find the problem - plus I'm sure they'll charge me a fortune for the honour.

vocky

just buy a blanking plate from the dealer for about £5 or so, then mount the egr valve over the side :thumbup:

Darren_Derby

Blanking plate ordered, as they didn't have any in but will be here on Tuesday. I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks again.

MikeS

i got opcom, vauxcheck & enginecheck if you want to hook your car up but i am in Birmingham

Darren_Derby

Bad news - the car is deceased!!

Went to move it forward yesterday to fit EGR blanking plate and fix dropped exhaust heat shield, and it sounded awful (very rattly). Panicked and demoralised so turned it off and left it. Tried again this morning and starter was just spinning, and not even trying to start. Called out the AA (now that they're actually responding to home-start again!), no compression. He thinks the timing chains jumped and trashed the engine. Great - really can't imagine its going to be cost effective trying to fix it (recon engine?).
Looking on Autotrader at Insignia SRI's.....

MikeS

warning signs of a faulty chain are lumpy idle

Darren_Derby

I can now confirm that to be true!! My brother in law seems to think it will be worth while changing the chain ( he's done quite a few on different cars), but I'm just a bit worried we'll get that sorted and find it's done more damage within the engine. Although it didn't go with a bang, just went rattley for a few seconds and now won't start

MikeS

few bent valves at best m8 if the chain has snapped

cavaddict

Best to whip the head off before you buy any bits then really...that way you'll see the full extent of the damage. Bear in mind if you have bent valves, you'll more than likely have cracked/chipped valve guides.

Darren_Derby

Many thanks for the advice guys. Assuming the only damage is bent valves/guides and nothing more serious, I've had a quick search for 'Z22SE timing chain kits' and seem to be looking around £130 for the kit. Would I need anything else like special tools the lock everything in place while changing the chain? If so, what sort of price and what's the exact description (so I can search prices on the Internet)? Is there only one type of kit for a Z22SE vectra engine?
Thanks again, really appreciate all the help.