Hi all,
I own an astra 2.2 on an 02 plate. During the last cold period my car started to tap really loudly from the top end. Sounds like a diesel and doesnt get any quieter when reved or when it warms up.When i first noticed it was about -12c and the car was frozen solid. i started her up and let her run to warm it up and defrost the windows. Went back outside a few minuits later and it sounded like a tractor. Drove her approx 12 miles and the noise just got worse........then she cut out! Wouldn't turn over at all, was as if it had siezed!! After a few mins she started again and i limped to work. Checked the oil....it was low so topped her up. Managed to drive her home but cut out again outside house.
Havent driven her any distance since, she starts fine, drives fine, no warning lights at all, seems to pull ok, just dont wanna damage the engine any more.
When i check the oil level when cold its way over the markers about 3cm up the wire! Not sure if its over filled as when i check it hot its mid way between the markers.
Could this be the dreaded timing chain issue?? Caused by running the car in the extreme cold so the oil had thickened, slightely low on oil and parked on a slope, starving the oil jet to the chain?? Or something else? notsure.gif
Any advice would be great!!