Noisy lifters

patricks

Hi gents and ladies? new to this site as a member but have followed the various forums here for a while.....

The lifters on my 2003 mk4 astra 2.2 are noisy on start up......need to change them. Have read the very helpful how to guides but i have one question.....do i need to remove the timing chain tensioner if a have the cam locking tool??? Can i just leave the tensioner in place when replacing the lifters if i have the cam lockiing tool??? Any advice offered is appreciated.
Cheers
Patrick

TonyH

Yes you would need to remove it as the timing chain will come off to remove the camshafts. Don't think cam locking tool would be any use if the shafts are coming out? The tensioner is easy to remove it just screws in and out.

Here is the guide:
http://www.speedsterclub.nl/bibliotheek/technische%20documentatie/tis/Standard%20Information/Engine%20and%20Engine%20Aggregates/00301305-Hydraulic%20Tappets,%20Replace%20(Z22SE).pdf

patricks

TonyH said:
Yes you would need to remove it as the timing chain will come off to remove the camshafts. Don't think cam locking tool would be any use if the shafts are coming out? The tensioner is easy to remove it just screws in and out.

Here is the guide:
http://www.speedsterclub.nl/bibliotheek/technische documentatie/tis/Standard Information/Engine and Engine Aggregates/00301305-Hydraulic Tappets, Replace (Z22SE).pdf

Thanks for your reply. Removing it is not the issue i dont understand how to put it all back to together lol...

In step 14 of the guide it says "NOTE if there is no marking on on the camshaft timing chain tensioner thien it should be replaced"

The key word being "if". My tensioner is the newer type and has markings on it.....

Zxr33

If your not sure how old the chain ect is I would replace it since you going to strip it down! There are some very good " how to" info on this site and members are always on hand to help!
If you get stuck!
Changing the chain ect would give you so much piece of mind! If the chain dose snap if can cause major damage
Rob

TonyH

If the chain has not been done you should replace while you there.

People on here will give you advice as you go.

Here is a good instructional video:

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

patricks

Zxr33 said:
If your not sure how old the chain ect is I would replace it since you going to strip it down! There are some very good " how to" info on this site and members are always on hand to help!
If you get stuck!
Changing the chain ect would give you so much piece of mind! If the chain dose snap if can cause major damage
Rob

The chain has never been replaced its silent as far as i can tell.........car has done 386,000KM...have only ever used fully synthetic group 4 oils.....expensive but worth every penny.....that video is in dutch.....i just dont understand how to put the tensioner back together thats all......thats why i wanted to know if i could leave it in and not remove it when changing the lifters

evocarlos

the tensioner goes back together like this just without the circlip the one pictured is a z20net the updated one
its good advice to fit the tensioner activated (sprung loaded)

patricks

evocarlos said:
the tensioner goes back together like this just without the circlip the one pictured is a z20net the updated one
its good advice to fit the tensioner activated (sprung loaded)
[ATTACH]49186[/ATTACH]

Wow Awesome......exactly what i needed to know...........legend!!! Thanks for all the replies lads. Before i tackle replacing lifters i need to remove the possibility that the lifters are noisy because of a worn oil pump.......the oil pressure light goes out straight away after starting the engine......does this mean the pump is functioning normally????? The other possibility is the oil restrictor in the head.....the engine does sound like its starting dry sometimes on cold starts only....what do you all think???

evocarlos

change to a 10/40 oil ?

patricks

hmmmm i mostyl use 0-40 group 4 oil. but have used 10/40 in past it didnt help. Wouldnt a thinner oil get to the head quicker than a 10/40??? The lifters are only noisy on start up so i thought the quicker the oil gets to the head the better. I suppose i should qualify what i mean by "dry start" i meant a grinding noise from the engine which goes away as soon as i release the key from the ignition

vocky

normally on the z22se engine a noise at start up for a split second or two is either a cracked exhaust manifold or the cam chains need replacing

patricks

vocky said:
normally on the z22se engine a noise at start up for a split second or two is either a cracked exhaust manifold or the cam chains need replacing

I guess i will check the chain for any slack whilst ive got the cam cover off to replace the lifters. Im convinced the noises are not the chain tho . Ive heard loose chains before on this site and others but my z22se sounds nothing like those rattles. Can i assume if there is no slack/play in the chain then its OK?