balance chain query

stevierich

Just bought my Astra 2.2 coupe. The timing chain was changed 6000 miles ago. This was due to age rather than failure. It was done by a dealer as stated in service history. Unfortunately I can,t make out the dealers stamp to check if balance chain was also done. I can,t contact previous owner either.car runs sweet, but I am a little concerned about balance chain. Thanks

KevinH

Maybe you could have a listen near the offside front wheel, when the engine is idling, to hear if there is any noise (chain slap) coming from that area. The tensioners can get to the end of their adjustment, thus unable to take up any more slack in a stretched balance chain.

Out of interest, how many miles is on the clock ?

stevierich

stevierich said:
Just bought my Astra 2.2 coupe. The timing chain was changed 6000 miles ago. This was due to age rather than failure. It was done by a dealer as stated in service history. Unfortunately I can,t make out the dealers stamp to check if balance chain was also done. I can,t contact previous owner either.car runs sweet, but I am a little concerned about balance chain. Thanks

stevierich

There is 109000 on the clock

patricks

There is a video somewhere on here of a balance chain/tensioner noise @[deleted] . If its not making any abnormal noises from a cold start then u are OK. As others have said balance chains and timing chains give a lot of warning before they go...

KevinH

@[deleted] is the following post from @[deleted] the one you are referring to ?:
Failed Balance Chain Tensioner

Both Dave and Jimmy had FAI balance chain kits fitted, which presumably had faulty tensioners. Not heard of any GM balance chain tensioners that have been faulty (but not saying there hasn't been). 🙂

patricks

KevinH said:
@[deleted] is the following post from @[deleted] the one you are referring to ?:
Failed Balance Chain Tensioner

Both Dave and Jimmy had FAI balance chain kits fitted, which presumably had faulty tensioners. Not heard of any GM balance chain tensioners that have been faulty (but not saying there hasn't been). 🙂

@[deleted] yep thats the video i was talking about - wasn't trying to comment on gm vs fai tho - i was just trying to indicate what sort of sound to expect from a loose chain or faulty tensioner

evocarlos

this is the sound of a noisy balancer chain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l25QrVQ22ik