Vectra '54 2.2 Direct - Non Start

justathome

Hi All,

as Above, Drove to Wife who was in hospital and all was fine with the car. Went to come home @ 3 in the morning, and the car wouldn't start. It tried initially but died instantly.

Battery died eventually so called out recovery.

Guy suspected no spark, but he had hardly any tools so didn't trust his investigation.

Charged Battery.
Checked coil pack next day - All fine.
Checked out on Op-com and no faults.
Ran live diagnostics on fuel pressure while turning over and have 7000kpa on the fuel line (So Cams still turning, have fuel)
Noticed car turned over rather freely when turning over
Put on (Very old not used in 20 years) compression tester and only getting 5:1

I Suspect the timing chain has jumped a tooth.

Thoughts?

Is there a chance I haven't bent any valves and that I simply have timing out hence still a compression reading?

Thanks for any advice. I've never touched a timing chain on these things, And If the valves are bent, I'm not sure it's worth fixing..

figo126

it would be worth taking cam cover off , to see if chain is slack , if so might have jumped a few teeth , probably best starting place,,,,,

HarleyPete

It's possible that you might get away with just replacing the chains (should do balance chain at same time as your in there really). Others have had the same issue and have gotten their cars running again by doing the chains. As figo says, cam cover off and check the chain at the top, also yours may have the "cam" sensor which would stop it starting (mines a 56 plate and I have that sensor apparently). Have you noticed any rattling, especially on start up? This is normally a sign of chain wear. There is a how to on changing chains I believe somewhere on the forum (@[deleted] ).

evocarlos

ive been out to 3-4 z22yh's that wont start due to the chain long or jumped then the ecu picks up the cams out and prevents starting
no codes
cover off to check 1st 🙂 cam lobes at 10 and 2 over the #4 cylinder with the crank in tdc

notch in pulley ligned up with line on the case for tdc

cam lobes 2 on the ex and 10 on the inlet it the cams are not as pictured over the #4 then it needs the timing sorted or new chains to correct the issue

if the chains jumped to far there could be valve damage but that would be indicated by no compression

justathome

Thanks all.
She is always "tapetty " when starting. Always has been since I first bought her @ 10K. Assumed due to hydraulics pressuring the tensioner / followers.

I know what I'll be doing this week/ end. I'll post once its stripped.

justathome

Stripped down and chain is slack. Valve guide fragments can be seen in cylinder 3 and 4!
Anyone in Horley Surrey fancy a project? Spares or repairs
Vectra Design 67k

HarleyPete

Would it be worth looking into a second hand head for it. Your not a million miles away from Bridges at Pease Pottage and I know they had a few Vectra's there not that long ago. I appreciate that it might not be a feasible solution for you but thought I'd make the suggestion.

evocarlos

Shame you so far away I need a runabout for my mother lol I could also repair the head

HarleyPete

Yeah @[deleted] he's literally only about 10 mile from me mate.