Sudden diesel like rattle from chain area on [03] Vec

[Ed.]

Hi guys,

My [03] Vec 2.2 SRi just instantly started to rattle quite loudly from startup this morning. I've driven it several miles (have to unfortunately) but am bricking it in case it's the chain. I lifted the bonnet and it sounds like it's coming from the left side of the bay where the chain is. Is there anything else down there that might cause this or is the timing chain the only thing?

It still drives fine and pulls strong. Cars now at 98k.

 

[MikeS]

usually a tensioner m8

 

[Ed.]

usually a tensioner m8

I'm assuming that's a relatively safer, cheaper, quicker problem than the chain?

 

[MikeS]

if it is the tensioner and you know the chain is the original then i would pay benny to do mine

i would not even drive it with it tapping away

the chain snaps and the best u can hope for is a few bent valves

 

[Ed.]

if it is the tensioner and you know the chain is the original then i would pay benny to do mine

i would not even drive it with it tapping away

the chain snaps and the best u can hope for is a few bent valves

Problem is this Benny character lives too far away to get to and the noise is horrendous. I fear that I'm stuck with the dealer. I'll happily pay £3/400 for the peace of mind and the sellability factor of a new chain but I'm scared of the dealers landing near a grand on me for the same job. This could be the kids holiday budget down the swanny.

 

[vocky]

I agree, don't even start the engine, get it towed to a garage and have the chain kit replaced

 

[Tracysri]

Just out of interest mate whats the mileage on your vec?? from what I can gather dealers are charging almost a grand to do the same job am gutted for ya pal, but take the advice and dont drive it, I am doing a 400 miles plus roundtrip to Benny to get mine sorted how far are you from him???

Tracy

 

[Ed.]

Car is at 98k. I'm in Hastings, near Brighton but I don't even fancy starting her up let alone travelling. I've just been looking at the cost of replacement engines and on the 'bay they want about £800 for them. I think I'll give the dealer a ring in the morning, see what they have to say about it. A mate over the road has a flatbed so I'm sure if I slip him a few quid he'll take it up the road for me.

Toilet paper at the ready

 

[vocky]

both chains should be changed at 100k, remember don't start the engine as it will be £2k to repair it when the chain snaps !

expect a dealer to charge about £600 to supply and fit a chain kit, but you need both changing due to the mileage, so £750

 

[Ed.]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll post back when there's an update.

 

[Ed.]

Just before the car is investigated, I enquired at my local dealer for a quote on chain replacement.

As follows:

Primary cam chain £104 + VAT
Secondary balancer chain £115 + VAT
Labour £576 + VAT
1/2 days to fit
--------------------------------------
Total £795 + VAT

I'll get a quote from an independent this morning to compare it against.

 

[Tracysri]

Its their flaming labour charges thats the kille r makes ya sick there prob on these cars and we lose out, flaming vx
Hope ya get it sorted mate
As for fitting think Benny can rattle them in within 2 to 3 hours just shows how much vx are prepared to rip their customers off
Tracy

 

[Ed.]

Now I know how 22year old VX mechanics can afford Corsa VXR's.

 

[blue se2]

I can asure you the labour rate doesn't go to the mechanics!!!!!!! lol main dealers labour rates are so high because of there over heads Receptionists so called free T and coffee,tv's, etc. thats why idependents are better showo.. showo..
but no doubt they get the cars at a very good discount working at a dealers

 

[Ed.]

A quick price update. A local independent can fit the chains for £200. I supply the parts and tow it there. Didn't think this was a bad price. I am of course assuming this is the problem but since they'll likely have to strip it down anyway to investigate it makes sense to just change it anyway.

 

[Ed.]

Well, a surprising turn of events.

First the garage turned up to load the car on the flat-bed only to turn the key and drive it on there. What a muppet! I said if the chain went that's a new 2.2 in there at their expense. As he was creeping forward to hit the stop on the flat-bed, bugger me the noise ceased. I initially thought that was it, bang, but the engine was still running. Hmm.

Upon inspection, the chain is fine and now they can't replicate the noise. The assumption was stuck lifters due to oil starvation because the oil was mank so they're doing a complete flush and putting fully synthetic in it. Hopefully, once topped up and changed it shouldn't tap when cold and I never have to hear that death rattle again.

 

[vocky]

now that is weird !

 

[Ed.]

now that is weird !

Well, I collected the car and it hasn't sounded so smooth since I've had it. The engine is silent, revs like a VTEC and runs really well. It clearly needed a good cleanout. On reflection it either sits outside for days on end or only goes on small journeys and never warming up.

Just a word about the noise. It increased with revs, really sounded diesel-like from about 10 feet away but when the lid was up it sounded like someone banging a spanner on the block about 5 times a second at idle and sped up with the revs accordingly.

 

[Tracysri]

Weird mate but I would be like wondering????? am pleased it seems sorted for ya, I did a complete oil change on my 2,2 sri 02 plate 5w/30 and a new filter as I THINK thats whats recommened can someone tell me if I am wrong, I have no rattles on mine as yet but its going to Benny in next 14 days b4 it does lol
Tracy

 

[MikeS]

vxhall branded 10/40 is the best oil

they use 5/30 now as it is cheaper

something to do with the fact they dont stock pile 10/40 anymore

according to benny