Timing Chain Broke - How much damage?

jimbo101

Member
Morning Guys,

I am new to this forum having only just found it. I bought an Astra G Convertible 2.2 at the beginning of January. Now my tale of woe....

Last Thursday I drove to work and the engine was running fine, I stopped at a supermarket and when I went to start the engine again it wouldn't go. First it fired then died immediately, then it wouldn't fire. On the second time of trying their was a loud rattle noise form the engine. I called my recovery guys and the one that came out turned it over twice. When turning over it wasn't sounding like the engine was turning properly, the second time there was a bang from inside he engine, definitely an ignition noise, and smoke came out from the front of the engine. He diagnosed it as probably the timing chain, I know the tensioner can be a problem on these early ones so guess it probably is that.

So, my question is what is the likely damage inside the engine and is it worth fixing?

Financially I am pretty strapped at the moment so I am hoping I can fix it for less than £500 doing the work myself. I am going to start stripping the engine down to have a look at the damage but wondered if anyone else might be able to give me an indication as you all know these engines well.

BTW the engine had done 102k

I know this would be a good opportunity to tune the engine somewhat but I don't have the funds to buy fast road cams and forged pistons etc. I wish I did!!

I have also looked into returning the car for a refund but no go on that. I also need to have her back on the road by 27th February ideally.
 

IDI AMIN

Senior Member
Very likely you will need another cylinder head or repair work on the one you have, damage is likely bent valves possibly cracked valve guides and new timing chain bottom half of engine should be ok
 

evocarlos

Stupid Bollocks
Staff
hey :)
if the chain is broken then there will be bent valves there's not doubt about that
how many will be visible by removing the rocker cover and checking the roller rockers to see if they can be removed from under the cams
like in this pic
WP_001093.jpg

ive fixed a couple now with damaged valves (food for thought)
this one with 8 bent inlet valves and 8 broken valve guides
https://z22se.co.uk/threads/cam-chain-fitted-day-1-part-1-take-2.25378/

and this one with 6 bent valves and 2 cracked guides
https://z22se.co.uk/threads/cam-chain-fitted-part-1-day-1.24072/

if you have bent valves you need parts and tools that are not cheap on there own
headgasket
head bolts
valve x (how ever many is bent)
valve guides (how ever many are cracked)
chains + oil

:)
 
Last edited by a moderator:

jimbo101

Member
Thanks for the replies. My car is sat at my mate's house who does lots with cars so we should be OK for tools, just need to worry about the parts.

I am heading over there on Thursday morning to strip down the cylinder head and see what's damaged and will take it form there.

Incidentally I notice your 2.2 is supercharged. What route did you take in doing that? I was idly looking at adding an s/c earlier while looking at info on these engines. What figures and performance does it give you?
 

jimbo101

Member
Sorry, more questions.....

Should the balance chain be changed at the same time? If yes, does it actually need changing or is it just a good idea to do it while the engine is apart?
 

evocarlos

Stupid Bollocks
Staff
Thanks for the replies. My car is sat at my mate's house who does lots with cars so we should be OK for tools, just need to worry about the parts.

I am heading over there on Thursday morning to strip down the cylinder head and see what's damaged and will take it form there.

Incidentally I notice your 2.2 is supercharged. What route did you take in doing that? I was idly looking at adding an s/c earlier while looking at info on these engines. What figures and performance does it give you?
click the pic in my sig its all in there :)

Sorry, more questions.....

Should the balance chain be changed at the same time? If yes, does it actually need changing or is it just a good idea to do it while the engine is apart?
its a good idea to change it while its apart :)
 
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