Vectra C 2.2 2006 SRI Direct issues

[Marinefish]

Vectra 2.2 Direct issues
Ok so i have a couple of issues.
On start up ive developed a ticking from engine bay. Sounds like it could be coming from chain area but as soon as the car warms up ot dissapears. But i have a accelaeration issue as well. Not sure if they are linked.
On hard acceleration the car does not pick but like struggles but with a blip and then goes.
I am quite offay with the engine as ive done the chains about a year ago.
The only thing ive done different is put random 5/30 oil in on occasoins when required.
Any ideas of the ticking? Thought perhaps the oil needs changing, surely the chain doesnt need doing again!
What about water pump? Cat converter? Does the fuel pressure reg tick if starved of fuel?
And as the car has done 120,000 miles was wandering if the oil should be 5/40 rather than 5/30.
Would really appreicate the help guys.
2006 Direct Injection Vectra SRI. 2.2L

 

[vocky]

which chain kits did you fit ?

cheap pattern kits have been known to fail within a few months

 

[KevinH]

It's worth checking if the auxiliary belt tensioner or alternator is making the ticking noise.
To find out simply remove the auxiliary belt (you will have to remove the air box first) by using a 3/8" ratchet fitted in the belt tensioner, swing the tensioner upwards and remove belt (see this resource by evocarlos https://z22se.co.uk/resources/aux-belt-fitting-guide.77/)
Start the car (you will have a red battery light on), if there is no ticking sound then either of the above is at fault. If there is then timing chain or balance chain is suspect.

Also GM 5W30 fully synthetic is the correct oil for the Z22YH
(http://www.autovaux.co.uk/product/93165557-4-synthetic-oil-engine-5w30-dexos2-opel.aspx)

 

[Marinefish]

Hi so i did the oil change and new fuel filter. The aux belt tensioner was done not long back so dont think it will be that but could be wrong. Pretty sure its timing chain related.
Think perhaps the tensioner has gone, the one on the rear of the engine block. That tensions the main chain.
The problem ihave is the ticking only happens when car is cold. If i take it my garage its warm. So cant hear it.
Today i rang vauxhall and they quoted me 96 quid for a new tensioner. Thats with my nhs discount.
Do i try this and hope its the tensioner or can i do something to the old one to get it work.?
Also if i unscrew it does it come out in one piece or not? Should be help together right?
Does 96 quid sound reasonable or not? I am in Oxford near Wallingford so if anyone has a spare tensioner i could borrow or purchase might be worth a try first.
As i said i can only hear the clicking on cold start up so would have to have it a couple of days to try it.
What do you guys think?

 

[vocky]

pm sent

 

[KevinH]

The only problem with removing the timing chain tensioner and renewing it is that the chain has the potential to jump a tooth on the crankshaft sprocket.

I recall that a couple of members had problems with the tensioner sticking from the FAI balance chain kits which caused a clicking/ticking noise (I think it was Dave Gilbert and Jimmymac).
https://z22se.co.uk/threads/failed-balance-chain-tensioner.26519/page-7#post-1234782

DId you replace both chain kits with genuine GM ones ? They are designed to last, they fit properly and the job only has to be done once.

I see Vocky has PM'ed you, but if you do require a new a new timing chain tensioner, they're available here:
http://www.autovaux.co.uk/product/12608580-chaintensioner.aspx
or
http://www.genuinepartsearch.co.uk/ just type the part # 12608580 in the search field (£69.82 inc VAT)

 

[Marinefish]

My noisy engine. What do you think.
Before you jump in and say chains.. would the water pump make this noise if dodgy?
Ive heard chains before but this is slightly different and goes when car is warm.
Paul

 

[Steve Heley]

After the problem i had with mine recently, i would be tempted to take to 02 sensor out to have a see if the cat has gone..

Worth a quick check?
https://z22se.co.uk/threads/high-pressure-fuel-pump.28829/