'56 2.2 Direct Elite Timing Belt / Chain

[MikeO]

Trying to clear something up....

I have a 56 Reg 2.2 Direct Elite.

I am due my 5 year service (44k Miles on clock).

I know the plugs are 4k miles overdue replacement and I need an air con recharge - Is there anything else I should be looking to do?

Plus - It would seem that these are chain driven engines and not a normal timing belt and so does not require replacement - is this correct? If it is then I am chuffed as what I expected to be a 400 quid service is going to be less than 200.

[spennny]

Compulsary iwould say are : Oil, Plugs, Pollen Filter, Fuel Filter , Oil Filter

Optional: Brake Fluid Change, Gearbox Oil change etc etc

Yes they are chain driven, i change my oil every 5k roughly , 2.2 Direct is a good engine but when it goes wrong it goes wrong

Have you had the fuel pressure reg switch done on recall ??

[Das]

Plus - It would seem that these are chain driven engines and not a normal timing belt and so does not require replacement - is this correct?

Unfortunately no. Plenty of people on here had to have them changed as they can get noisy if the oil feed pipe that keeps it lubricated gets blocked or the tensioner gets worn. Frequent oil changes seem to be the key to longevity. But its not all bad news, don't worry about it unless it starts to get noisy, if it does get it changed as soon as possible. benny is the man to ask about any queries with the 2.2.

[Big Dave]

I know the plugs are 4k miles overdue replacement .

No they're not.

80k or 8 yrs is the recommended change interval for plugs on the 2.2

Regarding the chain. The chain tensioner failed at 49,000 miles on my engine.

The chain was rattling at startup on occasion going right back to 31,000 miles, but decided to rattle continually at 49,000 miles.

Fortunately I mentioned it while still under warranty and when it failed at 4 yrs old, Vauxhall paid 70% of the repair bill.

See http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104735 for more info.

[Das]

80k or 8 yrs is the recommended change interval for plugs on the 2.2

Crikey wont be much left on the end of them after 80K

[Big Dave]

Mine is currently on 64,000 miles and no mention of plugs being changed at previous services. Going in next week, I'll try and remember to ask then. Pretty sure that's what the service book says though.

[MikeO]

Ive got it booked in and the plugs are part of the price anyway, so thats all good.

Thanks for the replies - Ive not had any engine issues to date and sounds normal when running. Its had all recalls carried out. Fingers crossed the chain is fine but they will inspect it as part of the service I would have thought?

[Big Dave]

Fingers crossed the chain is fine but they will inspect it as part of the service I would have thought?

I very much doubt it. To inspect it, isn't a 5 min job. Unlike a cambelt where the cover can just be peeled back, it's a Rocker cover off, etc.

[chrisvectra]

No they're not.

80k or 8 yrs is the recommended change interval for plugs on the 2.2

Regarding the chain. The chain tensioner failed at 49,000 miles on my engine.

The chain was rattling at startup on occasion going right back to 31,000 miles, but decided to rattle continually at 49,000 miles.

Fortunately I mentioned it while still under warranty and when it failed at 4 yrs old, Vauxhall paid 70% of the repair bill.

See http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104735 for more info.

80k on a set of plugs no way

[Big Dave]

80k on a set of plugs no way

Well that's what the service book says.

edit: Autodata say the same thing too.