Engine Starting

**Mark2.2** · 5th December 2011, 08:40

I bought my car about 2 weeks ago from a local salvage yard. It had a small amout of damage on the rear door and arch. The car had probably been sat in a yard while the insurance has been getting sorted out for a little while. When I go to start my car it takes a few seconds for it to start, not straight from the key turn just a few seconds more than normal. Also when it's first started it gives a little rattle sound then clears off right away as the oil is reaching to the top of the engine then it's happy. I was thinking of getting a new oil change done to it and maybe some new plugs, do you think that will help? Thanks

**accveccysriturbo** · 5th December 2011, 10:23

I would change most of the things personally I did with mine.

New oil and filter
new spark plugs
new fuel filter
run her on some good fuel for a bit
how is the battery?

someone more clued up will answer later no doubt - but if it were me I would change everything unless you know it has been done recently.

Can you take her on a long drive also- an hour down the motorway for example.

**Mark2.2** · 5th December 2011, 10:35

I have been putting in Shell V-Power since I bought it, well only one trip to the petrol station since I bought it as it came with half a tank of fuel. The battery seems to be ok as it was at Vauxhall the other week for an mot and the batter passed the health check thing they do. With it being stood for a while it could do with a good run, I have only took it about 40miles or so up to now. I was out for a drive in it the other night for about 30 mins. It's in the body shop now.

**benholden2010** · 5th December 2011, 10:58

Rattle Could be timing or balancer chain, how many times does it turn over before it fires? mine sometimes takes 3-4 spins over before she fires

**Mark2.2** · 5th December 2011, 11:25

About 2 spins. My last car was an Astra 2.0 Turbo. The Vectra might just be like that, I don't know. The engine rattle goes within a few seconds, all is normal about 2 seconds when fired up. I just like things to be perfect lol

**benholden2010** · 5th December 2011, 11:38

Originally Posted by Mark2.2

I just like things to be perfect lol

Don't we all. 2 spins is nothing to worrie about, but if the rattling gets worse or more frequent then its proberbly a good time to replace the chains, especially as the 2.2 as a habit of throwing them

**Lean6** · 5th December 2011, 11:42

The moment you hear a rattle on cold start from a Z22SE or Z22YH engine change the chain. It really isn't worth the risk on these engines. It was the first thing I did on mine!

**accveccysriturbo** · 5th December 2011, 12:53

Rattle could be from the other pulley that people have had issues with - not nessarily the timing chain.

I just got back from a client meeting lol and i started the car to be presented with an orange steering wheel on the dash - no power steering. Switched if off and on again and its fine - must be the cold weather lol.

**gibbon7000** · 5th December 2011, 14:19

Originally Posted by benholden2010

especially as the 2.2 as a habit of throwing them

Think he has a 2.0T now. Sounds like the chain rattling on start up to me

**benholden2010** · 5th December 2011, 15:19

Either way, if your getting chain done make sure you do balancer shaft chain too.

Had the same rattle on mine so bought all timing chain kit only to find out it was balancer chain (had about an inch of play in it)

If you planning on doing it yourself have a read through the guides on z22se.co.uk its not as hard as it looks