2.2 Vectra-C - Head Gasket?

**Wingnut** · 3rd March 2008, 23:10

Over the past few months my 52 2.2 has on occaision faltered when driven gently at around 1,500 rpm. This has become more common, around 3 times a week and getting more severe.

I had noticed the odd drop of Mayo on the dip-stick, but the car wasn't loosing water, temperature was always steady...

Driving home today the oil light came on so I stopped and topped it up (too many years of old bangers not to carry a spare litre) Argh, the filler cap was full of mayo. The car is only used for long journeys and the work commute - which is 40 miles and takes an hour.

Are the 2 items above related? Should I be thinking the worst re the Mayo? Anything I should check? Will I see change from £500?

Any thoughts anyone?

Cheers

**benny** · 3rd March 2008, 23:15

hello check out www.z22se.co.uk ....

**rushy** · 3rd March 2008, 23:34

Come on benny, a great link but im sure you off all guys could give him a few pointers.

**benny** · 3rd March 2008, 23:40

lol just did mate .........the mayo could be just normal mayo these engines seem to get ..if ya not looseing any water ...if you are looseing water could be head gasket (not too common) ..i would be looking into the running problem at 1500 first to see if the 2 are related ..the early vec c's are in the line for the faulty chain kits so i would get that checked too to be a hundred percent that isnt giveing you your problem at 1500rpm.....also only use the vx oil as i have found other oils do give problems with these engines sticky valves and lifters .....this might at a push also be the mayo problem ....a good oil change every 6mnths may fix it ....

**rushy** · 3rd March 2008, 23:45

**Wingnut** · 3rd March 2008, 23:57

I'll check the water level in the morning and hope this is just a condensation issue. I've never had a car with Mayo on the filler cap before and I've had plenty of old crates over the years.

Oil change - It's got the oil recommended by the local motor factor in it. Think it was fully synthetic oil. It's been in there about 10k so is due a change (I don't care what the manufacturers say, 10k or 6 months is plenty long enough). Up until now I'd been thinking the faltering was going to be down to electrics somewhere, perhaps the plug leads, but you're suggesting more mechanical. Ok.

So how do I check to see if I have a faulty chain kit? I thought the main issue with these early ones was the size of the oil nozzles. Too small for the job and the extended service interval resulted in them getting full of detritus = no oil = snapped chain & £££'s. What, exactly, should I be checking/replacing?

Car has just clocked up 120k if that adds anything?

**rushy** · 3rd March 2008, 23:59

The chains can stretch mate. Also the 2.2 has a coil pack not plug leads.

**benny** · 4th March 2008, 21:24

you will need to check your engine number on the register on z22se.co.uk but it isnt a 100% that it aint got the old kit fitted .....all i will say is these dont like fully syth put in the vx semmi ......(ducks for cover as all the fully synth boys have a poke )