Cam chain

**dankidd** · 12th November 2008, 17:40

Could anybody tell me when I should change the cam chain? Ive owned my 2.0 DTi for the last 2 and a half years and its not been changed while ive owned it, nor do I think it had been changed before id owned it either.

**glynn** · 12th November 2008, 18:03

i belive its 100,000 miles

**dankidd** · 12th November 2008, 18:05

10,000 miles left to go then. Is it an expensive job?

**lee** · 13th November 2008, 00:33

had mine done on my 2.2 sri at 50000 miles as i could hear it rattle on cold starting. dont beleive that they will allways last for 100.000 miles its quite common for them to need replacing sooner or break.i would get it done now mate. when mine was changed he showed me the play in the chain before he took it off and i was quite suprised.

give benny a pm he's a member on here i cant recommend him enough top guy and a great mechanic .

he is in wolverhampton but its well worth the trip down to him and he's a hell of alot cheaper than vauxhall and you have the added bonus of knowing its done correct

one guy even traveld from scotland for him to do it

lee

**dankidd** · 13th November 2008, 00:37

Its finding the time to go down! I work weekends...! How much would it cost roughly to get it done at a local garage... Anywhere but VX

**lee** · 13th November 2008, 00:55

best to ring round a few mate but its a job i wouldnt just let anyone do its a pretty big job to do i watched mine be done and all of a sudden you have half your engine on the bench {not quite}but ther is alot comes off it before they can get to the chain.

wouldnt like to say a price as garages vary so much {350 to 450}ruogh figure

lee

**Ste** · 13th November 2008, 09:16

There is no prescribed service interval for a DTi chain. Essentially you change them when they start to rattle. If the oil flow is good, you will get plenty of warning of impending demise. My old Vec B DTi went to 95K on same chain with no noises at all - then I p/ex'd it for the C.

**_ZS_** · 13th November 2008, 10:34

The 100k interval is a visual inspection only. Usually the chain is fine, it's the plastic tensioner that wear making it rattle. Once the side is off the engine it's worth replacing the whole heap, though.

**paramechanic** · 15th November 2008, 19:38

Help or advice needed please.
I had a noisey chain the other day the noise seemed to be coming from the top of the engine towards the front. I spoke with a very knowledgeable mechanic who says he will and can do the job......Yesterday one of my colleagues tried to start my car and it would not start ( follwing me so far) I tried it with the key and the engine turned over, sounded quicker than normal would not fire up. Had it towed / lowloaded and my Mechanic has seen it today.... On inspection He said that all the valves are at equal hieght perhaps suggesting that there are no bent valves?? the timing chain is very loose.. does this mean that the tensioner has failed the chain stretched too much. will the head have to come off for inspection or would it be safe to replace timing chain and pulleys etc . Can anyone help or has anyone had this experience.the car is a Vectra 2.2i Auto estate. 98,000 miles on the clock other wise the car runs like a dream.
Please help if you can.. Thanks

**rushy** · 15th November 2008, 19:57

If the ca ran fine, then it didn't start your chances are it has just jumped a few teeth. You will need a full chain kit but from what I have read in the past you will mire than likely have some bent valves.

Have a look at THIS thread.