14 replies to this topic

[mart356]

http://www.honestjoh...bycar/index.htm

Interesting description of the car plus a specific on the timing chain issue......... (in the what's bad section)


What's Good
Elise-based Lotus-built mid-engined sports car powered by 147bhp chain-cam ECOTEC 2.2 litre engine. Three year warranty. Comparatively low Group 16 insurance. No power steering. Massive kickback through the steering wheel You feel and are aware of everything the car is doing. More forgiving than the Lotus Elise and with a more powerful engine. Wonderful, crude race-car feel to the gearchange. An absolute hoot to drive, and a better choice than the facelifted Elise. Recommended.

What's Bad
Very limited production run, so beware of paying over the odds, otherwise too soon to say. 2.2 16v engine has been known to snap its timing chain due to the lubrication jet becoming blocked, possibly as a result of running on dirty oil due to extented oil change intervals. Ignition control unit of 2.2 petrol engine is prone to burning out.

What to Watch Out For
Have been plenty of Lotus build quality faults and some rejected cars are being re-offered via the auctions.

Recalls
09-09-2002: 729 VX220s VINs WOLOEAR971N000001 to WOLOEAR972N003648: risk that driver's airbag can crack over time and may not inflate properly when triggered. Dirvers airbag to be replaced.
Also 31 VX220s VINs WOLOEAR971N000001 to WOLOEAR972N003648: Slight chance that one of more of tapped holes for bolts holding brake callipers together not fully threaded, compromising the structural integrity of the calliper. Check callipers of 99 affected cars and replace if not properly threaded.

[Sicey]

Theres a recall on at the moment for timing chains, but only for a number of the older models - see the other thread.

[Speedygonzalez]

yes-Mines going back on the 12/08 for the timing and the ABS recall..

[JonP]

Get mine back tonight - been in getting timing chain sorted (already had ABS and break calipers fixed) But now there's a problem I get the car back - it perfect weather for a drive and it's tonight that it's team beer and curry night!!! cheers

[JonP]

Got mine back after having the timing chain work done and now the engine whines!!! I'm presuming that it is caused by the new chain needing to wear in as the whining matches the acceleration/deceleration rate.

[Ricky2772]

Got mine back after having the timing chain work done and now the engine whines!!!

I'm presuming that it is caused by the new chain needing to wear in as the whining matches the acceleration/deceleration rate.

how log did it take for the dealerto perform the recall?
was it an engine-out job?

if its due to "dirty oil" clogging the jets, I can't see how all the cars wouldn't be affected....

[JonP]

Not sure what they did - apart from remove the rear clamshell to get access to the engine. It took them from Tuesday morning When I gave them the car through till Thursday lunchtime when I got it back to do whatever it was though!!! I going back in to see the mechanic tomorrow morning as the whining noise concerns me - see if he'll tell me what they did. Sorry I'm definatly one of the non-technical owners

Edited by JonP, 08 August 2003 - 10:38 PM.

[JonP]

Ok got to talk to the VX Mechanic this morning (wasn't his turn to work on Saturday) - on my car they replaced - One of the cogs The timing chain The timing chain guide They don't know what's causing the engine to whine under acceleration but they have the car in to look at today!! Jon

[cheeky_chops]

Ok got to talk to the VX Mechanic this morning (wasn't his turn to work on Saturday) - on my car they replaced -

One of the cogs
The timing chain
The timing chain guide

They don't know what's causing the engine to whine under acceleration but they have the car in to look at today!!

Jon

Anyone else had this problem? Dont want to book mine in yet of they have

[jules_s]

Ive just spoken to my VX technician who says:- 1/. We have no idea of any timing chain recall on your car. 2/. If the car was recalled vauxhall would write to you direct. my build number falls into that list (just) although i read somewhere else that the numbers were different

[JonP]

Benny, It's not a formal recall it's what they call a product integraty rework (I think that means something buggered up but don't think its worth or needs a recall), anyway the ref is 03P24-06/2003. My local guys knew nothing about it either till I gave them the reference number after which they got in touch with Vauxhall Technical who sent em a six page fax telling em what they needed to do. Jon

[jules_s]

Thanks matey, Ive re-contacted them, and they're looking into it... seems a tad scary that none of these dealers are aware of these things tho'

[turboman]

Hey, some dealers do. (purhaps just the ones who care)

[jules_s]

No offence meant or intended matey...you know what im up against at the mo

[JonP]

Ok got my car back this morning and it no longer whines/whistles when accelerating/decelerating. Technician said that - There is another chain in the engine (I don't know what for) - which had come off its sprokets/cogs. In my case it had jammed between the two sets of sprokets on the cog so was still being turned but was causing the noise. Solution was to replace the offending chain and cog - and hey presto car stops making the noise. Technician also worked out that by removing the rear wheel and wheel liner he can get access to the timing chain area of the engine so no need to remove the rear clamshell for any others he has to do!! Jon