156 replies to this topic

[theolodian]

Mine had the updated tensioner (notched corners).Chain still snapped and had the old chain and jet. Don't rely on just the tensioner as an indication of anything!

Fair enough, I replaced mine anyway. Turns out that it had the new chain as well, but by then I was that far along that I wasn't going to stop. Or should I say Vocky had his balance shaft delete stuff spread out on the floor.

[Anarchy]

Please have a listen to a cold start, see what you think. I can't see any way of seeing anything down the sides of the engine theres no space for anything!

http://www.steve-bow...VX/DSCF2255.AVI

The is a very quick short rattle just on turning the key..

I would say mine sounds a bit like that when it has been stood for a week but the noise goes away 5 seconds later.

Think I might get this Autovaux kit and give it a go myself, is there another chain too or is it part of the kit.

[theolodian]

Please have a listen to a cold start, see what you think. I can't see any way of seeing anything down the sides of the engine theres no space for anything!

http://www.steve-bow...VX/DSCF2255.AVI

The is a very quick short rattle just on turning the key..

I would say mine sounds a bit like that when it has been stood for a week but the noise goes away 5 seconds later.

Think I might get this Autovaux kit and give it a go myself, is there another chain too or is it part of the kit.

The balance shaft chain is separate, and costs more. I didn't go for it myself.

[AliM]

Parts list :

Chain kit £ 95.30
Set of inlet valves £ 52,80
Head set £ 35.70
Head bolts £ 25.85
All parts plus vat and in stock .Cheers Neil.

Thanks Neil,
You have PM

[rcvaughan]

http://www.fixmyengi...mp;productId=37

£102.30 delivered!

Think I'll be going for one come payday

[NA Jimbo]

Parts list :

Chain kit £ 95.30
Set of inlet valves £ 52,80
Head set £ 35.70
Head bolts £ 25.85
All parts plus vat and in stock .Cheers Neil.

Vocky has metioned before that the piston ring gaps can compress and cause the rings to stick so it may be worth budgeting for new pistons and rings?
It was the fear of unexpected costs like these that made me opt for a 2nd hand replacement engine. (ironically piston rings are iffy on this new engine)

[Nelly Vx]

To be honest all the rebuilds I have done in the past when cam belts / chains have give way it has been only in the extreme case that pistons / rings have been replaced

[Jameshs]

Sorry to hear this Ali i checked my engine number and its past the one you mentioned only by a few though, so does that mean i will be ok and should have the new oil jet and stuff??

[AliM]

So the head has been taken off today and it appears i've got away with 2 bent valves..... I'm buying a timing chain kit, a balance shaft(?) chain kit, 2 valves, head gasket set and head bolts. I guess now is also the perfect time to swap my engine mounts (1 gone anyway) and all give it a good service too. It could have been a lot, lot worse. Thanks to everyone who's offered help and parts, it was very much appreciated. I know I say it all the time but the vx community is amazing I'll let you know how we get on.

Edited by AliM, 10 September 2009 - 06:11 PM.

[mandarinvx]

[JG]

don't forget to do the valve guides /vocky's voice in my head

[snowwhite]

Thats good news Ali Two valves is pretty good going Whilst you've got the engine in bits you could just slip in some forged pistons and bolt on a harrop.....

[rsg]

if the engine is out, take the balance shafts out, knock the bearings across, then you dont need to replace the balance shaft chain and save a 100 quid or so

[AliM]

Whilst you've got the engine in bits you could just slip in some forged pistons and bolt on a harrop.....

easy tiger, i'll settle for just being back on the road!

if the engine is out, take the balance shafts out, knock the bearings across, then you dont need to replace the balance shaft chain and save a 100 quid or so

I've been advised to change the chain because if it goes in future it'd prob take the timing chain with it, so better safe than sorry.

Is it best to take the engine out? my friend doing the work says it looks quite tight where it is.

[theolodian]

Is it best to take the engine out? my friend doing the work says it looks quite tight where it is.

No worse than an Astra I expect, and those can be done in a couple hours. Dead easy to line everything up on a chain compared to some belts.

If you do it out of the car you have to remember to tighten the crank bolt after it goes back in the car. They say to use a new crank bolt, didn't cost much but it's a great big bolt to wear out after one use.

[rcvaughan]

Balance shaft delete! Save some money and help it rev (if I'm not mistaken).

[mandarinvx]

I may be wrong, but I think the balance chain also drives the water / oil pump, so you'd either need to fit idlers and replace the chain; or fit a shortened chain and check the tensioner still works (either way, you wouldn't save any money!)

[Nelly Vx]

I may be wrong, but I think the balance chain also drives the water / oil pump, so you'd either need to fit idlers and replace the chain; or fit a shortened chain and check the tensioner still works (either way, you wouldn't save any money!)

It does drive the water and oil pump

[rcvaughan]

Speak to Joe - he has done it as have many others I'm sure.

[rsg]

the chain can be reused as your not driving the heavy balancer shafts, just the pump and idlers.
this guy did