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Gnawed sprocket

The timing chain of my 2005 Zafira 2.2 Design needs replacing after 45k miles. Vauxhall is quoting me £720 to have this 'problem' fixed but it appears that it may be a known problem affecting the z22ye engine in earlier models. Does this problem affect the z22yh engine?
It would appear that it does as the car is not even 5 years old with 45k. Should I just pay the money or argue the toss with Mr Vauxhall?

Asked on 8 May 2010 by K.J., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
The problem is the oil feed to the timing chain tensioner. If the oil is dirty or contaminated then the feed gets blocked and not enough gets to the tensioner. So it's down to maintenance. Really needs the oil and filter changing every 7,000 – 8,000 miles. 20,000 miles is asking for this trouble.
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