Hi, anyone out there done a timing belt yet on a 56 plate Vectra Z18 XER engine.
done one 4 days ago with no probs, other than the dealers not having a kit or tensioner/idler, so just put a belt on. Job went out no probs, came back today with a strange noise like a dry belt noise but intermittent, but when the noise came the engine gave a little misfire. Sounds like it was in the area of the exhaust cam variator so changed the variator and the idler wheel. This noise only comes on when its hot and as the tensioner is a simple automatic one now, you can't over tighten the belt. Any info or ideas would be appreaciated.
or if anyone has paperwork for changing the belt as its too new for my autodata disc.
Many thanks
Davey
slt - e-mail address removed to prevent harvesting
Edited by Pugugly on 03/10/2008 at 00:26
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What mileage has your Vectra done? Not advisable just to change the belt as it's usually the tensioner that is the weak point. If it has done starship miles then it's advisable to change the water pump at the same time.
For reference, Vauxhalls official cambelt change recommendation for the Z18XER engine is 100,000 miles or 10 yrs (whichever comes sooner)
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30 000 miles, could not get a kit or tensioner at time of doing the job, but this engine has a much improved tensioner for Vauxalls standard, its a totally automatic one, just let go and its tensioned, however, this noise was not on before the job was done.
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Why was the belt changed at 30,000 miles and two years old then?
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Sorry, the mileage quoted was wrong, it had 67000 miles on, its a taxi and Vauxhalls track record for snapping, he wanted it done early.
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I just hope for his sake (and yours) that the non replaced tensioner doesn't let go before the next change.
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I agree with Dave, even if it is done early next time then that tensioner will have done over 130k miles. That is at least 30k over the max recomended and at least 50k over what is sensible.
Could it be the tentioner making the noise?
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Replaced the tensioner today, noise still there.
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I can remember on my old Mk3 Cavalier that although it had a belt tensioner, it still needed adjusting manually when new belt was fitted. No idea of the set up on the Vec-C though. As the noise is only apparent when the engine is hot, it *could* be a case that the belt is too tight and only noticable when the heat has expanded the metal of the engine block and head.
Have you tried putting some talc (or WD-40 ##) on the belt and seeing if it quietens down at all?
## no, WD-40 won't harm the belt.
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Yes, tried wd 40, the car is back in tomorrow for the third time, going to ring vauxhall technical. Priced the tools today from vauxhall to do the job and came to something like £400 +. The whole set up is totally diferent from any other timing belt on the ecotec engines, variators, the new type tensioner etc.
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Wd40 or anything similar on a belt is bad news.
Will certainly cause a hiccup if its noticed at any point under a warranty claim !
Instructions on belt specifically mention to avoid oil/grease contact !
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Wd40 or anything similar on a belt is bad news.
Bad news? How come they mention that it's ok to use on various rubber products in their 2000 uses list then?
www.wd40.co.uk/media/images/a/8/LIST_OF_2_000_USES...f
I've previously sprayed it on alternator driver belts and cam belts with no detrimental effects whatsoever to them.
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 07/10/2008 at 19:59
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WD40 want degrade the rubber etc though IMO it is not a very good idea to put it on a belt on the basis that it reduces friction between the belt and the pulleys and can induce slip.
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It is oil based, it will degrade rubber (compounds) as timing belts.
I have used it on squealing alternator belts before now, but its not good for them either.
If in doubt ask about it at a technical section of a belt supplier (via factor or supplier direct). You will be advised, without doubt, NOT to use it.
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Guess we'll have to beg to differ on this one then.
Cheddar, in fact is has the opposite effect and reduces slip, believe it or not. It is also very good at quietening down belts that make a 'whispy' dry type of noise. A very long serving mechanic told me of that particular tip.
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 07/10/2008 at 22:10
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Guess we'll have to beg to differ on this one then.
Though I reckon it is important that numerous readers of this thread dont spray WD40 all over their cambelts.
Cheddar in fact is has the opposite effect and reduces slip believe it or not.
I would like to see that explained Dave!
I would not argue with Screwloose's previous assertion that spraying a little WD40 on an auxiliary belt does little harm and can help to show if that it what is causing a squeal. Though beyond that I dont think it is a good idea.
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I would like to see that explained Dave!
I think I goofed there. Instead of "reduce slip", what I meant to have typed was that it can reduce the noise made from a belt that is making a 'whispy' type sound. EDIT - in fact I actually did. I think I need a lie down in a darkened room
I would not argue with Screwloose's previous assertion that spraying a little WD40 on an auxiliary belt does little harm
Perhaps I should clarify; I am not suggesting for one moment you drown the belt in WD40.
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 08/10/2008 at 11:38
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Perhaps I should clarify too ?
Im not screwloose; although I think I have 1 or 2 loose !
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Im not screwloose; >>
Sorry, I know, Screwloose has made the same point before in another thread.
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Hi all,
well the answer to my problem became apparent when i removed the cam cover from the engine. Inside is a rubber membrane/diaphram which was holed. apparently, when first came out, you could get this membrane seperately, not now, you have to buy the whole cam cover which costs £120 at dealers. absolutely shocking if you ask me. Why this should have gone after doing the timing belt who knows.
thanks for all your thoughts.
Dave.
Edited by Webmaster on 12/10/2008 at 01:01
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