Vectra 1.8 - cambelt or chain?
Sam
a relative is about to purchase a 2002 ( I think) Vectra 1.8 (petrol)
He's been told that it has a chain, rather than a belt - but I have a
nagging suspicion that it is actually a timing belt.
It's done 60,000 - dunno what the recommended change interval is (if it is a
belt) or whether a belt change has been done previously.
Anyone know if it's belt or chain?
Thanks
Conor
--
Conor
I only please one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow isn't
looking good either. - Scott Adams
Chris Whelan
I think 2002 was the changeover from Vectra B to C, so it depends what shape
it is.
The B is belt; change interval was originally 80K; not too many made it that
far! Current manufacturers interval is 40K, but 36K is safer. It's also
best to change the water pump at the same time because if the pump fails,
it generally snaps the timing belt.
If your relative's car is a "B", and it has 60K on it with no belt history,
tell him to get it done *NOW*, as in today!
The C is chain cam, and incidentally is a much better car all round.
Chris
--
Remove prejudice to reply.
Sam
"Conor" <conor_...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:6hfq6cF...@mid.individual.net...
> In article <6hfo87F...@mid.individual.net>, Sam says...
>> Hi,
>>
>> a relative is about to purchase a 2002 ( I think) Vectra 1.8 (petrol)
>>
>> He's been told that it has a chain, rather than a belt - but I have a
>> nagging suspicion that it is actually a timing belt.
>>
>> It's done 60,000 - dunno what the recommended change interval is (if it
>> is a
>> belt) or whether a belt change has been done previously.
>>
>> Anyone know if it's belt or chain?
>>
> I'm sure they're all belts.
---------
Thanks for that - my relative (son in law) was told by the seller (a car
supermarket) that it was a chain after he'd made a point of inquiring about
the belt change intervals ;)
I had deep suspicions - and I wanted to confirm it before he signed on the
dotted.
I also saw another job lot of cars at another supermarket - 2006 Daewoo's
(can't quite bring myself to call them 'Chevvies') which had 39,000 miles on
them. The seller lied through his teeth and said that the belt change
interval was 80,000 ;)
Since they're old Astra units, I assume that the change is actually at
40,000? - and that's probably why they were chopped in at 39,000.
Dealers! - are there no straight ones out there?!!!
Anyway, thanks again for the info - it's appreciated.
Sam
"Chris Whelan" <cawh...@prejudicentlworld.com> wrote in message
news:VMysk.232512$Q%5.10...@newsfe27.ams2...
---------
Thanks Chris. I believe that he's looking at a 'C' - so the seller was
obviously telling the truth, and I've been too harsh in doubting him.
As an aside, do you know how long the chain is good for on average?
Cheers.
moray
"Sam" <no...@none.com> wrote in message
news:6hfo87F...@mid.individual.net...
Belt.
The original recommended replacement interval was 80k, which got dropped to
60k briefly, before finally being dropped to 40k.
If there is any doubt as to weather it's been done, get it changed, along
with the guide rollers and waterpump.
Chris Whelan
AFAIK, they are not a service item, so it would be reasonable to assume a
minimum life of 100K.
moray
"Chris Whelan" <cawh...@prejudicentlworld.com> wrote in message
news:VMysk.232512$Q%5.10...@newsfe27.ams2...
1.8 has always been belt. They didn't change the engine for the C.
It's only the 2.2 that's chain.
Sam
"moray" <mtbhyp...@hotmaildotco.tuk> wrote in message
news:g8uenu$oru$1$8302...@news.demon.co.uk...
---
Yes, thanks for that - I've just had a look at Honest John and the 1.8 is
indeed a belt.
Confusing, as it seems to be the only Vectra engine that is belt driven - an
easy mistake to make.
Well, thanks for the info - and hurrah for the 'net ;)
Chris Whelan
Oops, yep!
It's amazing that they made most of an awful car OKish, but missed out on
this.