z22se changing timing chain whats involved?

[Mboasty]

hi, as above, my mate has a vectra with a z22se engine fitted, we think the timing chain has ****ed up, what sort of damage could this cause internaly if this went? whats involved in changing it? is it going to be an easy job or not? we've had a quick look, but looks like we've got to remove enging mount?

[phazer]

Parts are about £150, you also need a setting tool IIRC. Dealer will charge around £400 to change the chain and oil nozzles.

I had an astra that threw its chain, 14 valves and some valve guides....ouch.

[muzzy]

It's not too hard a job to change the chain, you will want to lock the camshafts so will need the tool to do so. If the chain does go then it's going to be expensive, expect valve and possibly guide damage at best.

[Ben]

As said replacement of working chain is easy enough, replacing broken one is going to be expensive!

[comptoncj]

Last one i did i dint use any locking tools lol but it made the job a bit of an effort but theres timing marks on the sprockets and the new chain. An astra came in on a tow truck that had jumped lots of teeth and that needed 8 new rockers, 10 valve guides and 10 valves lol so when they go wrong theyre expensive. Its commonly the tensioner that causes the issue on the back of the head GM kits come with it but im not sure if the pattern ones do but its pointless putting a chain on if your not changing that.

Have fun :)

[Stuart]

I didnt use a locking tool for when I did the VX's chain.

The best guide for the actual chain replacement is in the MK4 astra haynes manual.

Depending on the way the enigine is mounted in the bay, you may need to remove some engine mounts to move the lump about to get ONE (yes ONE) poxy bolt out from the timing chain cover.


Retiming is a piece of piss and everything is colour coded/marked appropriately etc. (just dont turn it over once timed up and expect the marks to line up (takes 250ish turns to realign lol))