I have 2002 Vectra Sri 150 is there a fault on the timing chain I know someone who as the same model and year and the chain as snapped at 49,000 miles Vauxhall repaired it free of charge is there any way of avoiding this mine has done 12,000 miles fully serviced had it from new have phoned Vauxhall and they say there is no problems or recalls.
Answer
There’s a small jet that sprays oil onto the chain to keep it lubricated and on pre March 2002 engines. The jet tended to block, leading to the chain breaking.
A larger jet was fitted from March 02 on, so it depends when your engine was made. I suspect part of the problem was also Vauxhall’s decision to extend the service intervals to 20,000 miles – the oil can get very dirty, but presumably you’ve been having it serviced on time rather than mileage so you should be OK. I recommend using flushing oil at oil changes, along with a good quality oil and change it every 10,000 regardless of what Vauxhall say..
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