Replace Chain on van or not?

Retromatic

Retromatic

Retromatic

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Joined
5 Oct 2008
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Location
West Sussex
Long story short, I spent out a small fortune on my previous van (`04 Renault Kangoo, 78,000) and then the 8 month old cambelt went a couple of months ago totalling the engine. So it was scrapped.

I managed to get finance on a new van (Vauxhall Combo 1.3 2008, 57,000),after getting mixed results on the net, I emailed my garage to look it up, turns out it has a chain instead of a cambelt.

Unhelpfully they didn't answer my question as to whether or not it needs replacing?

I'm a bit paranoid after the last fiasco, as I can't work without my van..
 
SB118 said:
Chain life defines the life of the engine.
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Fixed for you! ;)

Chains used to be reliable!

Unfortunately manufacturers seem to have forgotten how to make them!

In practice chains are not "That" much more reliable than belts, and just as catastrophic when they go wrong!

And typically far more expensive to replace as a matter of routine!

(There is a reason why many manufacturers have gone back to chains Your benefit is not the reason why! :mad:;):D )
 
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Depends on the diesel engine. The Isuzu ones are renowned for being pretty bullet proof. The 1.3 I've no experience with, but I think it is a Fiat Multijet engine. My 2001 Vectra SRI was an Isuzu unit.

Edit: A quick wiki...

Ownership of some Fiat JTD designs is shared with General Motors as part of a settlement of the failed merger between the two auto conglomerates. GM Powertrain Torino group in Turin, Italy manages their interest in these engines. Some PSA Peugeot Citroën diesel engines are also rebadged JTD units.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JTD_engine#1.3
 
Yeah I'd heard the Vauxhall chains can cause problems and before buying my Mazda 6 ideas up and made sure mine had the chain done,if the chain or belt goes her risking the engine goingboom. Well worth getting done if it's a known issue
 
Is the talk about weak timing chains on the petrol or diesel engines? I know there's a couple of petrol engines using timing chains (1.0, 1.2, 1.4 litre and 2.2 in the vectra and vx220). The petrols have all been Opel/GM developed.

Edit: A bit of googling and it seems the Fiat 1.3 JTD unit likes to throw timing chains, which is what your Combo has. I would be paranoid. But I wouldn't rush out and get it replaced just because. However I'd be on the lookout for signs that the timing chain is going.
 
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OhEsEcks said:
Is the talk about weak timing chains on the petrol or diesel engines? I know there's a couple of petrol engines using timing chains (1.0, 1.2, 1.4 litre and 2.2 in the vectra and vx220). The petrols have all been Opel/GM developed.

Edit: A bit of googling and it seems the Fiat 1.3 JTD unit likes to throw timing chains, which is what your Combo has. I would be paranoid. But I wouldn't rush out and get it replaced just because. However I'd be on the lookout for signs that the timing chain is going.
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Thanks for the replies everyone.

OhEsEcks, what are the signs of a chain going? I was under the impression it gave no warning (like a belt)?
 
Retromatic said:
Thanks for the replies everyone.

OhEsEcks, what are the signs of a chain going? I was under the impression it gave no warning (like a belt)?
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Heavy rattling from the engine when idling, or a particularly rough idle. Basically, like belts, chains will stretch before they eventually give and snap. So you want to listen for things that indicate a loose chain.

Asking someone to listen for a rough idle and rattling on a diesel sounds pretty nonsensical. But when a timing chain starts loosening up, you WILL notice it because it'll sound pretty horrific compared to how your motor normally idles or runs.

Jez said:
Wait, your rover has a BMW engine?
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They used diesel BMW engines during BMWs ownership. A quick wikipedia lists the BMW M47 as being used in the Rover 75, MG ZT and Freelander.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M47
 
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Its a running joke on the forum, he constantly mentions the fact that some BMW engines were found in Rover cars :)
 
The main issue with chains is down to lack of oil changes or poor quality oil. I replaced the chain on my engine for peace of mind when I fitted it to my car, it was on 112k at the time. But the original chain and guides looked to be in very good condition still.
 
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