Car In question is a 1.6 Astra SXI (2002 Model) Thanks Pete
Car In question is a 1.6 Astra SXI (2002 Model) The Eco-Tecs are good engines (powerful and economical, if a little harsh) but cambelts (chains are on the 2.2 only) are a weak point. The cambelts are connected to the water pumps so if you have a water pump failure it can destroy your engine - ludicrous. Vauxhall initially set cambelt change intervals for 80k miles but had so many failures they revised this to 40k miles - which you don't want to go over; and don't just change the cambelt, change all the rollers as well - Vauxhall do a kit with all the components. And if your water pump is sounding a but rattly - get it replaced!
and don't forget the tensioners! though as steve says, if you get the kit, they should be in that. mike ..
Am I also correct in thinking that it is the Water pump, which is used to tension the belt? This thing uses a huge spanner, in a very crampt area. LUDICROUS I agree. Vaughn
Having had a cambelt break on an old weezy, rattly, slow but economomical 1.7d (non-turbo) Astra: The water pump should be checked every time the belt is changed *ANY* sign of a waterleak or wear then it should be changed. Further, I would recomend that the water pump is replaced every other cam-belt change regardless of it's apparent condition. Dave
