Does Astra "Ecotec" Engines have cambelts or chains?

Discussion in 'Astra' started by prototype, Dec 20, 2004.

  1. prototype

    prototype Guest

    Car In question is a 1.6 Astra SXI (2002 Model)

    Thanks

    Pete
     
    prototype, Dec 20, 2004
    #1
  2. prototype

    Steve Knight Guest

    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!
     
    Steve Knight, Dec 20, 2004
    #2
  3. prototype

    mikeFNB Guest

    and don't forget the tensioners!
    though as steve says, if you get the kit, they should be in that.

    mike
    ..
     
    mikeFNB, Dec 21, 2004
    #3
  4. prototype

    Vaughn Guest

    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
     
    Vaughn, Dec 21, 2004
    #4
  5. prototype

    Guest Guest

    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
     
    Guest, Dec 21, 2004
    #5
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