Holden Astra Engine Problems

YES, change the belt and tensioner because Holden recommends it after four years or 60,000km. The possible consequences of not changing it are too horrible to think about. You will be up for much more than the cost of the service if the belt breaks.

WE ASKED Holden to clarify the situation. Holden recommends that toothed belts and tensioners be changed as per the owner's handbook, which is now at 60,000km intervals after being at 120,000km, but timing chains do not require replacing as part of regular standard maintenance. Your SRi is fitted with a Z22SE engine that has a timing chain, so it doesn't need servicing. Astras have four engine variants. The other three -- the X18XE1, Z18XE and C20LET turbo -- have belts that require service at 60,000km. If you're in doubt about which engine is fitted to your Astra, check your owner's manual.

I CAN'T predict when your engine might expire, but you could get a guide by having a mechanic check some of its vitals. You say it drives well and isn't using oil, which is a good sign. But check to see if it's blowing smoke under any conditions and have a mechanic run a compression test to check the state of each cylinder. If all that comes out positive, I wouldn't be concerned about the engine giving up in the near future. As for the Astra, I have no problems recommending it.

Holden has changed the service interval for the cam timing belt to 60,000km. They experienced some failures of the belt and the belt tensioner, which are both replaced at the service. Holden dealers know of the problem and are supposed to contact owners to advise them of the change. I would take the car to your dealer and have them check it out.

THIS problem is not uncommon with the Astra. Holden actually changed the service interval for the belt from 120,000km to 60,000km, so you have a strong claim. Taking your car to an Ultratune outlet complicates the issue a little, but doesn't alter the fact that the belt failed. Holden rightly wants to see the mechanic's report and the belt. I'm sure if you follow its recommendation you will have a satisfactory outcome.

YES, the Zafira is also powered by the Z22SE 2.2-litre engine, which has a timing chain, not a belt, so there's no need for additional servicing.

THE flat spot sounds like fuel vaporisation. Fuel can vaporise in the fuel rail because of the heat generated while sitting idle, and it can cause a slight misfire when it's time to go. Get the fuel pump checked to see if it's delivering its full flow of fuel. Also check the fuel-pressure regulator to see if it's maintaining the correct fuel pressure.

IT'S CERTAINLY early, very early. I would suspect the chain lost tension for some reason. Was the tensioner changed at the same time that the chain was replaced? Chains are used by carmakers because they last longer than belts. Over time they wear and stretch and ultimately become noisier, but I wouldn't be expecting to replace a timing chain before 200,000km.

AT that sort of mileage the fuel injectors could need cleaning. Dirty injectors can cause the sort of problems you describe -- rough running, stalling and misfiring. Have your mechanic check if that is the problem.

GENERALLY they don't need to be warmed up before driving or allowed to idle for a few moments before being switched off. The only thing I would avoid is the type of driving that puts stress on the engine before it has warmed up. That means no hard acceleration for the first few minutes after you start.