WATCH THIS AND YOU'LL SOON REALISE WHY THESE ARE AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR! VAUXHALL 1.6CDTI TIMING CHAIN

[@brianmullins5824]

Can't imagine there would be too many general mechanics that would take on a job like that Baz,there is some serious knowledge and know how involved in this job

[@yamfz6]

You wouldn't find many. Todays 'mechanics' are ancillary fitters. In out give us your cash..

[@craigpaterson7191]

I’ve just done one for a customer on the floor in around 18hours for £1600, it may look a massive job but really isn’t as big as many may think

[@martinfeatherstone3595]

Hi Baz - brilliant job as usual. I think it's only right to point out that it's not a PSA engine - Opel managed to cock this one up on their own, without any help from the French! It was developed to replace the 1.7 diesel, but they obviously employed a few BMW designers - hence why the timing chain went onto the wrong end of the block. It's the main reason I'll only consider the 1.9/2.0CDTi engines...

[@bazmeredith]

I'm absolutely useless on engine numbers even model of cars, after 2010 I lost interest in keeping up with them all 😂😂😂 it's all nuts and bolts to me buddy

[@SimonRiches-m8s]

Big job and unexpected given that the mileage is still below 100,000 miles. Thanks for your detailed explanation and clear images.

[@mikejba]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, you are an absolute master Baz. A cracking job, yet again 🤙

[@bazmeredith]

Appreciate this buddy 🤙

[@Doctor00-786]

That was job and a half Baz, engine looked literally brand new after the clean. Cracking job mate and one very lucky customer as well with that much play in the chain.

[@raymondrose9209]

On balance I still prefer a vehicle with a chain over a wet belt system.

[@yw019]

Cracking job! Clutch was replaced in 2021 by a main dealer, the original was warped (manufacturing fault), pleased they did the bolts up properly 😂😂

[@Markrobertz]

Sounds like a little singer sewing machine….i was waiting for it 😂 great vid baz

[@royharwood]

Wow, the engineers that designs that, should be banned from designing anything else. I dread to think what the bill for all that cost. Great content as always.

[@tomcurran65]

Massive job and important that a customer understands this. Also any potential buyers of these should be aware that they will be facing this at some point. I see you got yourself a "Send it" branded body warmer, nice. Pichler come through again with another simple but effective tool with the drop link pliers, Those guys are just brilliant with their brainstorming and ideas, they see a problem and just solve it, simple and effective design work. The contrast between the inductive heater and the pliers is immense from a technology point of view, but the effectives of their designs for purpose is identical. Its good to see that they are not "too proud" to develop basic ideas as well as complex ones.

[@nickluckleek2445]

Another beauty Baz for that reason alone I would steer clear from these cars and thanks for the advice on how much the cost is but a lot of work a really lot of work still loving the content keep then coming

[@martinthompson54]

Hi baz, great job on the wee car, hope you have a heater in your garage it looks cold lol, from marty in Belfast northern Ireland God bless

[@mickymac6571]

Timing chains until fairly recently would usually last the life of the engine and were preferable to timing belts, now they seem to fail prematurely.

[@MrSpeedy99]

Absolutely, it’s farcical how these life time components are now seemingly less resilient than a belt!

[@mickymac6571]

@@MrSpeedy99 and more expensive to replace.

[@apemoon1731]

Absolutely. There were half a dozen things on an engine that would die before the timing chain.

[@itswais77]

Unless you buy a Japanese car and you see the difference

[@seanwallace1972]

Great video,had my chain and all parts Replaced at 38,000 miles

[@kmcca08]

I havnt done one of these myself, but I know a guy that has done a few, and he takes the engine and box out altogether, doesn’t touch the subframe at all. Apparently engine loom comes out with engine pretty easy.

[@GR-uy1hx]

Baz, You've done so many of these now. You Make it look so easy. I really admire you for your level of your skill and that your cool as a 🥒. 👌

[@stevencroft4850]

I really enjoyed this video. I'm retired now, but started out as an apprentice diesel mechanic in Bridgend, before leaving for Canada almost 50 years ago. It's interesting to see how vehicle technology has progressed in the uk over the years!

[@harveysmith100]

Progressed is an interesting word to use.

[@bentbitz1]

Not sure that engine design is progress though Steven. 😆

[@stephenhowe568]

That's not progress.... that is a stupid design flaw.

[@guywilloughby3383]

I had my timing chain replaced about 2 years ago and since then I've done 90,000 miles as it's a taxi, I am starting to get a correlation issue between the cam and the crank sensor which makes me think that the chain has gone slack again. Have you ever considered just replacing the tensioner? I had the new gasket upgrade applied when the job was done but it obviously hasn't stopped the problem!!

[@bazmeredith]

Probably needs doing again buddy unfortunately

[@zzhughesd]

Insane engine bay packaging with intent

[@frankyboy6245]

just done mine, dont forget to mention the rear crankshaft oil seal, must be replaced, VERY IMPORTANT., great job

[@stevejanejamesjassteph5903]

Thankyou.....I would never buy one of these,, OMG

[@stevemainwaring7598]

Baz yet another specialist video, amazing how you know so much your computer brain must be good, lots of work involved and like you say jo public do not realise that, this shows them, do you know if the timing chain on the Peugeot Professional 1.5 blue HDI is the same amount of work I'm not sure, but have been led to believe that they need doing at the same time as the belts. ?

[@Jack_JJS]

A pleasure to watch as always 🤙

[@gavinstreet9694]

Great video again 👍 I have this engine in my insignia B, bought it with 32k on the clock and had rattle now and again on start, it’s now on 68k have done three oil changes and put a bottle of liquid molly in it and the rattle has pretty much disappeared. Still not sure how much longer to keep this car though as it’s always in the back of my mind.

[@steveharrod6911]

another fantastic video but im afraid it only serves as a reminder why i walked away from the general motor trade and only repair old cars now

[@leeroysilk]

Well said, I couldn't agree more. It has been many years since I worked inside a garage repairing vehicles. I wouldn't be rushing back either...

[@johnturner9395]

Excellent video, take my hat off to you Baz! dreading having to do mine on an Astra j 1.6DTL but plenty of detail so will give it a go. Couple of questions, with regard to the timing chain kit where is the best place to get this from and also the various torque settings. Struggling to find information on the 16DTL engine

[@markaddy53]

great job again lad well done sounds sweet now

[@steveng5503]

Well done Baz! How many hours did it take you? 👍🏻

[@cahilla54]

Worked as a service advisor for Opel here in Ireland. Idk how many of these jobs I saw during my short stint there 😂

[@mekanikerenhos]

I love your videos. It is good mechanics job. But did you not get anykind of heating in your workshop?? Here in denmark we could not get people working if there is cool. In my own workshop i have heating in my floor, and it is 19 degrease celsius. Keep up the good work and show some more specieltools.

[@cabottaxi]

Not sure if it was a good omen but gave the video its 666 thumbs up

[@simonhughes3705]

quality work yet again baz. got a 2018 mokka 4x4 clutch to do tomorrow, do i need to remove the transfer box from the gearbox or can it stay attached? any input would be much appreciated.

[@plugman1963]

Top job Baz👍

[@thelikesofus324]

OMG, I've got this engine. So far no problems, but am dreading the day I decide its time to pay for a chain replacement. I thought timing chains were fairly bullet proof, having to change one sub 100K miles is not a good advert for Opel/Vauxhall.

[@AndyPat239]

Mate you could get away with changing the tensioner for a bit, but looking at it you'd probably best off changing the whole lot while you're 'in there' 😊

[@johnkinnaird2250]

had to get my 66 plate cross chain replaced at 54000 miles, cost a fortune.3 months ago.

[@eggie555golf]

Big job I know but it must also be reassuring to know you have all those hours in the day or even 2 being paid at your full hourly rate , keep the videos coming baz

[@LatifMarof]

Good job

[@stuart6973]

Great job 👍🏻

[@eddiejones.redvees]

I have a 2015 Astra j with the same engine when a bought it I thought it would save me money it haveing a timeing chain but after I found out it was at the rear I new I made a mistake if it does require replacing I think I would scrap the car and going back to a car with a rubber belt or like the car I own back in the 70s it had no belt or chain because the was not a camshaft to drive in the engine

[@lindadavies5298]

elbow grease is really g101 from autosmart both do the job.

[@wackey3455]

BAZ FANTASTIC THANKS

[@garyparker5012]

As there is a small chamber in that tensioner because of the gasket couldn’t you pre fill it with some engine oil so it’s got some oil there on initial start up hopefully saving all the clattering when turning over for the first time ?

[@bazmeredith]

Nope as it needs oil pressure to push the tensioner out. But good thought tho buddy 🤙

[@andrewodonoghue8666]

Hi Baz where did you get your ball joint pliers from ? Thanks

[@bridgeandtunneled]

I can never figure out why anyone would design the engine with the chain on the gearbox side. Its almost like they want it to be more work to maintain.

[@leeroysilk]

Was thinking the same, total madness. Just think how much quicker and easier it would have been if it had of been at the front.

[@stephenhowe568]

If a manufacturer builds a simplified reliable engine it would be an engine that would be fitted as an aftermarket installation in lots of cars.

[@JBwindowcleaning]

As a non mechanic, I love watching your vids. Watching ones like this blows my mind all that work for a timing chain. Ps. It does my Mrs head in when you say. Startaroonie 🤣🤣 but I love it started saying it all the time now.

[@bazmeredith]

😂😂😂😂

[@Ngmitch]

Bang on 🤙🏻

[@ericbarrington9522]

well done Baz nice job. shame on GM another cocked up, timing chain failed at 100k!!!! they make these engines easier for them to make not to service, the adjuster should of been a recall!

[@kentgoldings436]

Baz, what's that marker pen or paint you use to mark the bolts Etc.? Looks perfect for the job, I could do with some of that. Thanks.

[@bazmeredith]

Look in my bio in click my linktree and everything is in there buddy

[@65Lynchy]

100k miles changed gear box oil on 'sealed for life' aatra...about half the volume,thin black n dirty

[@michaelanderson2689]

I do believe that manufacturers know these or most engines will have common issues, and designed that way so they can make money selling parts etc. 😂

[@leeroysilk]

What's the deal with modern cars suffering from timing chain wear? Back in the old days the tensioner may wear resulting in the chain rattling, but it wasn't common to be replacing chains, let alone chain failures. My old 06 Mondeo 2.2 TDCI has now covered 242k and has never needed a new chain or tensioner. Has had a few auxiliary tensioners and pulleys. :)

[@StephenRandall-x6s]

Yes way back timing chains straight forward then we moved to belts and tensioners collapsing etc now back to chains and even more issues! The same with the fluid clutch operation,all external components then went to cables and now back to fluid systems except you have to remove gearbox to renew a failed slave cylinder mounted INSIDE.Progress I think not.

[@leeroysilk]

@@StephenRandall-x6s - All about preventing the home mechanic from doing his or her own repairs. If you remember, at one point special tools could only be found at the dealer, meaning most had to return their vehicle to the overpriced dealership for repairs. Thankfully that hasn't been the case for some time now. Bring back engines such as the Pinto's etc were you could pretty much strip and rebuild with basic tools in your living room! :)

[@AJ-tj7jm]

My work vehicle is a 6 year old vivaro with 130k on original chain, dread to think how slack that is because its had that chain slap since it was a week old. Also on the original clutch and the oldest vehicle on the fleet, no mechanical issues so far but knowing my luck its a ticking timebomb that will probably detonate on the way home on a Friday.

[@harrysmith5353]

Do you replace the clucth and flywheel as standard practice and is that in the 2k price.

[@bazmeredith]

No it's not included in the price, it's always put to customers before the job is carried out but if there's nothing wrong it's an expensive extra cost

[@harrysmith5353]

@@bazmeredith yeah clutch and fly wheel is £700 i think. I got mine from vaux spares in Essex very good place for oem parts.

[@itsbritney-beech9724]

Send it!

[@mikX4]

Is that new time lapse music? Could put that tune out in ibiza. If not already, please put that as a link so we an download it, or give us the deet's of the composer. Thanks.

[@marksmith-lp3mu]

i have a vauxhall,, 1.6cdti. but lucky for me its a vauxhall combo van

[@GWAYGWAY1]

Was the chain actually shot or was it just the tensioner???? I would hate this job.

[@bazmeredith]

Chain was stretched. Not a lot but the tensioner was no more

[@andrewmooreandrewrmoore7615]

Not Vauxhall's finest hour that 1.6. You're getting doing quite a few of these now.👍

[@carabara3947]

Yeah Baz The 1.6 And 2.0Ltr Ford Pinto's Were The Same Super LOL Feel A Rant Coming On But Hey ' System's Too Big Don't Question It '

[@tonymcnamara9368]

Vauxhall don't put a gasket in, so basically it's designed to fail sooner or later? Anything to try and keep selling car's, instead of repairing.

[@alancooper3331]

I think I will stay with my Fiesta.

[@flavoursonly]

Here we go again the lord of the 1.6cdti has returned my fellow fitters! 😂😂😂

[@anthony342]

baz could you change the oil in my m32 gear box on my astra van ..

[@gordoncoburn5567]

Just had a wet belt changed on my grandland X 2019 at £1000 only had 50k Now my son has to have a timeing changed on a 2018 Ford fouces 1.0 ecoboost. He has been quoted £2000. No garage in the area would touch it. The quality of cars seem to be going backwards

[@charliecoco2115]

I noticed the chain was a single link chain, older cars used to have double track chains, is this contributing to the premature wear?

[@markbro4427]

Suzuki have the right idea, look up a 2.4 petrol Grand Vitara Chain (I own one)...9 links side by side where the pins are, 4 tracks between the pins.... even the smaller Suzuki cars have wide chains. I service a Vauxhall Agila which is a rebadged Suzuki Splash, 160,000 miles and you'd barely hear it ticking over.

[@cypeman8037]

Good video, if that makes sense. 😉

[@rosspage8499]

Them new pincher plier available now ?

[@bazmeredith]

Yes give them an email

[@StretchArmstroong]

The best way to make this job cheaper for yourself is not to buy an Astra 😂

[@brianredmond4919]

Where did you get the pliers ?.

[@bazmeredith]

Pichler

[@GhostLead65]

They literally don,t want you to repair these things.Should of kept the old style rubber belt at the correct end of the engine like the good old motors.

[@peterrobinson8530]

Mmm got a mokka x same engine 70k miles always serviced and runs fine. But ? Is it time to move it on 😂

[@peterrobinson8530]

Come on baz. Stick or twist im sticking.

[@qrogueuk]

100k subscribers not far off

[@yorkshireman7025]

Bring back the old 1.7 isuzu td. Duno what this scrap engine is 😂

[@garywinterbottom6073]

Yep I had a 92 1.7td isuzu engine it was absolutely bulletproof then a 1.7cdti astra g 05 plate not as good imo as the older diesel. 😊

[@yorkshireman7025]

@garywinterbottom6073 best diesel engine that ever made its way into old vauxhalls, they was also a 1.5td isuzu in nova and corsa bs.The omega 2.5td bmw engine was also a gem. The mk4 varient of the 1.7 was a gm based reproduction of the genuine isuzu, stuff failed unfortunately. The real mccoy had turbo in red letters on rocker cover

[@garywinterbottom6073]

@@yorkshireman7025 yes mine did I think they had pre combustion not common rail on the old one.?

[@yorkshireman7025]

@@garywinterbottom6073 not sure tbh. As with most old diesels,Its mechanical fuel pump. Like the old 306 d turbo where you could wind up the fueling on pump for more power ☺😏

[@rosspage8499]

Got a part number dude ?

[@thindo]

Kind of defeats the purpose when you have to change the chain earlier than you would do a belt and at a higher cost

[@nightstorm9128]

The timing chains on these engines are not the problem,,They will go 250k miles if they get the proper lube,,The problem is the manufacturers telling people it's ok to change your oil every 12 or 15 thousand miles,,People think that when you put new oil in a Diesel engine and it's instantly black is normal,,,But it's not,,,This is because they change there oil every 12 or 15k miles,,This makes the inside of your engine filthy,,I change my oil every 3500 miles,,And it takes 1000 miles for the oil to turn black,,Your oil is black because that is microscopic particles of soot that makes it black,,,That soot is an abrasive ,,Now imagine millions of these tiny abrasive soot particals flowing around the metal timing chain,,Getting into every crevice of the chain grinding it like sandpaper,,,This is what wares them out prematurely ,,,Not only that but,,Diesel engines with oil leaks most of the time are preventable,,,Its the same thing with rubber seals,,The old oil full of soot degrades and destroys the seals,,,Turning them brittle like plastic,,,,,Modern synt,oils. have additives that keep the seals supple and new,,But again people let there oil go till its not only worn out,,But is slowly destroying your engine,,,,,,,Not to mention the damage old oil does to DPFs,,,Change your oil in a Diesel engine every 3500 to no more than 4K miles,,And as far as seal leaks and chain problems,,You'll never have them,,,,,In a petrol engine,,5 to 5500 miles,,Again you'll have no chain problems,,250 quid a year for oil and filters is better than 10 grand for a new engine,,

[@georgedaville4662]

I agree with your assessment, but the average joe these days can hardly afford to run a car, never mind service it! And it going to get worse unfortunately 😢

[@StephenRandall-x6s]

Reference black oil after changing,my car a Skoda 1.6tdi dealer serviced, one time after 6 months had a regen happen and as the oil level went up I did the oil and filter myself,made sure it was warm,cleaned oil filter housing and let oil drain for at least 30 mins--result for 2 weeks oil was so clean hard to see level on dipstick! Never been like that before or since after annual services carried out!

[@richie674]

Couldn’t have described that any better myself & I’ve been doing oil flushes for over 30 years & every engine in my car is the same when bought to sold ie like new out the factory, timing belt or timing chain it don’t matter & people come to view your car for sale & ask : has this had a new engine ? No it has not it’s the original, they find it hard to believe but as you say £200 odd quid a year on oil & filters is far better than 10 grand 👍🤙

[@yhshah21]

Not on these engines, know a taxi driver who was changing every 8k still had chain issues.

[@IwasBraveFor2WholeSeconds]

I keep seeing on line you have to change the timing belt on a vw 1.5 tsi every 5 year's, Really, I don't think so, my car has only done 7500 miles in 2 years and rarely goes past 2500 rpm. Now if you're ragging the engine in town and at high rpm on motorways I would say yeah, I can see you have too.

[@bazmeredith]

Rubber deterioration regardless of how you drive the vehicle

[@nightstorm9128]

This is not a PSA engine,,It's a fully GM engine,,Opels only started using PSA engines in 2017 when PSA bought Opel from GM,,

[@bazmeredith]

It's nuts and bolts to me buddy

[@stoveguy2133]

You don’t own building? Rent? No ceiling insulation?

[@priteshchampaneri5101]

Is this the 1.6 cdti Baz? Could remember my dad's 1.6 cdti Mokka chain used to rattle on cold starts

[@bazmeredith]

Yes it is buddy

[@yamfz6]

The Ultimate in design... Flimsy chain, crap oil pumps and all at the wrong end of the engine. Voho quoted me £2350 2 years ago for the chain replacement alone.. I sold the car. Garbage.

[@zzhughesd]

Will the rattly when cold chain wipe out the tensioner or would it run on years to come as is, or self destruct Baz

[@bazmeredith]

Tensioners fail and normally smash the guides to bits and block the oil pump up.

[@zzhughesd]

@@bazmeredith Thanks Baz, I presumed the similar or same, just needed to know, this hateful EV vehicle to come at least doesn't have the tranny and engine woes of Piston engine cars but where is the fun ( Ionix5 'N' excluded )

[@C21H27NO-atj]

All that work for a timing belt? ffs.

[@lint8391]

What a god-awful design. Putting the timing chain at the gearbox end of the engine. On a transverse mounted engine. So they can't even use the BS BMW excuse of safety to avoid chainsawing pedestrians in the event of a crash. Combined with the stupid slackening off of the tensioner every time the car is parked for a few hours.

[@bubonicspearman8758]

What idiot decides to put the timing chain on the gearbox side what a 💩 design, I actually have one of theses cars it needed a engine rebuild at 13000 miles it's now on 113456 miles I change the oil and filter every 6000 it's been OK but if the chain starts to rattle I will get rid of it

[@robertdnero2217]

Yikes.

[@simonbailey2151]

Another absolute swine of a job, in a freezing cold workshop, mostly done one-handed. I have no idea you manage to do it Baz.

[@scotspie501douglas7]

psa shocking wet belt chancers no doubt you know I dislike them so much

[@stugbroon16]

Whats the interval on these chains🫣🫣

[@bazmeredith]

There isn't

[@TheWatchman1893]

2 Bag, what a ridiculous expense and design, be better to drive it into a lake. This video do an excellent job of showing just how much of a ridiculous conplex and horrible job it is. Feel for you.

[@shaunblakemore7150]

Top job Baz 👍

[@bazmeredith]

Cheers Shaun 🤙