How to replace timing belt 1.8 16v Opel Vauxhall

This video is showing how to replace timing belt kit in GM engine 1.8 16v engine code: Z18XE used in Opel and Vauxhall cars. This is step-by-step video.
Cars guide DIY assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Cars guide DIY recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Cars guide DIY, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Cars guide DIY.

[@shuhel02]

I am not going to attempt this my self on my Astra, it’s going into dealer. It was just satisfying watching you do it.

[@hohlasae]

awesome ''REAL EXPLAINED'' guide

[@thomasmason9336]

That looks like my 2014 Chevy Cruz 1.8 engine I didn’t have no information And now I got plenty thank you very much

[@yagoni2]

After turning the engine twice, i'd recommend to check the tension of belt and the arrow on tensioner. It may need a little adjustment.

[@dennisrobinson4275]

Ĺlllĺll

[@gee3770]

Thanks my friend .. really helpful! Just what the doctor ordered . 😃

[@barren76]

Thanx for helping me ❤️❤️❤️ same engine on my Saab 9-3 1.8l 2005

[@gavin9873]

I've driven 172700 km since my timing belt was last changed I think it time to finally do it thanks for the video

[@dariussedleckas8194]

Wow, just wow, feels like watching chrisfix, great filming angles, Nm explained, just *AWESOME* ❤️

[@tye595]

its weird you show how to remove the airbox but not how to lock they flywheel

[@HristovRumen]

Unless you corrected off camera, your intake camshaft is now advanced. You should not have removed the locking tool prior to setting the belt tensioner.

[@carsguidediy]

Hi :) Let me explain you everything. You must clear the belt clearance between the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft. When the locking tool is in place, there is no way to clear the clearance, because camshafts are blocked. Going back to that sentence: intake camshaft is now advanced. Well also it is not possible, timing belt did not jumped, camshafts gears were set on aligned marks. The timing belt is not that flexible. And the timing belt teeth distance between camshafts is always constant. Such a possibility would be if one of the timing gears had a variator.

[@frankdietsche8384]

Excellent presentation , I just came back from my friends place and tried to sort out a miss in the engine after he replacied the water pump and belt. All the tension specs are helpful , what size torq socket is the tensioner bolt ,please Should be able to reset the belt with the correct markings .many thanks

[@carsguidediy]

Thanks :) tensioner bolt has got t40 torx head. I'm not sure what you want to reset?

[@rb6951]

Thank you for this video. Really nice step by step explanation.

[@timbecks81]

Hi there, I don't know if u can help me, but I have a 1.8 corsa c sri, which needs a new abs pump, do I look for a corsa c pump, or can I use any z18xe engine abs pump, if u can let me know, thst be fantastic, awesome video by the way, thanks

[@sekopiski]

Do not remove the locking tool before tensioning the belt. Your intake camshaft moved forwards because the belt was loose. Also you did the tensioning phase incorrectly. At first you must turn the tensioner anticlockwise so that the arrow points far right past the new bracket, then turn crankshaft two turns, check that the timing marks are aligned and then turn the tensioner clockwise so that the arrow points at the new bracket.

[@jerrymcg3199]

Yes, so many of the videos on YT get this wrong. It's asking for trouble.

[@alexbrown1995]

Very good, clear guide. Well done (but the music? Nah.....)

[@jonbeargenx]

Very nicely done! Now how to find a kit that costs less than the entire engine assembly.. ;)

[@Johan-fw8re]

Brilliant mate :) Thanks a million. Have a nine weekend! :)

[@radostinvasilev599]

Have you got a video to show how exactly you are locking the flywheel with a screwdriver for to be able to unscrew the crankshaft pulley?

[@stevemcilroy9518]

Nice one, great vid, thanks.

[@naveendesan2480]

Hello what’s the torque spec for the drive belt tensioner thank you

[@tazzthedoodle7861]

Excellent job thank you!!

[@broomad]

Superb video - many thanks

[@raddkko]

Great video. Thanks!

[@logotrikes]

The only real problem I had with this same job on my xc Tigra, is that the new bolt that comes with the belt tensioner pulley isn't very deep on the Torx slot. I found I only got one chance at tightening this bolt before the Torx socket just skips out of the slot. The old bolt was impossible to remove with a Torx socket and I had to chisel it off. A couple of hours extra work. It was a real prick of a thing to chisel loose. One of the pulleys supplied in the kit was different to the old one and I had to shorten the bolt to make it fit. Wasn't happy about deviating from standard. Hate Torx, they're the work of the devil...

[@carsguidediy]

Hi there, yes it's true, this torx bolt for the tensioner can be real problem. It's a good advice, for people who will do it for the first time ;) Regards

[@logotrikes]

@@carsguidediy I was tempted to swap that bolt for a hex, but I didn't have one ...

[@logotrikes]

@Johannes C Sure Johannes, got one of those. In the end I did the job again using a Hex bolt in place of the torx. Happier now...

[@TheAvitrone]

@@logotrikes I am also doing the wife's XC Tigra, I had the exact same kit issue, one pulley doesnt fit, the tensioner needle jumps all over the 0place on moving the crank around, no idea if thats normal or not.

[@logotrikes]

@@TheAvitrone Don't know Steve, not sure about rotating the crank to recheck the tension, although I must have done to recheck the timing marks. I remember doing that to be sure to be sure. As before the only two issues were having to replace the torx adjustment pulley bolt. I had to machine the head of the bolt down fairly thin so there was no chance of it rubbing the plastic timing belt cover. As for the different pulley supplied with the kit, the dimensions were the same but it needed a shorter bolt, so I shortened the one in the kit and every bolt was loc-tightened. I could have subbed an 8.8 or higher tensile but it went together ok with my shortened bolt. Can't help you much with your tension needle problem. All I know is I wasn't satisfied with how it had gone together and revisited the job for my own satisfaction. I don't know if this engine is interference of pistons with valves so I didn't want to take a chance, which is why I changed the belt well before time, about 20,000 kms early. The belt supplied was a Gates, and all the kit looked to be top quality, so I was happy with the job. 5000 kms later the engine still runs like a dream... Have you got it all back together Steve, and if so, how is it running? I find that with all these jobs, they're demystified to some extent by watching dudes on KZbin who have the experience. Then it's just spanner work. For your sake I hope you never have to change the alternator. All I can say is I hope I never have to do it again. MAJOR work for such a simple piece of kit. There may be others on this forum who have done this job and found it no harder than any other alternator, but for me it was a pig x infinity....

[@toyotoe3732]

Thank you for video. My Zafira has same engine. It has an automatic transmission. How can I lock the flywheel to remove the crank pulley bolt?

[@carsguidediy]

Hi :) You have to lock flywheel. Inspection hole is underneeth the engine, between oil pan and transmission bellhousing. And to do that you have to insert in flywheel teeth locking tool for example tool OEM number: KM 911. Or something that can fit inside that hole and can fit in teeth.

[@liviu2004]

@@carsguidediy KM-6625 on z18xe / af17 tested on my car.

[@andrasszabo1694]

I had the same problem same car. The starter bump method worked like a charm.

[@greggordon8212]

Hi ,Can anyone tell me what is behind the timing belt and related pulleys and gears. I have an oil leak from inside. Is there a video on this problem?

[@charliebush2949]

I have yet to remove my timing and the marks on the two top cam gears do not aling when the bottom gear is alinged with its corresponding mark. Does this mean my timing is out? How do I go about fixing this?

[@kallecan]

Is this the same for 2.0 Opel Omega? Thanks from Sweden!

[@catalinneculai4541]

hi guys, what else should i need to change if i change the: Water Pump, Timing Belt Set, V-Ribbed Belt, Coolant...? maybe some engine mounting, or? good video

[@carsguidediy]

Hi there, you could check the seals on camshafts and on crankshaft. If you find oil leaks there you can replace those seals. You don't have to replace engine mount if you don't find visible cracks on rubber bushing. Also you can check the v-belt pulleys ;) Regards

[@deedee2694]

Is it the same for Opel Meriva 1.6 2004? How can I sey if the belt need replacement? I don't know when the previous owner replaced it.

[@alfie7677]

Hello Cars Guide DIY, I did replace my timing belt on my astra and after 300-400 km I just remove the upper cover of timing belt and I noticed the arrow of the tensioner is under the used mark were previously I correctly set the belt tensioner on new. Do you ever noticed if after a bit the arrow going down or isn’t normal? I think is normal because two reasons . 1 the new belt is much more thick then the old one and now is looks thin like the old one this may explain why the arrow on the tensioner is going down a little bit. 2 when I remove the old one the tensioner arrow was really low and far from any marks .Also I tight the bolt 20Nm and double check with ratchet and it was fine. I hope you can help me removing this doubt front my mind 🤔 Hoping this does make sense to you.Thanks

[@carsguidediy]

Hi there. While asembling did you turn the engine twice? After doing that i'd recommend to check the tension of belt and the arrow on tensioner. It may need a little adjustment. That might be the reason, For sure it's not the bolt. I sugest you start the engine withoutht top cover, and see in what position tensioner is working. Maybe everything is ok. Maybe in your case: engine while shutting down causing that the valves springs can rotate the camshafts backwards, but just a little bit, and that causing timing belt loose. But it is normal 😉 Regards 😉

[@alfie7677]

Cars Guide DIY I understood why I saw the tensioner low, it’s because if you look the tensioner from above it looks lower then how it is. Just tried with the old one and ridiculously even if is correct looked from a different position you can’t see it straight and this caused that I saw it was low. Anyway everything is ok. PS sure I did turn the engine more then 2 time before start it. Thanks

[@carsguidediy]

Good to know that the problem is resolved ;) Regards

[@magnump.i6906]

Hi ,great vid .I have a astra g 1.8 16 value with broken cam belt .do you think I could just get away with fitting belt or will it need a new head ?

[@carsguidediy]

Hi there! It's hard to say, usually when timing belt snapped while engine is running valves gets hurt. You can try to mount new timing belt, and if engine wont work properly then take off cylinder head. Regards :)

[@christopherkennedy4004]

Great video!... I would love a video on how to do the oil pump on this engine, there are no videos on how to do this model oil pump with engine still in the car.

[@carsguidediy]

Thanks ;) If we get such a job, we will definitely make a video from it

[@christopherkennedy4004]

Cars Guide DIY thanks mate!... if you do you will be the first one to do it. There is no good video on how to do oil pump while engine is still in car.

[@batanghook5606]

nice tutorial

[@TheAvitrone]

Hey mate I did the timing belt and set the tensioner and tightened as required, then when I turn the crank full rotations, the tensioner arm (arrow) jumps at least 10mm is that a dodgy component or am I doing it wrong? I feel like its excessive movement - Cheers

[@Alfifa]

Very good video and how to do it ;)

[@joebloggs5886]

what did the guy mean when he was talking about the flywheel and tightening to 95nm of torque when he said 30 degree turn + 15 degree turn? are we meant to turn the cog itself 30 then 15 degrees?

[@joebloggs5886]

@J C don't worry my belt snapped while I lent it to my friend about a year ago and killed yet another 1.8 corsa

[@startube2788]

@@joebloggs5886 why did your belt snapped ? what did you do wrong?

[@joebloggs5886]

@@startube2788 again ask my friend, he's the one that snapped it

[@startube2788]

@@joebloggs5886 From your earlier comment, I understood the car was yours and you borrowed it to your friend and the belt snapped while your friend was driving it. Well, its not your friend's fault, you can push the car as tough as you like, the belt shouldn't snap. I suspect the timing either was old or not put correctly. It may seem easy to install the timing on these engines, but its not like that. I know cars with these engines whos belt snapped just 2000km after the timing was replaced. Did you do the timing job by yourself before it snapped?

[@joebloggs5886]

@@startube2788 I had been told the belt had been done in a reasonable time before by the previous owner (I call bs since it snapped), I got a new car but as I was about to sell the old car (the corsa) my friend crashed his car so I lent him the corsa for a month, maybe two? In that time the clutch got burnt out and then the belt snapped and blew the engine to scrap. 'Friend' never offered to pay anything towards it (although he did buy a new clutch, never fitted it) and hasn't to this day so I don't lend out cars anymore as the first and last time I did I lost a car and a friend... The only reason I ever commented was because while he was going to do the clutch I thought I'd try and do the timing belt just because half the work to gain access would already be done and it would help me sell it, if I had just sold the car and not lent it then the clutch, belt and a few other things would never have been broken when I had to sell/scrap it

[@pagosasprings]

Thanks!

[@rollmeister]

You do not replace the two pulleys for timing belt?

[@daveskelcey5692]

Great video- makes it look so easy! Unfortunately my water pump is completely siezed inside the block. I've got no idea how to get it out without causing damage. Any tips please? It may save my marraige...

[@carsguidediy]

Hi there, If you already remove all bolts from water pump you can take a piece of wood and a hammer, then hit the water pump pulley straight from the top. It should help ;) Regards 😉

[@lalitkishore2979]

Did you get it out mate?

[@americantruckeringermany8394]

@@lalitkishore2979 I think he has a new wife

[@lalitkishore2979]

@@americantruckeringermany8394 haha, well let's hope all is well whatever is going on for him

[@andrewmolloy5095]

thank you

[@jauresdjivoh603]

How much does this cost ?

[@redpillrevelation5978]

Help please my crankshaft wont turn all the way around just gets to a point then stops?

[@sekopaat21]

"put some screwdriver in transmission what"? Where do i put a screwdriver to lock the wheel in 4:36? Can someone help me? Thanks

[@gee3770]

1st spark plug hole (first piston -dead centre

[@barren76]

Hi Okay now I have problem at time 5:40 if thay are not in line what do you do????

[@carsguidediy]

Hi there. What you mean not in line ? Before disassemble? First set up crankshaft gear in line. Then check the top. Are camshafts gears aligned in one line as it was showed in 5:56 ? Remeber that one full turn of crankshaft gear is a half turn of camshaft's gears. If camshaft's gears are not in line do second turn.

[@vincentvrai]

How long does this take

[@michaelemail6042]

Great job...really excellent video

[@jerrymcg3199]

"lock the flywheel" how ??

[@gee3770]

Please I must ask I really need your help.. there’s little markers on the 2x top cams , should they be point both both in the north position OR facing inward to each other for the timing ? Please if you don’t know what I mean please ask me ? Mine is a 2004 1.6 16v

[@carsguidediy]

Hi there. If you have engine code Z16XE then timing should be the same like in 1.8. Marks facing inward to each other. But if you have other engine code like Z16XEP then it's completely different! That's information from Autodata ;) Z16XE has got 100hp, Z16XEP has got 105hp. Regards

[@gee3770]

Cars Guide DIY great ok thank you . really appreciate your help and your fast reply . I must ask you something hope you can help.. with my mark in the correct place on the crank wheel (at the bottom )I took spark plugs out and noticed 1st piston is drop dead centre , do you think this would be correct ? Thanks for helping

[@carsguidediy]

1st piston is at BDC? (Bottom dead center) And at the same time you have camshafts marks aligned facing inward to each other? Remember that one turn of the crankshaft is 1/2 turn of the camshafts

[@gee3770]

Fantastic! Your a star and a big help 😀 really appreciate it! Will let go how goes! Thanks !

[@gee3770]

Cars Guide DIY I have put everything on put in getting a bit of a little small squeaky noise which sounds like coming from the timing belt tensioner , not sure if the bearing is no good or I have over tightened it ? Can these be over tightened ? Thanks again

[@hard0405]

Is it really as easy as you make it look? Or are you fooling all of us rookies. :P

[@carsguidediy]

If you have a bit of manual skills and you do some simple repairs in your car for sure you will handle with it. Regards :)

[@studiumdemontazuiluzji9511]

Kolego, nowy pasek zakłada się zaczynając od koła zębatego wału korbowego przeciwnie do ruchcu wskazówek zegara, kończąc na rolce napinającej, gdybyś tak zakładał nie potrzebowałbyś "trzeciej ręki".

[@vincentvrai]

Can this be done at home?

[@carsguidediy]

Sure it can, all you need is car jack, jack stands, empty container for coolant and hand tools. It can take 3-4 hours, depend of your manual skills. Regards ;)

[@АлександърИванов-щ8ю]

Is it the same on a X18xe1 opel astra g engine?

[@carsguidediy]

Hi there. I checked in autodata and it's looks the same :) Regards

[@michalukasz1660]

after replacing the head gasket in this engine 1.6xe I get the P0335 error, and the engine turns off.

[@carsguidediy]

Cześć, blad związany z czujnikiem położenia wału, Jeżeli jesteś na 100% pewny ze dobrze poskładałeś wszystko sprawdza koło pasowe. Tutaj masz filmik w tym temacie: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqeZp6Z3f7xnrtU

[@michalukasz1660]

@@carsguidediy CAMSHAFT SENSOR NOT CRANKSHAFT ERROR

[@piter2204]

Płyn do chłodnic samochodowych heheh

[@solydaveng1719]

great

[@studiumdemontazuiluzji9511]

Ja przepraszam, ale spierdoliłeś całe napinanie paska. Chyba nie ograniasz po co na rolce napinacej jest ta wskazówka i znaki do ustawiania napięcia.

[@gee3770]

1.6XE engine

[@bfl1610]

Amater