Astra 8v Dec 2000 - valve compensators

[Alan Berry]

I may have to replace one of the hydraulic tappets ( Compensators). Every so often when starting after a long rest, it sounds like on of the tappets is lose and then fixes its self after a couple of seconds. I believe there are tools which allow you to be able remove the rocker and tappets without having to remove the camshaft etc.

1) Does any body have any advice as to were to purchase such a tool - Part no etc.

2) Is this a relativly straght forward job or are there some potential problems.

Thanks

 

[Mike (archive)]

Just guessing on this one, but I suspect the hassle of a one off job and cost of a specialist tool is more than the job is worth. have you tried asking round your local garages for quotes?

Mike

 

[me140]

I would try giving it an oil change first using an oil flush to make sure you get all the crap out and refill with a good quality oil. How do you know which tappet is the noisy one? Not going to be cheap if you have to replace them all and if the noise only lasts a couple of seconds is it worth it?

 

[Alan Berry]

Mike,

Yep local garage may be a option. Our local NetworkQ went bust. There are now no local vauxhall garages close but I do use a small garage that gives good service.

I have since found that the tool is about £10. Would still be usfull to get feedback from someone who has done this type of job.

Alan

 

[Alan Berry]

Yes Mark - good point - just planning for the worst if needed.

I have never had any problems previous with hydraulic tappets on other vauxhalls and have completed may 100,000's miles without having to touch them. I can live with the symptom provided its not a sign of a future problem.

The car has only done 40,000ml and has been regularly serviced with no expense spared. Must admit I only started to notice this in the winter when I guess the oil is thicker + on the last oil change I did use GTX - slightly higher viscosity than previous.

Cheers

Alan

 

[paul (archive)]

Yes Mark - good point - just planning for the worst if needed.

I have never had any problems previous with hydraulic tappets on other vauxhalls and have completed may 100,000's miles without having to touch them. I can live with the symptom provided its not a sign of a future problem.

The car has only done 40,000ml and has been regularly serviced with no expense spared. Must admit I only started to notice this in the winter when I guess the oil is thicker + on the last oil change I did use GTX - slightly higher viscosity than previous.

Cheers

Alan

That may well be your problem GTX is a 15/50 oil, on a car with only 40k miles you should be using a 5/40 oil, your oil is to thick to properly fill the hydraulic tappets when cold.

 

[Alan Berry]

Paul,

I think you may be right, I just did not expect such a difference. I have used GTX for years on similar engines with no issues.

I have also pondered on the idea that the loose tappet may also have been caused by perhaps the residue oil leaking away when the engine had been stopped for a long while in a certain position. As i said this only appears every so often with quite a disitinctive knock whilst the compensator adjusts.

I guess before doing anything else I will change the oil back to the orignal Shell Helix plus.

Cheers

Alan