[Corsa C 2000-2006] Timing chain rattle

[Paulmo89]

Hi Guys

recently bought my gf a 1.0 ecotec corsa c on a 52 plate. I think I could do with replacing the timing chain on it just want to make sure first. Now when the car is cold the chain is pretty much silent right up until the temp gauge shows 90c. There is then a noticeable rattle coming from the chain. I would of thought it would of been the other way round if it was the chain rattle when cold as oil would be thicker. I am gong to carry out an oil change first to see if it quitens down a bit I know these engines are known for rattling and sounding like diesels don't want the chain to potentially snap on her though.

whats the best grade of oil to use?

cheers
paul

[Vegas]

10/40

[Taurus]

If you replace the chain get a full timing kit for it - and use a genuine GM one. The aftermarket ones won't last more than a few months.

They can run very noisy without snapping, though they do fail of course. What makes them go is usually when people change down gears at speed and raise the engine rpm suddenly. Older drivers were taught to go down through the gears, younger drivers tend to go from 5th to 2nd in one go - that's when the chains let go most often.

Also - use semi-synth oil rather than full synth.

[Paulmo89]

If you replace the chain get a full timing kit for it - and use a genuine GM one. The aftermarket ones won't last more than a few months.

They can run very noisy without snapping, though they do fail of course. What makes them go is usually when people change down gears at speed and raise the engine rpm suddenly. Older drivers were taught to go down through the gears, younger drivers tend to go from 5th to 2nd in one go - that's when the chains let go most often.

Also - use semi-synth oil rather than full synth.

so if i carryout and oil change the chain might quieten down a bit? I mean there is no rattle at all until car is up to 90c. I went to look at a couple of these corsas and they seemed to rattle constantly from cold no matter what the engine temp was at.

[Taurus]

They're all a bit noisy. I'd try an oil change and see how it is then. If the oil is very dirty you may want to try a few frequent changes to clean the engine, but don't use a flush on it.

They can generate noise from several places, usually chains rattle from cold if they're worn, you can use a stethoscope (or big screwdriver) to track down noises to make sure.

[Paulmo89]

They're all a bit noisy. I'd try an oil change and see how it is then. If the oil is very dirty you may want to try a few frequent changes to clean the engine, but don't use a flush on it.

They can generate noise from several places, usually chains rattle from cold if they're worn, you can use a stethoscope (or big screwdriver) to track down noises to make sure.