VE timing chain problem

[leif72]

Have recently bought a ve omega 06 with 90,000 on it, and although it drove well, found the check engine light came on after a few weeks, at the same time noticing a slight rattle in the engine. Went through all the scan tool, oil sensor process to get to the bottom of it, only to find out that the timing chain is stretched and that this is a common problem in in late vz`s , early ve`s. have been advised that im better off getting a new engine as the stretched timing chain could have done other damage, the cost is $4000 for an engine with 50,000 on it, which isnt too bad considering i paid $10,000 for the vehicle, so im still around market value, if id paid $14,000 id be out for blood!, apparently they used a thinner timing chain but rectified this in 09. For a timing chain to stretch after 90,000 kms is rediculous.
Btw, the mechanic i used is a trusted friend and in his search for another engine spoke to alot of other mechanics about this issue, he discovered that those particular engines are known for the timing chain stretching at around the 120,000km mark, depending on how its driven i would guess.

 

[SV6.07]

i got mine fixed here in melbourne for $1700 2 day job. car is fine now. holden charge well over $3000 to do it.. why are u replacing the engine. when there is no need for it. also getting a second hand engine in time u could get the same timing problem with it too. unless its 08 engine. upwards .

 

[leif72]

i got mine fixed here in melbourne for $1700 2 day job. car is fine now. holden charge well over $3000 to do it.. why are u replacing the engine. when there is no need for it.

Have heard from not just the mechanic, but other people aswell now, that the stretched timing chain can do other damage to the engine, and like i said, id paid under market value for the car originally (for an obvious reason now), so to spend 4000 still gives me a vehicle around the market value, and peace of mind. If you got onto it early enough i guess just replacing the timing chain could be ok, i had only had it for a month, so have no idea how long the problem was there as the noise wasnt that bad, or how it was driven b4 i got it, guessing it was hard.

 

[RiCeY]

Unlikely to have caused damage, just get the chains replaced.

 

[wylie27]

Also doesnt the VE have a problem with the computer where it records an issue with the timing chain and it hasnt actually stretched enough to do damage? If i recall there was a update Holden can do to the computer to change the tolerances.

 

[Troy711]

Software update did bugger all on mine. The check engine warning came up as soon as I started it in the driveway of the stealership.

 

[leif72]

And yeah, there`s no way the same engine was going back in, its a late 09.

 

[Troy711]

But there's nothing wrong with the current engine, just the chains. You're potentially spending twice as much (if not more) than you need to. I'd seriously just replace the chains with the revised part and save yourself over 2 grand. The issue won't happen again with the new timing chains but either way, you'll likely sell it by the time they're stuffed again if that happens.

That's what I'd do, but hell, you could wipe your arse with $100 notes for all I know because money isn't an issue to you.

 

[EnFoRcEr_001]

Once the revised chain goes in the issue will not re arise ever. I have an 09 model which has the revised chain. 120000km of abuse and still going strong.

 

[RiCeY]

More money than sense.