Alloytec and You

[mr_s]

Hi all.

So, recently I bought a 07 VE Lumina. It's the first commodore I have owned, and love it.

However, during a brief visit to my mechanic (for brother's car), he took one look at mine and said the Alloytec engines suffer from stretched timing chains.

Browsing through the forums, I confirmed this is the case for 2006 models; which I guess were the first Alloytec batch.

Now, how do I determine if my VE has the new revised timing chain, or is one of the first few batches?

More info:
87 000 km on speedo
Manufactured in 08/07
Engine Number: LEO 072040265

Searched Google for engine number to no avail.

Cheers,
S

[Hektic]

Im prety sure that was with the Vz alloytech but i could be wrong
Ve alloytech was improved as far as i know

[mr_s]

One, two, three, four and five say otherwise...

[TinSnips]

Definitely an issue with 06 VEs. Perhaps give customer no-assistance a buzz with your vin number. May be able to help.

[Wongy295]

Gday mate.

I also have a Lumina. Love it alot.

Don't like the front grille though.

Sent from my Galaxy SII.

[The 10th Doctor]

I've got a MY06 VE with the Alloytec - just hit 101,000km and haven't had an issue... yet.

[mr_s]

Definitely an issue with 06 VEs. Perhaps give customer no-assistance a buzz with your vin number. May be able to help.

And ask if these cars have had timing chain problems, or what batch the car was?

I've got a MY06 VE with the Alloytec - just hit 101,000km and haven't had an issue... yet.

Glad to hear it. Lot of people on here have had 06 timing chain problems.

Don't look at "my ride", I have made a typo (late at night, etc etc)

So, no members, other than Wongy and myself drive an 07 Lumina here?

[carcollector]

mr_s, looks like you're safe. The service bulletin says;


"This condition may affect the 7.7 mm pitch timing
chain, installed in engines after the following engine
number: H053340001."

and

"Improved timing chains were introduced from the
following breakpoint:

Engine Number H071380576
Eng Built Date: 18/05/07"

and "Typical expectation is that ECM detectable chain elongation
would occur in early engine life (i.e. 10,000 to 20,000 km)."

[flyjoe180]

That's quite comforting to hear, my 06/07 SV6 hasn't had any timing chain issues and I hope it stays that way.

[calais06]

Mine has 113,000km and no synptoms so far..

Z3RO a member on here had his chain strech, causing valves to hit the pistons and stuff his engine.

[mr_s]

mr_s, looks like you're safe. The service bulletin says;


"This condition may affect the 7.7 mm pitch timing
chain, installed in engines after the following engine
number: H053340001."

and

"Improved timing chains were introduced from the
following breakpoint:

Engine Number H071380576
Eng Built Date: 18/05/07"

and "Typical expectation is that ECM detectable chain elongation
would occur in early engine life (i.e. 10,000 to 20,000 km)."

Hey.
That's great news!
Where Can I get access to this Bulletin?

[greenacc]

The best thing you can do is NOT thrash your car. Keep it below the red line and it should live a long life. Or just replace the chain with a good one when it gets noisy or the warning light comes on, bend over and pay the mechanic, and its all good after that.

[mr_s]

The best thing you can do is NOT thrash your car. Keep it below the red line and it should live a long life. Or just replace the chain with a good one when it gets noisy or the warning light comes on, bend over and pay the mechanic, and its all good after that.

Red line.... What the #### is a -
You mean past 7000 RPM? Good Grief!
I've never taken a car past 5000, let alone red line. It's like having anal sex without lube... Sure it may feel great for you, but she/he's in a lot of pain

[Wongy295]

I've been up to 5500, only once.
I was overtaking and was running out of road. Had to keep going to avoid the embarrassment of dropping back. So I slammed it back a gear in Active Select

Usually I treat my car so tender and lovingly. <3


Sent from my Galaxy SII.

[carcollector]

Hey.
That's great news!
Where Can I get access to this Bulletin?

Can't find the link at the moment, but here's the text.

H08-0601-01: Timing Chain Stretch and/or DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017,
P0018, P0019

Built Prior to Engine Number H071380576

A condition may occur with the HFV6 engine that will cause the MIL
to illuminate and may log DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 and
P0019. Codes are set when the ECM detects that camshafts on either
bank of the engine are misaligned with the crankshaft. For a more
complete description of code setting parameters, refer to SI.
Important: This condition may affect the 7.7 mm pitch timing
chain, installed in engines after the following engine
number: H053340001.

The customer will only notice an engine warning light in
the instrument panel. This condition does not cause any obvious
driveability concerns or any abnormal engine noises.

There was an issue with the time chain manufacturing process
that caused, in a small number of engines, the chain links to
be outside design specifications. Over time, this may result in
chain elongation.

The degree of chain elongation will depend of the number of
affected links and the drive cycle of the engine during its life.
Typical expectation is that ECM detectable chain elongation
would occur in early engine life (i.e. 10,000 to 20,000 km).

If the vehicle meets the criteria explained, with any of
the previously mentioned DTCs logged in the ECM, the standard
service instructions for DTCs P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019 and P0008
and P0009 must be followed, prior to any diagnostic work being done
on the timing chains.
Refer to Engine Controls & Fuel – 3.6L,
DTC P0016, P0016, P0018, P0019 or document # 1985724 in SI or
Engine Control & Fuel – 3.6L, DTC P0008, P0009 or document #1985715
in SI.

ONLY the timing chains need to be replaced.
Idlers, guides and tensioners do not require replacement.
However, inspect the guides for any abnormal wear and replace
ONLY if necessary.

Once the original used chains have been removed, check the
free length against new, unused chains to confirm diagnosis. Ensure
that the chains are either laid flat on a bench and pulled
straight with no kinks or hung out straight vertically. Typical
chain elongation observed is a minimum of 3 mm on a doubled-up
chain, taking an approximate measurement.

[VS_Pete_1]

I found this site awhile ago don`t know if it will help.

Holden

[RiCeY]

LOL at being afraid of limiter. The limiter is set to a point that engineers deem a safe level for the engine to rev to. They have to provide warranty for these engines for 3 years so they wouldnt set it to a level that would cause damage.

Constantly bouncing off it probably wont be healthy but hitting it now and then isnt going to hurt.

[adr8]

Hitting the rev limiter once a day keeps the mechanic away!

[89vn_Jai]

Hitting the rev limiter once a day keeps the mechanic away!

I like this saying