Opel Corsa Timing Chain

pushpop

Hi there

I bought a 2005 1.0L Opel Corsa in February just gone. The car is grand apart from a couple of things - it was leaking water into the driver footwell which I've now fixed after replacing the brake servo, but the engine itself is quite noisy and rattley, particularly when accelerating in 1st and second gear, and when the engine is warmed up for about 20 mins it starts to sound quite like a diesel engine! I've had three different mechanics look at it, two of whom said the engine and timing chain were fine, and one who said the chain needed to be replaced within a couple of months.

My understanding is that the chain should last the lifetime of the car, once the car is maintained properly, particularly oil levels. As I don't know the service history of the car, I'm reluctant to take a gamble on the chain in case it does break and destroy my engine, especially considering there is a question mark over the condition of the chain from one mechanic. On the other hand, if I do get it done, it will probably cost 400-500 to do properly.

Any advice as to what I should do?

Cheers

toyotaavensis

Does it sound rattley?

CJhaughey

Those engines are very sensitive to old oil, the chain wears and can jump teeth causing bad running.
I would price the job of chain replacement if it was mine.

sumo12

Timing chain noise requiring chain replacement very common on this engine. Even with cars fully serviced it still goes noisy. *Usually* they will rattle away for years and not cause a problem, but if it goes............. €€€€€