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« on: 10 December 2006, 22:28:42 »
Just thought I'd close this one off, finished the brother-in-laws car at last, had plenty of delays for weather/taking kids swimming/dog been ill etc. etc. etc, thought I'd never get it done.
Thanks to everyone who gave their advice, it's all appreciated, and especially to Matchless for the replacement valve spring.
Snags I had - getting the flare nuts undone on the oil pipes which go into the block near the filter, lots of skinned knuckles. Just couldn't do it. Eventually, borrowed a 19mm flare nut crows foot off one of the boys at work and it was a doddle. Goes to show, its a lot easier if you've got the right tools. Mind you, it shouldn't be necessary to have to struggle with seized nuts on a MY2000 car.
The oil pipe banjo bolts which go into the oil cooler - I didn't put the seals on properly, had a massive oil leak when I first started it up, had to have the plenum/intake manifold/intake flange off again, which was a bind. My fault for not taking enough care.
Nipped the LH knock sensor wire, between the thermostat housing cooling pipe & and the rear timing belt cover. Didn't nip it hard, but it's a shielded co-ax type thing, and surprisingly delicate. When I figured it out, just spliced a new piece of cable in.
Camshaft timing wasn't a bad job at all, in fact I was a bit sceptical about needing the locking/setting kit, as it went on so easily, but when I checked it at the end with the gauge, it was actually one tooth out on the crankshaft pulley, so yes, £100 well spent.
So now its all done, cost about £300 in parts, plus my time (for nothing - I hope the brother-in law appreciates it!) and that includes a locking kit. Compare that to the £2500 he was quoted by Vauxhall.
It's a lot less daunting going into a big job like that if you know you can go somewhere for advice - so once again thanks to you guys and keep up the good work.
Ian
