vectra engine noise when cold?

Question

i have recently bought a vectra on a r plate and the car is fine but when i start it in the morning something makes a whirring noise for about 1 minute then stops. does anyone know what this noise is, regards Russell

Answer 1

i have an omega and it does the exact same. still dont know what it is

Answer 2

Hi there you need to check the last time the vehicle had a timing belt fitted, this is a common prob on the vectra and if the belt breaks you can be talking a lot of money to fix it as the engine is an interferance engine which basically means psitons and valves collide. I would get a mobile guy to come and fit a new belt, tensioner and idler pulleys as well and check with your vauxhall dealer as there was a service recall on them, might be worth checking that first as if i remember rightly the upgrade was free you only paid for the labour.

Good luck hope this helps

Answer 3

That whirring is most likely the power steering pump. It could be low on fluid but they all make noise in the colder weather until they warm up enough to work properly. Check this by pulling the steering wheel back and forth when you first start the car. This ought to change the sound of the whirr.

Answer 4

I would guess the tensioner pulley, and yes it is something to worry about. As the tensioner gets weaker, the belt will slip more and more. The belt drives your cooling system(slipping can cause overheating), your air conditioning(no cold air), and your power steering pump(your steering will feel very heavy and will ruin the pump at about 400 bucks)

Answer 5

Probably a pulley. If it goes then don't worry about it. The cold weather can make this happen

Answer 6

what is a whirring noise? belt slipping? tappets? hard to say!

Answer 7

Its not a fault, its the auto choke.