If my 1600cc Zafira timing belt is replaced slightly out what are symptoms.?

Question

Since a new catalyctic converter was fitted plus a whole new exhaust system (not vauxhall original) & a new timing belt, my 1600cc petrol engined 02 Zafira seems sluggish at low speeds & kangaroos a bit . Could the timing belt be out slightly or could it be a non Vauxhall exhaust causing this lack of ooph

Answer 1

firstly, your timing belt cant be put on incorrectly. (unless an idiot did it) your engine will run/sound like a bag of nuts and bolts falling downstairs.

its more n likeley the non vauxhall exhaust... but it can be tweaked... by adjusting the mixture... and are you sure its not psycological... new exhaust, itll be quieter and smoother...

Answer 2

The exhaust - doubt it - unless it is the completly wrong exhaust for the car which is not unheard of from some of these quick fit places! Unlikelyto be Cat unless again it is the completly wrong one - however, a CAT is basically a thru tube with ceramic plates in to change the emission output - so unlikely! I have a Rover for my sins and it has a CAT from a different car on and emissions are fine and no loss of performance

Your timing belt would only have to be one tooth out of alignment for it to have an effect on the performance - see if you can line up the marks on the cambelt pulleys with the corresponding crankshaft marks - on the crankshaft end you should see a marking that allows alignment - when it lines up the camshaft marks should also line up

Can't advise any further coz I don't know too much about Vauxhalls to be honest - but the principle is the same for all cars now

Answer 3

It all depends if it was done by a professional mechanic. If it was, then yes, the non Vauxhall exhaust can cause an issue. The exhaust must be set to a specific gas resistance, otherwise the engine will not perform correctly. If on the other hand, the job was done by a wannabe mechanic, then the timing belt may cause missing and sluggishness to not running at all.

Answer 4

if ya cam shafts and crank shafts are slightly out this will effect performance, and if they were too far out, since cars theses days have whats know as interference engines ( the valves are close to the pistons during the cycle) youd be screwed. As for the exaust system, if is an aftermarket one, have they refitted the LAmda Sensor correctly or even worse have they damaged it as this analyses the exhaust gases and adjusts the fuel mixture to suit. If The fella had pointy bootsd on and a large hat, steer clear next time

Answer 5

value timing out normaly equals bent values rythemic popping in exhaust note confirms this have timing checked by reputable garage not kerbside autos opperative if all ok suspect the exhaust system is incorrect for vehicle or is obstructed it dosent take much to have a pronunced effect

Answer 6

the bottom cambelt pulley has probably moved on its key way when you check the marks they all line up but its worth removing the pulley and check the key way there is a modified pulley and bolt