If you are considering the 2.2 petrol check the www.z22se.co.uk website. I've had that engine for the past 9 years and it is very good - but it has one major weakness, the timing chains (main chain and balancer shafts chain). If you are looking at a later one it will have the larger oil feed and updated tensioner, but even so they need good clean oil, so make sure it has been serviced reguarly. From experience that means proof of oil changes at least every 10k, preferably sooner.
If you are looking at an early one (2001-2002) make sure it has had replacement chains and tensioner fitted. Ideally the tension (on the back of the engine driver's side) will have a bump on the bolt head - that shows it's the later one. Any signs of a rattle from startup and walk away - they can snap without warning. If you buy one that needs a replacement chain then only fit the genuine GM kit, and don't let a Vxhall dealer do it - it will be a four figure sum. There's guys on the z22se website will do it for less than half the main dealer price.
I've changed the oil on mine every 5k and it's been the most reliable engine ever.
There is one other thing to check - the cylinder head around plugs 1 & 4 is a bit thinner, no problem unless some clot overightens the plugs and crack the head. So if buying pull the coilpack off and check there's no coolant sitting about 1 & 4 spark plugs. I get about 40mpg at a steady 70mph, which isn't bad for a petrol 2.2 engine.
We towed a 1000kg van with ours and it had bags of power. Sadly the van has now fallen to bits with old age.
|
Topic: Zafira
