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Codes P0014 and P0017, Timing belt issue?

Tiny
JERRERS
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 VAUXHALL VIVA
  • 1.0L
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 7,000 MILES
The car was struggling to keep just above idling speed. Engine management light came on, so took to local garage.
They identified codes P0014 and P0017.

Garage advised that this was due to the timing chain / belt. Code lights were rectified but on test drive engine cut out in middle of the road. Returned to garage same codes had returned

The engine had now been stripped down and a replacement belt added. The belt had jumped off its tooth, and I was advised that this is a known issue with this particular engine on the model.

I would welcome any thoughts and comments on how to progress and whether it would be wise to exchange the car for new.

Thanks
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Thursday, August 31st, 2023 AT 2:11 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 762 POSTS
Hello,

Your vehicle is equipped with the GM 1.0L Ecotec L5Q engine.
This engine is fitted with a timing chain and not a belt.
See image 1

Common issues are a stretched timing chain, usually around the 40k mile mark.
At 7k miles this should not have happened.

Has the workshop checked that the engine did not have low oil level or bad oil quality?

How regular are you servicing this engine?
Even on low mileage use the engine oil should be changed once a year.
Bad oil or low oil level can contribute to these fault codes to set.

Also, they should check that the crankshaft does not have any excessive axial float.
0.3mm is the maximum permissible play.
See image 2 regarding possible collapsed thrust washer.
This is a frequent occurrence on the 1L and 1.4L engine.

A good video, on a Vauxhall Astra (same engine:)
https://youtu.be/wiLuQtTJ3Hw?si=IFMef0qy6glJGEgL

Cheers, Boris
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Friday, September 1st, 2023 AT 5:56 AM
Tiny
JERRERS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hello,

Thank you for your reply.

I made a mistake upon the mileage, it is around 30k, I have had the car for 7 years
It has been serviced regularly, on an annual basis, and this is something that was completely unexpected.
My current mechanic had managed to rectify part of the issue, but after driving nearly 40 miles to test drive it, the car just stopped again.
I have also since been advised today, the oil isn't moving from the sump to the top of the engine, so another part is now required.
Apparently, Vauxhall dealerships are aware of this common engine fault, but they have no interest in it, the car is no longer under warranty. Next possible remedy would be a new engine, which would really cost more than the car is worth.

Will keep you posted on how things go.

Jez
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Friday, September 1st, 2023 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 762 POSTS
Hello Jez,

The common issue with this engine is the crankshaft axial float. Vauxhall is well aware of this issue.

The most economical way forward would be engine replacement if you are planning on keeping the vehicle.

Cheers, Boris
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Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 AT 12:41 AM
Tiny
JERRERS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Would that be an engine replacement of the same type?
And would you have any rough idea of the cost of a new engine?
Not being at all mechanically minded, I really wouldn't have any idea where to begin.
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Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 AT 1:52 AM
Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 762 POSTS
Hello,

A remanufactured engine has part number 95528152, I have no price for this unit.
Best to contact your local Vauxhall dealer.
A used engine lists on eBay for between  280-350.

An example:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255911104743?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338749392&toolid=20006&customid=GB_131090_255911104743.143601850715 1924592780607-g_CjwKCAjw3dCnBhBCEiwAVvLcu68GDh13zpGy4YfDR9EiJ3Jf3_Vm4HAXrXx4AYRnJPTjY-JbwkSAcBoCZrkQAvD_BwE

Cheers, Boris
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Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 AT 2:16 AM
Tiny
JERRERS
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Boris, thank you for the link, but I would want to ask if it is the same engine, as what is currently in the Viva, how do we know that the same problem wouldn't occur again at a later date, after 30k miles etc.

Having the car sat idle over a period of time whilst both I and my wife were unable to drive probably didn't help, despite the odd turnover of the engine each weekend, but heyho
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Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 AT 2:30 AM
Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 762 POSTS
Hello ,

These engines are the GM Ecotec L5Q, non turbo, models.
All 2015 and up Vauxhall Viva are fitted with this engine

I would suggest getting your mechanic to check the engine for possible crankshaft axial float, the main issue which would require engine replacement.
If the axial float is within factory tolerances (0.3mm max) then it would be worthwhile to investigate the oil supply issue.

Most common issue with oil supply to the camshaft gears are the OCV (oil control valves) also called the VVT actuator solenoids. Get the mechanic to remove these 2 solenoids, identical parts (12636524), and inspect the mesh screens for any metallic debris. If present this would mean possible engine bearing failure and no further repair is advised.

A short video:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Yt9nik-Zn8Y?feature=share

If no metallic debris is found then next it would be advisable to clean these solenoids, check internal resistance (7-12ohm) and swap sides, intake to exhaust. As P0014 is set this would indicate a possible issue with the exhaust OCV, so swapping it to the intake would prove if the solenoid were faulty if after swap fault code P0011 sets.

Oil pump failures are not common at such low mileages on these engines.

Cheers, Boris
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Monday, September 4th, 2023 AT 1:02 AM
Tiny
JERRERS
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Hello All,

An update on this car fiasco

I passed on the details to my mechanic as suggested, and the replacements are listed below, the main culprit being the oil pipe at the bottom of the engine from the sump and being able to pump it around the drive chain to lubricate it as it runs.

Timing chain
Bolts
Oil x2
Oil filter x2
Gasket
Oil pump pipe
Sensors

All in all, a bit of an expense, and upon an engine that is prone to doing the same thing again, have been advised maybe have another 5k to 10k miles, before it goes again.

Welcome any comments on this.

Thanks
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Saturday, September 9th, 2023 AT 8:58 AM
Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
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Hello,

I find it strange that your mechanic would charge you for a separate oil pump suction tube/pipe as the oil pump pick up is part of the oil pump housing. Unless the oil pump pick up was cleaned as it could have been contaminated.

While the lower oil pan was removed (to access oil pump) were any metallic debris found?
I do not see the need for any gaskets btw, the lower oil pan only uses sealant.

The valve/rocker cover requires a new gasket and so does the new timing chain tensioner.

Labour time charged for this job should have been around 6.5 hours.

Cheers, Boris
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Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 AT 12:01 AM
Tiny
JERRERS
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Hi,

I was given a list of the parts replaced

Apparently not charged any labor? But I would imagine this was incorporated somewhere along the line. Had the car 6 days overall, and not a main dealer repair.

Suffice to say that the car has run smoothly all over the weekend and done 100+ miles without any misfires and it idles at normal speed okay.
Time to cut losses and decide whether to keep or PX for upgrade to a hybrid model. Another mine field to navigate.

Thanks for all your help and advice.
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Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 AT 12:28 AM
Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 762 POSTS
Hello,

Happy to hear your car is running well. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more advice.

Cheers, Boris
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Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 AT 9:31 AM

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