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Known fault

1.3 CDTI (A13DTE / Z13DT*): timing chain and tensioner

Typically between 100,000 and 160,000 km. It does not show up on every car.

critical

severity

between 100,000 and 160,000 km

mileage

3

sources

3 sources next to the write-up.

The fault

How you spot it

The Opel 1.3 litre CDTI (the Fiat Multijet based Z13DT / Z13DTH / A13DTE family) runs a chain driven valvetrain. The chain depends on the oil level and the oil quality: if the oil level is low or the oil is worn out, the tensioner loses pressure and the chain stretches.

Symptom: a metallic rattle on a cold start. If the rattle is left alone, the chain can jump and the engine is badly damaged inside. The replacement is labour intensive, around the sump and the turbo.

Short trips also coke the particulate filter and the EGR valve.

Which model

Who it affects

The card opens the generation, the engine or the transmission.

Engines and transmissions

Checklist

1.3 CDTI (A13DTE / Z13DT*): timing chain and tensioner

What you would check for this fault. Take it to the car.

Before you buy

Checklist

What you tick stays on this device only.

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Sources

How we know

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms