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Known fault

1.6 CDTI (B16DTH / B16DTL / B16DTE): timing chain and tensioner

Typically between 100,000 and 200,000 km. It does not show up on every car.

critical

severity

between 100,000 and 200,000 km

mileage

2

sources

2 sources next to the write-up.

The fault

How you spot it

The GM 1.6 litre CDTI family (B16DTH, B16DTL, B16DTE) was fitted to the Astra J, the Astra K and the Insignia. The timing chain and the tensioner wear.

The design of the early tensioner does not hold the oil pressure with the engine standing, so on a cold start the chain rattles metallically until the pressure builds. That rattle speeds up wear of the chain and the guides. If it is neglected, the chain can jump and the engine is badly damaged inside. The repair often requires removing the gearbox, because the chain sits on the gearbox side, so the labour is the bigger part of the bill.

It shows up on cars from around 2009 to 2018. If the rattle when cold lasts longer than a flash, the chain and the guides are wearing.

Which model

Who it affects

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

Engines and transmissions

Checklist

1.6 CDTI (B16DTH / B16DTL / B16DTE): timing chain and tensioner

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

Before you buy

Checklist

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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