[Kadett C Nut]

Have been after a Calibra for a while now, and after having looked at loads have got this one....

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/Image006_41.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/Image008_3.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/Image007_51.jpg

Its a 16v SE7 Ecotec, has a few small issues but it is 12 years old. Got it as a straight swap for my Astra estate and it even came with 10 months MOT and 3 months tax as well.
Issues are rear lights and side repeaters as they have been spray tinted!!! The usual Calibra side bolster problem, worn a bit from people getting in and out the car, a few small scratches that need polishing out but its rust free!!!
Also its got a slight problem starting which could well be the cam sensor, paper clip test will confirm this though. But runs well when its going.
Picking it up next Saturday, Cant wait!!!:D

[NovalutionGSi]

Havent i seen this somewhere before! lol

I think we need to go Car Care shopping so you dont need Craig to clean your car once every 6 months mate. it does look like it could do with some Trim detailer and a good coating of Harley Wax. You'll have to pop over once you have it so i can have a lok as i aint going to be in work for a while atm.

[Gorfinkle]

that looks a nice motor, keep us posted :D

[Kadett C Nut]

Havent i seen this somewhere before! lol

I think we need to go Car Care shopping so you dont need Craig to clean your car once every 6 months mate. it does look like it could do with some Trim detailer and a good coating of Harley Wax. You'll have to pop over once you have it so i can have a lok as i aint going to be in work for a while atm.

Yeah you're on holiday aren't you, or on site, one of the two! Will bring it over for you to wax it then :D:D:D

[etd]

looks very tidy mate...

[colorado]

The main thing is its rust free. The rest hopefully is just a matter of cleaning and the possible sensor fault. But it looks a nice example. I havnt seen a huge amount in that colour.

[Vectra-Arctic]

Get rid of the chavvy lens tinting and get the fault code identified and rectified and hopefully will be a good car.

Looks nice anyway. :)

[NovalutionGSi]

Yeah you're on holiday aren't you, or on site, one of the two! Will bring it over for you to wax it then :D:D:D

On Site last week, Holiday this week, then Site for the weeks after that! It'll cost ya for me to wax it, not quite Craig cost ya but Cost ya! :D:D:D

[Vauxhallnutter Mark]

Very nice Paul, look forward to seeing this out and about.

[sennynut]

good looking car ,calibras are one of my all time favorite cars ,so good to look at .

[guinney1971]

mmmmmmm........ I liked the SE7's ( I used to sell them new!! lol).

Magic Grey Metallic with Cream Leather. First of the SE's to use the Ecowreck - or was that the SE6?.......... brain fading.........

Nice looking car mate, wont take much to get that sorted and looking blingtastic (-

[envoy cdx]

Looks tidy :)

[Kadett C Nut]

Cheers everyone! Have been reading about Ecotecs on ClubCalibra.com, seems they are prone to sensor failure making the car run in limp home mode. Hope the paper clip test only throws up the cam sensor. When its home on Saturday will give it a full sevice anyway.
Anyone else on here had Ecotec problems? So I can mentally prepare myself!!!
Still can't wait to get home though :D

[NovalutionGSi]

Well you help'd me replace my Eco-wreck due to the bottom end went and found the Crank to have bent.
But that is the 1.6 verison!

[Vauxhallnutter Mark]

Having been a ecotec hater and now owning one I have to say that I do think they are good engines, lots of power and economical but i'm still in early days of ownership so we'll see how it goes.

[whippit]

Running an EcoTec X20XEV in my Cally, in the process of swapping it at the moment (for a lower milage one as the HG has gone)
As you say prone to sensor issues, especially Cam and crank, not the easiest to change due to location (the crank hidden behind PS pump and cam under the cover)
Cheap enough though.
I have a complete engine if you do need any spares though

[sennynut]

never felt the ecotec engine was as bad as some people say son had redtop and ecotec calibras .
but the red top just wants you to plant your foot just loves being reved ,ecotec just a little bit less enjoyable and not as willing to red line.
but a little more usable low down, other thing that put son off was that its not so easy to get more power from it as the red top.

[Kadett C Nut]

Running an EcoTec X20XEV in my Cally, in the process of swapping it at the moment (for a lower milage one as the HG has gone)
As you say prone to sensor issues, especially Cam and crank, not the easiest to change due to location (the crank hidden behind PS pump and cam under the cover)
Cheap enough though.
I have a complete engine if you do need any spares though

Cheers for the offer of bits if needed! Does the cam sensor change involve belt removal? Apparently Cally has a new belt kit fitted, although nothing to say it has been done on paper.

[whippit]

No but if you need to change the crank sensor then you have to move the PS pump which means dropping the ridged drive belt which can be a xxxxxx to refit

[Kadett C Nut]

Pleased I haven't got to take the belt off for the cam sensor! Have got a sizeable list of things to check over and do though when I get it home on Saturday, from reading threads on ClubCalibra. Think most the BH weekend will be spent with the car!!!

[iangte]

its all good fun booked a week to sort the corsa, good luck with it

[Geordieinexile]

Looks a nice solid car. Good colour too.

[Kadett C Nut]

Well got it back home yesterday :D

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00715.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00713.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00714.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00716.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00718.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00712.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00717.jpg

Drives really well. Have found a few more things to sort on it, mostly electrical, but so far seems a good car. Still an effort to start it even though I serviced it earlier. Also seems someone has messed around with the loom as all the rubber boots has been removed from the sensor plugs. They had also tried to do the paper clip test in the diagnostic plug and left the paper clip in there, doh!!! Think the crank sensor is possibly the wrong one for the car as the cable seems to short and the 3 pin plug rests on the airbox!
Happy with it anyway and its MUCH quicker than the Astra!

[whippit]

Can tell the crank sensor has been changed as the cable is routed incorrectly.
Should go the other side of the water outlet on the top left of the engine.
Bit exposed to heat from the exhaust manifold where it is and also why it is too short.
Also you should have the 'newer' type crank sensor as you have a later ecotec engine, if its wrong then it wont fit properly into the 3 pin plug as the guides on the top inside are different (it will go in but the socket will bulge at the top)
(Can you tell I have been having crank sensor issues LOL)
Looks a cracking car though ;)

[Vauxhallnutter Mark]

Looks great Paul, hope you get the little issues sorted so that you can enjoy the car. (-

[Kadett C Nut]

Can tell the crank sensor has been changed as the cable is routed incorrectly.
Should go the other side of the water outlet on the top left of the engine.
Bit exposed to heat from the exhaust manifold where it is and also why it is too short.
Also you should have the 'newer' type crank sensor as you have a later ecotec engine, if its wrong then it wont fit properly into the 3 pin plug as the guides on the top inside are different (it will go in but the socket will bulge at the top)
(Can you tell I have been having crank sensor issues LOL)
Looks a cracking car though ;)


Fits ok in the 3 pin plug, but cable seems ridiculously short. Any chance of a piccy of your Calibras engine to see how cable should run? Also paper clip test recognises crank sensor fault when engine is switched off, but not when its running. When its running EML just stays on. Have cleaned ICV and sprayed carb/injector cleaner into air intake but still is a pain in the xxxx to start and sounds like its firing on 3 below 1500rpm. Not yet changed HT leads and it won't rev beyond 4500rpm, so its in emergency mode. Hoping this is all sensor related???

[Kadett C Nut]

Pinched this pic from one of Whippits posts, hope you dont mind. But was wondering what the parts are that I've highlighted in the white oval? I don't have the silver v bracket, black pipe or either of the attachments at either end of it on my Ecotec. Assuming they should be there what are they for cos I cant tell?

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/Picture0271.jpg

Any info appreciated :D

[whippit]

Thats an earlier EcoTec, The Circle bit is part of the EGR valve and is not there on later ones.

The Crank sensor cable runs up the side and over the top of the cam cover, you can just see it in that picture

You always get crank sensor fault when the engine is not running, any other codes flashing up?

[Kadett C Nut]

Thats an earlier EcoTec, The Circle bit is part of the EGR valve and is not there on later ones.

The Crank sensor cable runs up the side and over the top of the cam cover, you can just see it in that picture

You always get crank sensor fault when the engine is not running, any other codes flashing up?

No codes flashing when engine is running, EML just stays on solid, so now thinking maybe timing is out making crank and cam sensors send conflicting signals to the ecu, hence the light, and making it run in emergency mode. Could this be a possibility or am I being daft???

[whippit]

not too sure on that

[iangte]

how are you doing your code check mate???

[Kadett C Nut]

how are you doing your code check mate???

Paperclip in pins A & B on diagnostic plug, as per instructions on topbuzz website.

[iangte]

should work then, how close are you to ad???

[bud1970]

Nice Motor mate. good luck with it.

[NovalutionGSi]

should work then, how close are you to ad???

So its you i have to thank for the Phone call tonight....... Paul will be poping over sometime at the weekend.

I did have an issue with Lou's MG when me and dad did the Cambelt, one Cam was a tooth out and made it run like xxxx, misfiring. once the one tooth was sorted it ran like a dream.

[whippit]

Can I ask a favour?

Need some pics of the engine bay particularly passenger side and around the inlet manifold.
Just fitted a later ecowreck to mine and am struggling with some of the breather and vacuum hose connections.
Cheers
John

[Kadett C Nut]

Can I ask a favour?

Need some pics of the engine bay particularly passenger side and around the inlet manifold.
Just fitted a later ecowreck to mine and am struggling with some of the breather and vacuum hose connections.
Cheers
John

No probs, will take a few piccies it the daylight tomorrow. :)

[Kadett C Nut]

Pics as promised Whippet:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00719.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00720.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00721.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00722.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kadett_c_nut/DSC00723.jpg

Hope they are of use to you.

Also the Cally is still a pain in the ar5e to start. So far have checked timing, changed plugs, leads, fuel filter, cleaned TB and ICV, cleaned all sensor plugs and fitted a new battery. Paper clip test shows no sensors at fault either. This now leaves me to look at fuel pump and relay, coil pack and a compression test. EML still comes on and stays on. Anyone any other suggestions of things to look at. Hoped I'd have this problem at least diagnosed by now :rolleyes:

[whippit]

Cheers

[iangte]

looks clean mate

[envoy cdx]

Looks good, do you have any issues with electrics though, those terminals on the battery look like they could do with a good rub down (no offense, just commenting :) )

[Vauxhallnutter Mark]

Have you tried changing the ignition leads Paul? or even the coil pack

[envoy cdx]

I'd look into the fuel pump relay too if its an intermittant thing, or if power delivery is on the iffy side.

[thedjse]

Looks well this motor Paul :)

[Kadett C Nut]

Battery is brand new with copper grease on the terminals, have changed plugs and leads and still the same. Have finally found pump relay in drivers kick panel, but seem to have 2 relays together. Guess one is for fuel pump and the other is for something else. Do coil packs often go wrong, and throw up EMLs? With no moving parts as such thought they would be ok.

[whippit]

Later Eco's have two fuel pump relays.......caught me out as well LOL

[Kadett C Nut]

Will check earth strap and get 2 new relays methinks, ta very much for info :)

[NovalutionGSi]

Paul before you go buying the relays. make yourself a couple of links at work (2.5mm cable) with piggy back crimps, take the Relays out and link across the switched contacts of the bases. this will take the Relays out of the circuit.

[Kadett C Nut]

Paul before you go buying the relays. make yourself a couple of links at work (2.5mm cable) with piggy back crimps, take the Relays out and link across the switched contacts of the bases. this will take the Relays out of the circuit.

Aha, good thinking batman, will try that out. Also have a plan for your spare coil pack aswell even though its a different shape from mine.

[NovalutionGSi]

Just as long as i get these parts back once you've used them to test......

[Kadett C Nut]

Ok still got the starting issue with the Cally. Sometimes it fires up within 10 secs, but usually it takes a lot longer, nearly 2 mins the other day. Problem ocurrs hot or cold.
So far have changed/tested/done in no particular order:
Spark plugs
HT leads
Checked timing
Coil pack
Fuel pump relays
Throttle position sensor
Battery
Paper clip test and showed no faults
Cleaned throttle body and ICV
Left the battery off to clear ECU fault

I'm more or less out of ideas now and before I throw myself at the mercy of the garages and get screwed over was wondering if anyone has any more ideas of where to look???
Once its running its ok, apart from being in limp home mode. Its not overheating, no oil in water or water in oil and its not drinking an excessive amount of fuel.
Any ideas much appreciated. :)

[whippit]

CTS is the only obvious thing.

Have you flashed the codes out?

[Kadett C Nut]

Have done clip test with engine off and got 0335 crank sensor which is normal but no codes at all with engine running. Have got EML on permanently.

[whippit]

Try changing the CTS first (Cheap and Easy) and could cause all your faults

[Vauxhallnutter Mark]

Try changing the CTS first (Cheap and Easy) and could cause all your faults

CTS???:confused:

[Kadett C Nut]

Try changing the CTS first (Cheap and Easy) and could cause all your faults

Cheers matey, will give it a try, but would the clip test not pick the CTS up if it was faulty?

[Kadett C Nut]

CTS???:confused:

Coolant Temp Sensor.

[whippit]

Cheers matey, will give it a try, but would the clip test not pick the CTS up if it was faulty?

Not too sure ....does your EML come on when driving or just have trouble revving?

If you get the wrong resistance from the CTS then it will cause over or underfuelling which would give the symptoms you describe but if the resistance is within a range then it won't show as a fault according to ECU

[NovalutionGSi]

Cheers matey, will give it a try, but would the clip test not pick the CTS up if it was faulty?

If its only just started to break down then probably not.

[Kadett C Nut]

EML is on permanently. Only revs to 4.5k and splutters a bit below 1.5k but ticks over fine.

[NovalutionGSi]

Try the CTS Paul but i think your going to have to admit defeat, have a word with either Jaycee or Ian and i'm sure between us we can get it sorted.

[Kadett C Nut]

May have to admit defeat after CTS. More expensive possible answers to the problem could be sticky valve, injector faults or head gasket failure although don't really see how any of these could give an EML and its not losing coolant.

[NovalutionGSi]

Do a compression test as well them, that should rule out HGF. HGF doesnt have to be between the Cylinder and the Water Jacket or an Oil line, it could be between 2 cylinders, which would mean you wouldnt loose any water or Oil and also no Mayo! (i know you dont like Mayo!!!)

[Kadett C Nut]

Mayo is wrong and should be banned! Apologies to anyone who may work for Hellmans........

[Kadett C Nut]

Update!!! Its going on Tech 2 on Saturday as I've now run out of ideas!

[NovalutionGSi]

Should of got yourself a Compression tester mate! its always handy to have one!

[Kadett C Nut]

Problem solved!!! Crank sensor is knackered giving the ECU an incorrect rpm reading. Going in to a local vx specialist next weekend for sensor, cam belt kit and auxilary belt change. :D

[sharpy28]

glad you found the problem mate good look with getting it fixed!

[Vectra-Arctic]

Always good to know what the fault is, hopefully soon to be cured.

[Kadett C Nut]

eerrrhemmm,:D:D:D

Glad you have solved the problem now Paul!!:cool::cool:(-

Lats hope it all sweet after all this trouble.;)

Well identified Mitch! (- If it goes wrong again I'll just bring it round to you :D
Paper clip test didn't pick this fault up when the engine was running, which is why I was looking elsewhere for problems. Would seem the clip test isn't all that reliable.

[Vauxhallnutter Mark]

Well identified Mitch! (- If it goes wrong again I'll just bring it round to you :D
Paper clip test didn't pick this fault up when the engine was running, which is why I was looking elsewhere for problems. Would seem the clip test isn't all that reliable.


I've never really trusted that Paul tbh.

Did the tech 2 reader read yours ok as I would have thought yours would have been Tech 1 ? as they didn't really go to tech 2 until 2000 MY

Be interested to know for future reference.

[Kadett C Nut]

I've never really trusted that Paul tbh.

Did the tech 2 reader read yours ok as I would have thought yours would have been Tech 1 ? as they didn't really go to tech 2 until 2000 MY

Be interested to know for future reference.

I assumed it was T2, but my invoice just says scan check of engine management system. Will ask on Saturday when it goes back.

[NovalutionGSi]

eerrrhemmm,:D:D:D

Glad you have solved the problem now Paul!!:cool::cool:(-

Lats hope it all sweet after all this trouble.;)


Thats the problem with some people hey Mitch..... they just dont listern!

Paul, where was this done??? Thurlow Nunn Wisbech??

Are they also changing the Water Pump???

[whippit]

Tech 2 on the EcoTech, 96 or 97 onwards I think

[Kadett C Nut]

Thats the problem with some people hey Mitch..... they just dont listern!

Paul, where was this done??? Thurlow Nunn Wisbech??

Are they also changing the Water Pump???

Paragon Motor Co are doing it, independant Vauxhall specialists. And yes they are doing the water pump.
Thurlows are at best about as much use as mudflaps on a tortoise!

[NovalutionGSi]

Where is paragon now??? i knew they were up by the Shell garage but i thought they had gone under!

[Kadett C Nut]

Where is paragon now??? i knew they were up by the Shell garage but i thought they had gone under!

www.paragonmotorco.co.uk

[NovalutionGSi]

why didnt you just say the A1101.....