Any mechanics here? Camshaft bolts.

Leon64

I'm trying to find someone who can answer my question before I look at a car tomorrow, so if anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated!

The Vauxhall Corsa is known for having a fault in which the camshaft bolts aren't tight enough and the camshaft snaps as a result of being flexed too much if this is left unchecked.

What I need to know is if a car (2005, 69000 miles) has loose camshaft bolts, but the camshaft hasn't snapped, if the bolts are tightened will that eliminate the problem, or due to the extra wear the camshaft has undergone will it be likely to snap anyway?
Thanks

david29dpo

I would tighten the bolts anyway.
You are right in saying the cam bearings (in the head, if any) may have worn more due to the cam flexing.
The cam lobes "may" have worn unevenly while the cam was flexing but i don't think that will matter so much.
Does the car have hydraulic tappets?
If so no adjustment necessary.

Limey

If you can get your hands on some plastigauge then you can use it to measure the wear on the cam bearings and see if they are out of tolerance.

You can get it from www.frost.co.uk

paddedjohn

We've had 5 corsas and never had a problem with camshafts.

ShandyAndy_2

It affected very few cars and there was a recall to replace bolts, more than likely will have been done. The chain rattling is more of a concern on them, make sure it has had plenty of oil changes that is key.

westy23

:cool:Hi
It was the 05/55 plate 1.2 petrol corsa that was effected mostly,
I speak from experience.
It's normally the exhaust camshaft that goes.
My advice would be Avoid any 05/55 plates corsas.
There are plenty of other car out there.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=69027

red_eye

Leon64 wrote: »

I'm trying to find someone who can answer my question before I look at a car tomorrow, so if anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated!

The Vauxhall Corsa is known for having a fault in which the camshaft bolts aren't tight enough and the camshaft snaps as a result of being flexed too much if this is left unchecked.

What I need to know is if a car (2005, 69000 miles) has loose camshaft bolts, but the camshaft hasn't snapped, if the bolts are tightened will that eliminate the problem, or due to the extra wear the camshaft has undergone will it be likely to snap anyway?
Thanks

dont know about snapping, but the cam can wear the camshaft caps and head into an oblong shape and make it sound like a 1950's diesel