How to replace timing belt on Vauxhall/Opel Calibra 2.0i 16V 1993-1997

Replacement Interval Guide

• Vauxhall recommend replacement as follows:
• →94MY – replacement every 36,000 miles or 4 years, whichever occurs first.
• 95-96MY – replacement every 40,000 miles or 4 years, whichever occurs first.
• 97MY→ – replacement every 40,000 miles or 4 years, whichever occurs first (tensioner pulley must also be replaced).
• The previous use and service history of the vehicle must always be taken into account.

Check For Engine Damage

CAUTION: This engine has been identified as an INTERFERENCE engine in which the possibility of valve-to-piston damage in the event of a timing belt failure is MOST LIKELY to occur. A compression check of all cylinders should be performed before removing the cylinder head.

Repair Times – hrs

Remove & install:
Astra-F – 1,8	0,90
Astra-F – 2,0 (C20XE)	1,50
Astra-F – 2,0 (X20XEV)	0,90
Vectra/Cavalier	1,20
Calibra (C20XE)	1,50
Calibra (X20XEV)	1,10
Calibra Turbo	1,40
Omega-B	1,00

Special Tools

• None required.

Special Precautions

• Disconnect battery earth lead.
• DO NOT turn crankshaft or camshaft when timing belt removed.
• Remove spark plugs to ease turning engine.
• Turn engine in normal direction of rotation (unless otherwise stated).
• DO NOT turn engine via camshaft or other sprockets.
• Observe all tightening torques.

Removal

WARNING: Certain engines require modification to tensioner pulley/guide pulleys due to possible failure. Refer to dealer.

1. Remove:
   • Air filter and housing.
   • Air intake hose.
   • RH engine mounting (PAS and AC) [1] .
   • C18XE/XEL: Mass air flow (MAF) sensor.
2. Mark direction of rotation on auxiliary drive belt with chalk.
3. Turn auxiliary drive belt tensioner clockwise to release tension on belt [2] . Use suitable spanner.
4. Remove:
   • Auxiliary drive belt.
   • Timing belt cover.
5. Turn crankshaft clockwise until crankshaft pulley timing mark aligned [3] .
6. Camshaft sprockets with single timing marks:
   • Ensure camshaft sprocket timing marks aligned [4] .
7. Camshaft sprockets with dual timing marks:
   • Ensure ‘INTAKE’ timing marks aligned [14] .
   • Ensure ‘EXHAUST’ timing marks aligned [15] .
8. If timing marks on camshafts not aligned: Turn crankshaft one turn clockwise.
9. Remove:
   • Crankshaft pulley bolts [5] .
   • Crankshaft pulley [6] .
10. Slacken tensioner bolt [7] .
11. Turn tensioner clockwise until pointer on LH stop [10] . Use Allen key [9] .
12. Lightly tighten tensioner bolt [7] .
13. Remove timing belt.

Installation

1. Ensure lug on water pump aligned with corresponding lug on cylinder block [8] .
2. Camshaft sprockets with single timing marks:
   • Ensure timing marks aligned [4] & [16] .
3. Camshaft sprockets with dual timing marks:
   • Ensure timing marks aligned [14] , [15] & [16] .

   NOTE: If camshaft sprockets have been removed: Ensure correct dowel location of sprockets.

4. Fit timing belt.NOTE: Belt adjustment must be carried out when engine is cold.
5. Slacken tensioner bolt [7] .
6. Turn tensioner anti-clockwise until pointer on RH stop [11] . Use Allen key.
7. Lightly tighten tensioner bolt [7] .
8. Fit crankshaft pulley. Tighten crankshaft pulley bolts to 20 Nm [5] .
9. Turn crankshaft two turns in direction of rotation until timing marks aligned [3] .
10. Camshaft sprockets with single timing marks:
    • Ensure timing marks aligned [4] .
11. Camshaft sprockets with dual timing marks:
    • Ensure timing marks aligned [14] & [15] .
12. Slacken tensioner bolt [7] .
13. Turn tensioner clockwise until pointer aligned with:
    • ‘V’ notch in bracket (new belt) [12] .
    • LH edge of ‘V’ notch (used belt) [13] .
14. Tighten tensioner bolt to 20 Nm [7] .
15. Install components in reverse order of removal.NOTE: Observe direction of rotation marks on auxiliary drive belt.