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How to replace timing belt on Vauxhall/Opel Calibra 2.0 Turbo 1992-1997

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.
How to replace timing belt on Vauxhall/Opel Calibra 2.0 Turbo 1992-1997
How to replace timing belt on Vauxhall/Opel Calibra 2.0 Turbo 1992-1997

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.
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