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[terry paget]

I was dismayed to read that I should adjust my Astra tappets after 100,000 miles. Why are they not hydraulic, like on Omegas?

[Nick W]

I was dismayed to read that I should adjust my Astra tappets after 100,000 miles. Why are they not hydraulic, like on Omegas?

Why dismayed? It's a simple job that most cars will need once .

[TheBoy]

It was an old tech, underpowered engine that GM kept ploughing on with.  But it is quite reliable.

Personally, I'd check them more often.  Bit of a ballache, but keeps it running perfectly.

[terry paget]

I was dismayed to read that I should adjust my Astra tappets after 100,000 miles. Why are they not hydraulic, like on Omegas?

Why dismayed? It's a simple job that most cars will need once .

True enough. On my Austin Mini I had the head off every year to decoke it and regrind the exhaust valves, and part of the reasssembly was tappet adjustment.

[terry paget]

It was an old tech, underpowered engine that GM kept ploughing on with.  But it is quite reliable.

Personally, I'd check them more often.  Bit of a ballache, but keeps it running perfectly.

Thank you. I thought it was a new engine, with its variable valve timing.

[Doctor Gollum]

I was dismayed to read that I should adjust my Astra tappets after 100,000 miles. Why are they not hydraulic, like on Omegas?

Just be thankful that it's not an early Cologne lump... Originally a 6k mile job... Later a heady 12k mile job on later cars with it 

[Nick W]

I was dismayed to read that I should adjust my Astra tappets after 100,000 miles. Why are they not hydraulic, like on Omegas?

Just be thankful that it's not an early Cologne lump... Originally a 6k mile job... Later a heady 12k mile job on later cars with it 

Takes about fifteen minutes. Checking them every 24k seemed about right to me. Most Colognes will need new valve cover gaskets at that mileage anyway. They're even filthier than a Vauxhall one.

[Doctor Gollum]

I used to wait until it started to rattle 

[Nick W]

I used to wait until it started to rattle 

Same thing really
An Essex on the other hand, needs them doing monthly. Especially if it has had the essential inlet manifold modification.

[Andy B]

..... Why are they not hydraulic, like on Omegas?

The diseasal Astra G I had, had hydraulic tappets/lifters ..... I think  It was a 1700 of about 2000 vintage

[terry paget]

On my first car, an Austin Mini 850 in 1960, the owner's handbook put adjusting valve clearances alongside adjusting tyre pressures, and it was about as easy. On the 1.6 Astra Haynes gives it 4 spanners just to check them, and 4 spanners more to adjust them, along with fitting a new cam belt and oil seals. That don't sound like a 15 minute job. Is there a short cut, or are you guys pulling my leg?

[ronnyd]

Just invest in some earplugs Terry.

[Marks DTM Calib]

What engine is this on?

[terry paget]

What engine is this on?

1.6 petrol. I have 2008 and 2010 versions, both manual.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Based on how they work, if the clearance needs adjustment then either the cam or follower is worn or the valve recessed into the cylinder head, what are the symptoms?