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Engine

Cam followers, hydraulic tappets and connection flange (NA)

The factory steps for the NA's cam followers, hydraulic tappets, camshaft connection flange and bearing cap, and the flange cover, from the Vauxhall TIS.

vx220.info/guides/cam-followers-hydraulic-tappets-and-connection-flange-na · Last updated 25 October 2026

Applies to: VX220 and Speedster, NADifficulty: SpecialistTime: Not stated

Tools

  • KM-6148

Torques & specs

Install the exhaust camshaft.9 Nm
Attach the camshaft connecting flange cover.23 Nm
Attach the intake camshaft sprocket.85 Nm
Attach the exhaust camshaft sprocket.85 Nm
Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner.75 Nm
Install the guide rail.8 Nm
Attach the cylinder head cover9 Nm
Attach the cylinder head cover8 Nm
Attach the ignition module.9 Nm
Connect the fuel lines.10 Nm
Connect the fuel lines.9 Nm
Install the rear engine cover.14 Nm
Tightening torque 9 Nm9 Nm
Tightening torque 23 Nm23 Nm
Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°85 Nm
Tightening torque 75 Nm75 Nm
Tightening torque 8 Nm8 Nm
Tightening torque 10 Nm10 Nm
6 bolts, tightening torque 14 Nm14 Nm
Tightening torque (M6) 9 Nm, (M8) 22 Nm22 Nm
Tightening torque (M6) 9 Nm, (M8) 22 Nm9 Nm
Install the camshaft connecting flange bearing cap.22 Nm
Install the camshaft connecting flange cover.23 Nm
Tightening torque 22 Nm22 Nm
The steps below are shortened from the Vauxhall TIS pages for the Speedster. The VX220 shares the same engines and most of the car, but check anything unusual against your own car. The TIS pictures and the full wording aren't reproduced, so use the workshop manual if you are doing the job. We haven't seen owners' accounts of this job, so there are no owner tips here.

Head-off work. For the timing chain see NA timing chain. The torque and clearance figures are on Torque values.

Other jobs from the same factory chapter: Camshafts and sprockets (NA); Valves, installation height and cylinder head flatness (NA).

Camshaft followers

NA (Z22SE) only.

Remove

  1. Open the bonnet.
  2. Disconnect the battery.
  3. Open the engine cover.
  4. Detach the engine cover. (6 bolts)
  5. Release the fuel pressure.
  6. Disconnect the fuel lines. (2 union nuts; 2 bolts; Reposition the fuel lines to one side.)
  7. Detach the ignition module.
    • Release and detach the wiring harness connector.
    • 4 bolts
  8. Remove the cylinder head cover.
    • Detach the engine breather hose.
    • Detach the engine lifting eyes.
    • 2 bolts, 1 nut
    • 1 bolt
    • 12 bolts
  9. Raise the lifting ramp.
  10. Remove the lower engine splash shield. (13 bolts)
  11. Align the crankshaft.
    • Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation to
  12. Lower the lifting ramp.
  13. Remove the guide rail. (2 bolts)
  14. Note: If there is no marking on the camshaft timing chain tensioner, then it should be replaced with a new camshaft timing chain tensioner (part number 24 448 509) including a new camshaft timing chain tensioner rail (part number 24 449 448).
  15. Remove the camshaft timing chain tensioner.
  16. Attach KM-6148. Note: In this position the cams of cylinder no. 4 point upwards.
    • Attach KM-6148 with the enclosed
    • Slide the positioning bolts into the designated bores
  17. Detach the exhaust camshaft sprocket. (Hold the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon.; Slide back the positioning bolt to release.)
  18. Detach the intake camshaft sprocket. (Hold the intake camshaft by the hexagon.)
  19. Detach the camshaft connecting flange cover. (2 bolts)
  20. Remove the intake camshaft.
    • Visually inspect the camshaft and the camshaft bearings for (Working in a spiral pattern from the outside towards the middle, release the bolts on the camshaft bearing caps (I to VI) 1/2 to 1 turn at a time. Note: The camshaft must be released evenly from the bearings.; Take out the camshaft.; Visually inspect the camshaft and the camshaft bearings for wear. Note: The cylinder head should be replaced if the camshaft bearings are defective.)
  21. Take out the roller cam followers.
  22. Remove the exhaust camshaft.
    • Visually inspect the camshaft and the camshaft bearings for (Working in a spiral pattern from the outside towards the middle, release the bolts on the camshaft bearing caps (I to V) 1/2 to 1 turn at a time. Note: The camshaft must be released evenly from the bearings.; Take out the camshaft.; Visually inspect the camshaft and the camshaft bearings for wear. Note: The cylinder head should be replaced if the camshaft bearings are defective.)
  23. Take out the roller cam followers.
  24. Insert the roller cam followers. (Coat the sliding surfaces with engine oil.)

Install

  1. Install the exhaust camshaft. (Coat the sliding surfaces with engine oil.)
  2. Note the correct allocation.
  3. Insert the roller cam followers.
  4. Install the intake camshaft.
    • Clean the sealing surfaces of camshaft bearing cap no. 11.
    • Coat the sliding surfaces with engine oil.
  5. Install the camshaft bearing caps.
    • Coat the sealing surfaces of camshaft bearing cap no. 11 with
  6. Working in a spiral pattern from the middle towards the outside, tighten the bolts on the camshaft bearing caps (I to VI) in stages. (Tightening torque (M6) 9 Nm,)
  7. Attach the camshaft connecting flange cover. (Use a new gasket.; Tightening torque 23 Nm)
  8. Attach the intake camshaft sprocket.
    • Use a new bolt.
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  9. Attach the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
    • Rotate the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon until the exhaust
    • Use a new bolt.
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  10. Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner.
    • Insert the piston into the housing. (Clamp the piston at the square into a vice.; Turn clockwise to lock the internal piston in the last latch position.)
    • Use new oil seals.
    • Tightening torque 75 Nm
  11. Release the camshaft timing chain tensioner by pressing on the tensioner rail or the camshaft timing chain (using a blunt tool – e.g. a smooth–edged assembly lever).
  12. Recut the thread. (2 off)
  13. Install the guide rail. (Tightening torque 8 Nm)
  14. Raise the lifting ramp.
  15. Rotate the crankshaft 720°.
    • Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation to
  16. Note: In this position the cams of cylinder no. 4 point upwards, and it must be possible to insert blocking tool KM-6148.
  17. Install the lower engine splash shield (13 bolts)
  18. Lower the lifting ramp.
  19. Detach KM-6148.
  20. Attach the cylinder head cover
    • Clean the sealing surfaces.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • 2 bolts, 1 nut
    • Attach the engine breather hose.
    • Tightening torque 8 Nm
  21. Attach the ignition module.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Attach and secure the wiring harness connector.
  22. Connect the fuel lines. (Tightening torque 10 Nm; Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  23. Install the rear engine cover. (Check the alignment.; 6 bolts, tightening torque 14 Nm)
  24. Close the rear engine cover.
  25. Connect the battery.
  26. Close the bonnet.
  27. Reprogram the volatile memories.

Hydraulic tappets

NA (Z22SE) only.

Remove

  1. Open the bonnet.
  2. Disconnect the battery.
  3. Open the engine cover.
  4. Detach the engine cover. (6 bolts)
  5. Release the fuel pressure.
  6. Disconnect the fuel lines. (2 union nuts; 2 bolts; Reposition the fuel lines to one side.)
  7. Detach the ignition module.
    • Release and detach the wiring harness connector.
    • 4 bolts
  8. Remove the cylinder head cover.
    • Detach the engine breather hose.
    • 2 bolts, 1 nut
    • 1 bolt
    • 1 bolt
    • 12 bolts
  9. Raise the lifting ramp.
  10. Remove the lower engine splash shield. (13 bolts)
  11. Align the crankshaft.
    • Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation to
  12. Lower the lifting ramp.
  13. Remove the guide rail. (2 bolts)
  14. Note: If there is no marking on the camshaft timing chain tensioner, then it should be replaced with a new camshaft timing chain tensioner (part number 24 448 509) including a new camshaft timing chain tensioner rail (part number 24 449 448).
  15. Remove the camshaft timing chain tensioner.
  16. Attach KM-6148. Note: In this position the cams of cylinder no. 4 point upwards.
    • Attach KM-6148 with the enclosed
    • Slide the positioning bolts into the designated bores
  17. Detach the exhaust camshaft sprocket. (Hold the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon.; Slide back the positioning bolt to release.)
  18. Detach the intake camshaft sprocket. (Hold the intake camshaft by the hexagon.)
  19. Detach the camshaft connecting flange cover. (2 bolts)
  20. Remove the intake camshaft.
    • Visually inspect the camshaft and the camshaft bearings for (Take out the camshaft.; Visually inspect the camshaft and the camshaft bearings for wear. Note: The cylinder head should be replaced if the camshaft bearings are defective.)
  21. Take out the roller cam followers.
  22. Take out the hydraulic tappets.
  23. Remove the exhaust camshaft.
    • Visually inspect the camshaft and the camshaft bearings for (Take out the camshaft.; Visually inspect the camshaft and the camshaft bearings for wear. Note: The cylinder head should be replaced if the camshaft bearings are defective.)
  24. Take out the roller cam followers.
  25. Take out the hydraulic tappets.
  26. Insert the hydraulic tappets.
  27. Insert the roller cam followers.

Install

  1. Insert the hydraulic tappets.
  2. Insert the roller cam followers.
  3. Install the intake camshaft.
    • Clean the sealing surfaces of camshaft bearing cap no. 11.
  4. Install the camshaft bearing caps.
    • Coat the sealing surfaces of camshaft bearing cap no. 11 with
  5. Working in a spiral pattern from the middle towards the outside, tighten the bolts on the camshaft bearing caps (I to VI) in stages. (Tightening torque (M6) 9 Nm,)
  6. Attach the camshaft connecting flange cover. (Use a new gasket.; Tightening torque 23 Nm)
  7. Attach the intake camshaft sprocket.
    • Use a new bolt.
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  8. Attach the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
    • Rotate the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon until the exhaust
    • Use a new bolt.
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Pull back the positioning bolt to secure the camshaft sprocket.; Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  9. Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner.
    • Insert the piston into the housing. (Clamp the piston at the square into a vice.; Turn clockwise to lock the internal piston in the last latch position.)
    • Use new oil seals.
    • Tightening torque 75 Nm
  10. Release the camshaft timing chain tensioner by pressing on the tensioner rail or the camshaft timing chain (using a blunt tool – e.g. a rounded assembly lever).
  11. Recut the thread. (2 off)
  12. Install the guide rail. (Tightening torque 8 Nm)
  13. Raise the lifting ramp.
  14. Rotate the crankshaft 720°.
    • Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation to
  15. Note: In this position the cams of cylinder no. 4 point upwards, and it must be possible to insert blocking tool KM-6148.
  16. Install the lower engine splash shield
  17. Lower the lifting ramp.
  18. Detach KM-6148.
  19. Attach the cylinder head cover
    • Clean the sealing surfaces.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • 1 nut, 1 bolt
    • Attach the engine breather hose.
    • Tightening torque 8 Nm
  20. Attach the ignition module.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Attach and secure the wiring harness connector.
  21. Connect the fuel lines. (Tightening torque 10 Nm; Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  22. Install the rear engine cover. (Check the alignment.; 6 bolts, tightening torque 14 Nm)
  23. Close the rear engine cover.
  24. Connect the battery.
  25. Close the bonnet.
  26. Reprogram the volatile memories.

Camshaft connection flange and bearing cap

NA (Z22SE) only.

Remove

  1. Open the bonnet.
  2. Disconnect the battery.
  3. Open the engine cover.
  4. Detach the engine cover. (6 bolts)
  5. Release the fuel pressure.
  6. Disconnect the fuel lines. (2 union nuts; 2 bolts; Reposition the fuel lines to one side.)
  7. Detach the ignition module.
    • Release and detach the wiring harness connector.
    • 4 bolts
  8. Remove the cylinder head cover. (Detach the engine breather hose.; 2 bolts, 1 nut; 1 bolt; 12 bolts)
  9. Remove the camshaft connecting flange cover. (2 bolts)
  10. Remove the camshaft connecting flange bearing cap.
    • 2 bolts
    • Visually inspect the camshaft bearings for wear.
  11. Clean the sealing surfaces.

Install

  1. Install the camshaft connecting flange bearing cap.
    • Coat the sliding surfaces with engine oil.
    • Coat the sealing surfaces (arrows) with silicone sealant (grey)
    • Tightening torque 22 Nm
  2. Install the camshaft connecting flange cover. (Use a new gasket.; Tightening torque 23 Nm)
  3. Attach the cylinder head cover
    • Clean the sealing surfaces.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • 2 bolts, 1 nut
    • Attach the engine breather hose.
    • Tightening torque 8 Nm
  4. Attach the ignition module.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Attach and secure the wiring harness connector.
  5. Connect the fuel lines. (Tightening torque 10 Nm; Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  6. Install the rear engine cover. (Check the alignment.; 6 bolts, tightening torque 14 Nm)
  7. Close the rear engine cover.
  8. Connect the battery.
  9. Close the bonnet.
  10. Reprogram the volatile memories.

Camshaft connection flange cover

NA (Z22SE) only.

Procedure

  1. Open the rear engine cover.
  2. Remove the camshaft connecting flange cover. (2 bolts)
  3. Install the camshaft connecting flange cover. (Use a new gasket.; Tightening torque 23 Nm)

Related guides

Spotted a mistake, or have something to add? Tell us about it.

Sources & credit

Written up from these owners' original posts. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

  • Vauxhall TIS: Camshaft Followers, Replace (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Hydraulic Tappets, Replace (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Camshaft Connection Flange, Bearing Cap, Replace (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Camshaft Connection Flange Cover, Replace (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS

Last updated 2026-10-25