A silver Vauxhall VX220 on track
← All guides

Engine

Crankshaft, balancer shafts and piston rings (NA)

The factory steps for the NA's crankshaft, its bearing clearance, end float and out-of-round checks, oil seals, pickup, the balancer shafts and the piston rings, from the Vauxhall TIS.

vx220.info/guides/crankshaft-balancer-shafts-and-piston-rings-na · Last updated 25 October 2026

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

Tools

  • KM-412
  • KM-412-27
  • KM-6077
  • KM-6105
  • KM-6148
  • KM-6151
  • KM-652
  • KM-956-1
  • KM-J-38122-A
  • KM-J-4206
  • KM-J-42067
  • MKM-571-B

Torques & specs

Drain the engine oil.25 Nm
all bolts loosely. Note: Observe the tightening sequence.20 Nm
all bolts loosely. Note: Observe the tightening sequence.23 Nm
Install big–end bearing caps 2 and 3. Note: Note the applied markings.25 Nm
Renew the bolts.25 Nm
Note: Observe the tightening sequence.23 Nm
Install the balancer shaft timing chain guide rails.10 Nm
Install the balancer shaft timing chain tensioner rail.9 Nm
Install the intake camshaft sprocket.85 Nm
Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner rail.10 Nm
Install the camshaft timing chain guide rail.10 Nm
Install the camshaft timing chain guide rail.65 Nm
Install the exhaust camshaft sprocket.85 Nm
Install the guide rail.8 Nm
Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner.75 Nm
Install the timing case. Note: Remove the plastic wedge and the cloth from the opening in the timing case.21 Nm
Attach the rotational vibration damper.100 Nm
Attach the engine damping block bracket.50 Nm
Attach the flywheel.53 Nm
Attach the cylinder head cover9 Nm
Attach the ignition module.9 Nm
Tightening torque 25 Nm25 Nm
the M10 bolts – tightening torque 20 Nm + 70° + 15°20 Nm
the M8 bolts – tightening torque 23 Nm23 Nm
Tightening torque 10 Nm10 Nm
Tightening torque 9 Nm9 Nm
Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°85 Nm
Tightening torque 65 Nm65 Nm
Tightening torque 8 Nm8 Nm
Tightening torque 75 Nm75 Nm
Tightening torque 21 Nm21 Nm
Tightening torque 100 Nm + 75° + 15°100 Nm
Tightening torque 43 Nm43 Nm
Tightening torque 50 Nm50 Nm
Tightening torque 53 Nm + 25°53 Nm
Attach the cylinder block base plate. Note: Observe the tightening sequence.20 Nm
Attach the cylinder block base plate. Note: Observe the tightening sequence.23 Nm
Tightening torque 25 Nm + 50° + 50° + 10°25 Nm
Attach the big–end bearing caps.25 Nm
Install the engine cover.14 Nm
6 bolts, tightening torque 14 Nm14 Nm
Attach the drive plate.53 Nm
Install the crankshaft pickup.9 Nm
Install the starter motor.40 Nm
Tightening torque 40 Nm40 Nm
Install the balancer shaft on the intake side.9 Nm
Install the balancer shaft on the exhaust side.9 Nm
Install the balancer shaft timing chain tensioner.10 Nm
Install the knock sensor.23 Nm
Attach the intake manifold.9 Nm
Attach the exhaust gas recirculation pipe.9 Nm
Attach the exhaust gas recirculation pipe.8 Nm
Install the engine control unit.9 Nm
Install the engine control unit.10 Nm
Install the oil dipstick guide tube.9 Nm
Tightening torque 23 Nm23 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.

Engine-out work. Torques are on Torque values.

Do not damage the sealing surfaces.
The assembly process must be finished within 10 minutes of applying the sealant.
The TDC reference points on the timing chain are indicated by coloured links in the chain. These must line up with the markings on the timing sprockets.
Note the identification marking – do not mix up.

Crankshaft: removal and installation

NA (Z22SE) only.

Remove

  1. Remove the engine Note: See operation "Engine, Remove and Install".
  2. Separate the manual transmission from the engine. Note: See operation "Manual Transmission and Engine, Separate and Reattach"
  3. Place a drip tray underneath.
  4. Drain the engine oil. (Open the oil drain plug.; Tightening torque 25 Nm)
  5. Detach the flywheel.
    • Immobilise the flywheel via the starter ring gear with KM-652.
    • 6 bolts
  6. Detach the engine damping block bracket. (3 bolts)
  7. Remove the ribbed V–belt.
    • Mark the running direction of the ribbed V–belt.
    • Take out the ribbed V–belt.
  8. Detach the ribbed V–belt tensioner.
  9. Detach the rotational vibration damper. (Use holding adapter KM-J-38122-A in)
  10. Detach the timing case. (11 bolts; Remove the gasket.; Use a suitable tool to remove the oil seal.)
  11. Detach the ignition module. (4 bolts)
  12. Detach the cylinder head cover. (Detach the ground cable.; 12 bolts)
  13. 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).
  14. Remove the camshaft timing chain tensioner.
  15. Remove the guide rail. (2 bolts)
  16. Remove the exhaust camshaft sprocket. (Hold the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon.)
  17. Remove the camshaft timing chain tensioner rail. (Lift out to the top.)
  18. Remove the camshaft timing chain guide rail. (Remove the screw plug.; 2 bolts)
  19. Remove the intake camshaft sprocket. (Hold the intake camshaft by the hexagon.)
  20. Take out the camshaft timing chain. (Take out the camshaft timing sprocket.)
  21. Remove the balancer shaft timing chain tensioner. (2 bolts)
  22. Remove the balancer shaft timing chain tensioner rail.
  23. Remove the balancer shaft timing chain guide rails. (2 off; 4 bolts)
  24. Take out the balancer shaft timing chain. (Take out the balancer shaft timing sprocket.)
  25. Remove the oil pan.
    • Rotate the engine on the assembly stand 180°.
    • 15 bolts
  26. Remove big–end bearing caps 1 and 4.
    • Attach the rotational vibration damper to the crankshaft
    • Mark the connecting rod and big–end bearing cap.
  27. Detach the big–end bearing caps. Note: The broken surfaces of the connecting rods and the big–end bearing caps form a unique fit and must not be swapped or damaged. Do not put the parts down on the broken surfaces. (2 off; 4 bolts)
  28. Remove big–end bearing caps 2 and 3.
    • Rotate the crankshaft by the rotational vibration damper 180°.
    • Mark the connecting rod and big–end bearing cap.
  29. Detach the big–end bearing caps. Note: The broken surfaces of the connecting rods and the big–end bearing caps form a unique fit and must not be swapped or damaged. Do not put the parts down on the broken surfaces. (2 off; 4 bolts; Detach the rotational vibration damper.)
  30. Remove the crankshaft.
    • 30 bolts (30 bolts Note: Use a suitable tool to evenly prise it off at the leverage points (arrow).)
  31. Remove the crankshaft rear oil seal. Note: Place the crankshaft down onto wooden blocks.
    • Check the condition of the spring lock washer and renew as
  32. Take out the crankshaft bearing shells.
    • From the cylinder block and the cylinder block base plate
    • Clean and visually inspect the components.
  33. Take out the big–end bearing shells.
    • From the connecting rods and the big–end bearing caps
    • Clean and visually inspect the components.
  34. Clean the sealing surfaces. (Cylinder block and cylinder block base plate)

Install

  1. Insert the big–end bearing shells.
    • Coat the big–end bearing shells with engine oil.
  2. Insert the crankshaft bearing shells.
    • Coat the crankshaft bearing shells with engine oil.
  3. Insert the crankshaft.
    • Coat the crankshaft bearing journals with engine oil.
  4. Clean the sealing surfaces.
  5. Attach the cylinder block base plate.
  6. Tighten all bolts loosely. Note: Observe the tightening sequence.
    • Tighten the M10 bolts – tightening torque 20 Nm + 70° + 15°
    • Tighten the M8 bolts – tightening torque 23 Nm
    • Remove any excessive sealant.
  7. Install the crankshaft rear oil seal.
    • Coat the sealing lip with silicone grease (white).
    • Turn back the installation tool KM-J-42067.
    • Slide the oil seal onto KM-J-42067
    • Attach KM-J-42067 to the
    • Press in the oil seal with KM-J-42067
    • Detach KM-J-42067.
  8. Install big–end bearing caps 2 and 3. Note: Note the applied markings.
    • Coat the big–end bearing journals with engine oil.
    • Renew the bolts.
    • Tightening torque 25 Nm + 50° +
    • Attach the rotational vibration damper to the crankshaft.
    • Rotate the crankshaft via the rotational vibration damper 180° in the normal direction of
  9. Install big–end bearing caps 1 and 4.
    • Coat the big–end bearing journals with engine oil.
  10. Renew the bolts. (Tightening torque 25 Nm + 50° +)
  11. Clean the sealing surfaces. (Cylinder block base plate, oil pan)
  12. Recut the thread. (15 off)
  13. Install the oil pan.
    • Apply a bead of silicone sealant (grey) (approx. 2 mm to 2.5 mm
    • Apply an additional bead of silicone sealant (grey) (approx.
  14. Note: Observe the tightening sequence.
    • Tighten all bolts loosely.
    • To the cylinder block base plate – tightening torque
    • To the transmission housing – tightening torque 23 Nm
  15. Attach the wiring harness connector for the dynamic oil level check.
  16. Align the crankshaft.
    • Insert the balancer shaft timing sprocket.
    • Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation until
    • Detach the rotational vibration damper.
  17. Install the balancer shaft timing chain.
  18. Install the balancer shaft timing chain guide rails. (Tightening torque 10 Nm)
  19. Install the balancer shaft timing chain tensioner rail. (Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  20. Install the balancer shaft timing chain tensioner. Note: If the TDC markings no longer line up with the coloured chain links – refit the balancer shaft timing chain. After a single revolution of the engine the TDC markings will no longer line up with the coloured chain links.
    • Rotate the piston clockwise, press it in and insert KM-6077 into the designated bores.
    • Tightening torque 10 Nm
    • Take out KM-6077.
    • Remove the plastic wedge.
  21. Insert the camshaft timing sprocket.
  22. Insert the camshaft timing chain. Note: Working from the top left and right, insert the timing chain past the central web.
  23. Install the intake camshaft sprocket.
    • Lay the camshaft timing chain onto the camshaft sprocket.
    • Use a new bolt.
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  24. Fit the camshaft timing chain.
  25. Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner rail. (Tightening torque 10 Nm)
  26. Install the camshaft timing chain guide rail. (Tightening torque 10 Nm; Tightening torque 65 Nm)
  27. Secure the camshaft timing chain.
  28. Install 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°)
  29. Recut the thread. (2 off)
  30. Install the guide rail. (Tightening torque 8 Nm)
  31. 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
  32. 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). Note: If the TDC markings no longer line up with the coloured chain links, refit the camshaft timing chain. Once the crankshaft has been rotated another turn they will no longer line up.
  33. Install the timing case. Note: Remove the plastic wedge and the cloth from the opening in the timing case.
    • Use a new gasket.
    • Tightening torque 21 Nm
    • Take out KM-6105. (Slide protective sleeve from KM-6105 onto the connecting rod journal.; Coat the sealing lips with silicone grease (white).; Slide the oil seal over the protective sleeve onto the connecting rod journal.; Use KM-6105 to press the oil seal into the timing case.; Use bolt of the rotational vibration damper.)
  34. Attach the rotational vibration damper. (Use holding adapter KM-J-38122-A in; Use a new bolt.; Tightening torque 100 Nm + 75° +)
  35. Check the valve timing.
    • Use the retaining bolt of the rotational vibration damper to
    • Rotate the engine further in the normal direction of rotation
  36. Note: In this position the cams of cylinder no. 4 must point upwards.
    • Attach KM-6148 with the enclosed
    • Slide the positioning bolts into the designated bores
    • Detach KM-6148.
  37. Attach the ribbed V–belt tensioner. Note: The lug of the ribbed V–belt tensioner engages into the bore in the timing case. (Tightening torque 43 Nm)
  38. Install the ribbed V–belt.
    • Lay the ribbed V–belt in place.
    • Tension the ribbed V–belt tensioner in the direction of
  39. Attach the engine damping block bracket. (Tightening torque 50 Nm)
  40. Attach the flywheel. (Recut the thread in the crankshaft.; Use new bolts.; Tightening torque 53 Nm +; Detach KM-652.)
  41. Attach the cylinder head cover (Clean the sealing surfaces.; Use new gaskets.; Attach the ground cable; Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  42. Attach the ignition module. (Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  43. Reattach the manual transmission to the engine. Note: See operation "Manual Transmission and Engine, Separate and Reattach"
  44. Install the engine. Note: See operation "Engine, Remove and Install –
  45. Fill up with engine oil and correct as required.

Crankshaft bearing clearance: micrometer method

NA (Z22SE) only.

Measure

  1. Attach the cylinder block base plate. Note: Observe the tightening sequence.
    • Tighten all bolts loosely.
    • Tighten the M10 bolts – tightening torque 20 Nm + 70° + 15°
    • Tighten the M8 bolts – tightening torque 23 Nm
  2. Fit the internal gauge and calibrate it with the micrometer.
  3. Determine the crankshaft bearing clearance.
    • Formula: Mean crankshaft bearing diameter – mean
  4. Comparison between specified values and actual values
    • Permissible crankshaft bearing clearance: 0,026 - 0,070 mm

Crankshaft bearing clearance: Plastigage method

NA (Z22SE) only.

Measure

  1. Cylinder block base plate removed. Note: Cylinder block base plate removed – see "Crankshaft, Remove and Install"
  2. Lay the Plastigage in place.
    • Lay the Plastigage (mouldable plastic thread) axially over the
  3. Do not rotate the crankshaft.
  4. Attach the cylinder block base plate. Note: Observe the tightening sequence.
    • Tighten all bolts loosely.
    • Tighten the M10 bolts – tightening torque 20 Nm + 70° + 15°
    • Tighten the M8 bolts – tightening torque 23 Nm
  5. Detach the cylinder block base plate.
  6. Measure the crankshaft bearing clearance.
    • Compare the width of the flattened plastic thread (arrow) with
    • Permissible crankshaft bearing clearance: 0,026 - 0,070 mm

Big-end bearing clearance: micrometer method

NA (Z22SE) only.

Measure

  1. Fit the internal gauge and calibrate it with the micrometer. Attach the big–end bearing caps to the connecting rods.
  2. Determine the big–end bearing clearance.
    • Formula: Mean big–end bearing diameter – mean
  3. Comparison between specified values and actual values
    • Permissible big–end bearing clearance: 0,041 - 0,043 mm

Big-end bearing clearance: Plastigage method

NA (Z22SE) only.

Measure

  1. Oil pan removed Note: Oil pan removed – see "Oil Pan, Remove and Install".
  2. Detach the big–end bearing caps.
    • Mark the installation position of the big–end bearing cap
    • Grease the big–end bearing caps and coat the
  3. Lay the Plastigage in place.
    • Lay Plastigage (mouldable plastic thread) across the entire
  4. Note: Plastigage is available via the "Opel/Vauxhall – Workshop Equipment" catalogue.
  5. Attach the big–end bearing caps. (Tightening torque 25 Nm + 50° +)
  6. Detach the big–end bearing caps.
  7. Measure the big–end bearing clearance.
    • Compare the width of the flattened plastic thread with the
    • Permissible connecting rod bearing clearance: 0,041 to 0,043
  8. Attach the big–end bearing caps.
    • Coat the big–end bearing journals and the big–end
    • Use new bolts.
    • Tightening torque 25 Nm + 50° +

Crankshaft end float

NA (Z22SE) only.

Procedure

  1. Attach the dial gauge MKM-571-B.
    • Attach to one end face of the cylinder block using the
    • Position and adjust the dual gauge probe on the crankshaft.
  2. Measure the crankshaft end float. (Move the crankshaft lengthways.; Permissible crankshaft end float: 0,092)
  3. Detach the dial gauge MKM-571-B.

Crankshaft out-of-round check

NA (Z22SE) only.

Procedure

  1. Crankshaft removed Note: Crankshaft removed – see "Crankshaft, Remove and Install"
  2. Lay the crankshaft in the cylinder block.
  3. Attach the dial gauge MKM-571-B.
    • Attach with the bracket to the cylinder block.
    • Position and adjust the dual gauge probe on the crankshaft
  4. Check the radial run–out of the crankshaft. (Turn the crankshaft smoothly.; Max. permissible radial run–out: 0,03 mm)
  5. Detach the dial gauge MKM-571-B.

Crankshaft oil seal, front

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. Raise the lifting ramp.
  6. Remove the lower engine splash shield. (13 bolts)
  7. Remove the ribbed V–belt.
    • Mark the running direction of the ribbed V–belt.
    • Take out the ribbed V–belt.
  8. Detach the rotational vibration damper. (Use holding adapter KM-J-38122-A in)
  9. Remove the oil seal. (Use a suitable tool to remove the oil seal.)
  10. Clean the sealing surfaces.

Install

  1. Install the oil seal.
    • Take out KM-6105. (Coat the sealing lips with silicone grease (white).; Slide the oil seal over the protective sleeve onto the connecting rod journal.; Use KM-6105 to press the oil seal into the timing case.; Use bolt of the rotational vibration damper.)
  2. Attach the rotational vibration damper.
    • Use holding adapter KM-J-38122-A in
    • Tightening torque 100 Nm + 75° + (Tightening torque 100 Nm + 75° + 15°)
  3. Install the ribbed V–belt.
    • Lay the ribbed V–belt in place.
    • Tension the ribbed V–belt tensioner in the direction of
  4. Install the lower engine splash shield
  5. Lower the lifting ramp.
  6. Install the engine cover. (Check the alignment.; 6 bolts, tightening torque 14 Nm)
  7. Close the engine cover.
  8. Connect the battery.
  9. Close the bonnet.
  10. Reprogram the volatile memories.

Crankshaft oil seal, rear

NA (Z22SE) only.

Procedure

  1. Remove the transmission. (Note:)
  2. Detach the drive plate.
    • Immobilise the drive plate via the starter ring gear with KM-652.
    • 6 bolts
  3. Remove the crankshaft rear oil seal.
    • Use a suitable tool to prise it out – do not damage the
  4. Install the crankshaft rear oil seal.
    • Clean the sealing surfaces.
    • Coat the sealing lip with silicone grease (white).
    • Turn back the installation tool KM-J-42067.
    • Slide the oil seal onto KM-J-42067
    • Attach KM-J-42067 to the
    • Press in the oil seal with KM-J-4206
    • Detach KM-J-42067.
  5. Attach the drive plate. (Recut the thread in the crankshaft.; Use new bolts.; Tightening torque 53 Nm +; Detach KM-652.)
  6. Install the transmission. (Note:)

Crankshaft pickup

NA (Z22SE) only.

Remove

  1. Open the bonnet.
  2. Disconnect the battery.
  3. Open the rear engine cover.
  4. Raise the lifting ramp.
  5. Remove the lower engine splash shield. (13 bolts)
  6. Detach the starter motor wiring harness. (1 clip)
  7. Detach the alternator wiring harness. (2 clips)
  8. Disconnect the starter motor wiring connectors. (2 nuts)
  9. Remove the starter. (2 bolts)
  10. Remove the crankshaft pickup. (Detach the wiring harness connector.; 1 bolt)

Install

  1. Install the crankshaft pickup. (Use a new oil seal.; Tightening torque 9 Nm; Attach the wiring harness connector.)
  2. Install the starter motor. (Tightening torque 40 Nm)
  3. Connect the starter motor wiring connectors. (2 nuts.)
  4. Attach the alternator wiring harness. (2 clips)
  5. Attach the starter motor wiring harness. (1 clip)
  6. Attach the engine undershield. (13 bolts)
  7. Lower the lifting ramp.
  8. Close the rear engine cover.
  9. Connect the battery.
  10. Close the bonnet.
  11. Reprogram the volatile memories.

Balancer shafts

NA (Z22SE) only.

Remove

  1. Remove the engine Note: See operation "Engine, Remove and Install".
  2. Attach the adapter KM-412-27 on the exhaust side.
  3. Remove the oil dipstick guide tube.
    • Pull the oil dipstick out of the oil dipstick guide tube.
    • 1 bolt
    • Pull the oil dipstick guide tube out of the oil pan.
  4. Drill out the shear bolt.
    • Centre–punch
    • Max. depth 10 mm (Use a 3 mm drill.)
    • Until the head of the bolt comes free. (Use a 6.5 mm drill.)
  5. Remove retaining bolt.
  6. Remove the bridge piece. (Reposition the ground cable to one side.)
  7. Remove the retaining bolts. (2 bolts)
  8. Take out the engine control unit.
  9. Detach the throttle body wiring harness connector. (Release the wiring harness connector.)
  10. Detach the wiring harness connector from the intake manifold pressure sensor.
  11. Unbolt the exhaust gas recirculation pipe. (2 nuts; 2 bolts)
  12. Detach the intake manifold. (4 clips; 5 bolts, 2 nuts)
  13. Remove the starter. (2 bolts)
  14. Remove the knock sensor. (Detach the wiring harness connector.)
  15. Attach the adapter KM-412-27 on the intake side.
  16. Attach the engine to the assembly stand KM-412. Note: 2 technicians required
    • Detach the retaining cables from the engine lifting eyes.
  17. Place a drip tray underneath.
  18. Drain the engine oil. (Open the oil drain plug.; Tightening torque 25 Nm)
  19. Align the crankshaft.
    • Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation to
  20. Detach the engine damping block bracket. (3 bolts)
  21. Remove the ribbed V–belt.
    • Mark the running direction of the ribbed V–belt.
    • Take out the ribbed V–belt.
  22. Detach the ribbed V–belt tensioner.
  23. Detach the rotational vibration damper. (Use holding adapter KM-J-38122-A in)
  24. Detach the timing case. (11 bolts; Remove the gasket.; Use a suitable tool to remove the oil seal.)
  25. Detach the ignition module. (4 bolts)
  26. Detach the cylinder head cover. (Detach the ground cable.; 14 bolts)
  27. 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).
  28. Remove the camshaft timing chain tensioner.
  29. Remove the guide rail. (2 bolts)
  30. Remove the exhaust camshaft sprocket. (Hold the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon.)
  31. Remove the camshaft timing chain tensioner rail. (Lift out to the top.)
  32. Remove the camshaft timing chain guide rail. (Remove the screw plug.; 2 bolts)
  33. Remove the intake camshaft sprocket. (Hold the intake camshaft by the hexagon.)
  34. Take out the camshaft timing chain.
  35. Remove the balancer shaft timing chain tensioner. (2 bolts)
  36. Remove the balancer shaft timing chain tensioner rail.
  37. Remove the balancer shaft timing chain guide rails. (2 off; 4 bolts)
  38. Take out the balancer shaft timing chain.
  39. Remove the balancer shaft on the exhaust side.
  40. Remove the balancer shaft on the intake side.

Install

  1. Install the balancer shaft on the intake side.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Rotate the balancer shaft once (check for ease of
  2. Install the balancer shaft on the exhaust side.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Rotate the balancer shaft once (check for ease of
  3. Install the balancer shaft timing chain.
  4. Install the balancer shaft timing chain guide rails. (Tightening torque 10 Nm)
  5. Install the balancer shaft timing chain tensioner rail. (Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  6. Install the balancer shaft timing chain tensioner.
    • Rotate the piston clockwise, press it in and insert KM-6077 into the designated bores.
    • Tightening torque 10 Nm
    • Take out KM-6077.
  7. Insert the camshaft timing chain. Note: Working from the top left and right, insert the timing chain past the central web.
  8. Install the intake camshaft sprocket.
    • Lay the camshaft timing chain onto the camshaft sprocket.
    • Use a new bolt.
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  9. Fit the camshaft timing chain.
  10. Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner rail. (Insert from above.; Tightening torque 10 Nm)
  11. Install the camshaft timing chain guide rail. (Tightening torque 10 Nm; Tightening torque 65 Nm)
  12. Secure the camshaft timing chain.
  13. Install 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°)
  14. Recut the thread. (2 off)
  15. Install the guide rail. (Tightening torque 8 Nm)
  16. 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
  17. 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). Note: If the TDC markings no longer line up with the coloured chain links, refit the camshaft timing chain. Once the crankshaft has been rotated another turn they will no longer line up.
  18. Install the timing case. Note: Remove the plastic wedge and the cloth from the opening in the timing case.
    • Use a new gasket.
    • Tightening torque 21 Nm
    • Take out KM-6105. (Slide protective sleeve from KM-6105 onto the connecting rod journal.; Coat the sealing lips with silicone grease (white).; Use KM-6105 to press the oil seal into the timing case.; Use bolt of the rotational vibration damper.)
  19. Attach the rotational vibration damper. (Use holding adapter KM-J-38122-A in; Use a new bolt.; Tightening torque 100 Nm + 75° +)
  20. Check the valve timing.
    • Use the retaining bolt of the rotational vibration damper to
    • Rotate the engine further in the normal direction of rotation
  21. Note: In this position the cams of cylinder no. 4 must point upwards.
    • Attach KM-6148 with the enclosed
    • Slide the positioning bolts into the designated bores
    • Detach KM-6148.
  22. Attach the ribbed V–belt tensioner. Note: The lug of the ribbed V–belt tensioner engages into the bore in the timing case. (Tightening torque 43 Nm)
  23. Install the ribbed V–belt.
    • Lay the ribbed V–belt in place.
    • Tension the ribbed V–belt tensioner in the direction of
  24. Attach the engine damping block bracket. (Tightening torque 50 Nm)
  25. Attach the cylinder head cover (Clean the sealing surfaces.; Use new gaskets.; Attach the ground cable; Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  26. Attach the ignition module. (Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  27. Attach and secure the ignition module wiring harness connector.
  28. Detach the engine from the assembly stand KM-412. Note: 2 technicians required (Carefully set down the engine.)
  29. Detach the adapter KM-412-27 on the left–hand side.
  30. Install the knock sensor. (Attach the wiring harness connector.)
  31. Attach the intake manifold. (Use new gaskets.; Tightening torque 9 Nm; Attach the 4 clips.)
  32. Attach the exhaust gas recirculation pipe. (Clean the sealing surfaces.; Use a new gasket.; Tightening torque 9 Nm; Tightening torque 8 Nm)
  33. Attach the wiring harness connector for the intake manifold pressure sensor.
  34. Attach the wiring harness connector for the throttle body. (Secure the wiring harness connector(s).)
  35. Clean the engine control unit.
    • Clean the engine control unit and the plug contacts with
  36. Install the engine control unit.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Attach and secure the wiring harness connector.
    • Route the ground cable.
    • Tightening torque 10 Nm
  37. Install the oil dipstick guide tube.
    • Coat the oil seals with silicone grease (white).
    • Insert the oil dipstick guide tube as far as the stop into the
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Insert the oil dipstick.
    • Attach the knock sensor wiring harness to the oil dipstick
  38. Detach the adapter KM-412-27 on the right–hand side.
  39. Install the engine. Note: See operation "Engine, Remove and Install".
  40. Fill up with engine oil and correct as required.

Piston rings

NA (Z22SE) only.

Procedure

  1. Remove the piston rings.
    • Use piston ring pliers.
    • Any carbon build–up should be removed with a piston ring
    • Compress the piston ring in the cylinder and measure the gap
    • Piston ring sizes and permissible piston ring gaps – see
  2. Install the piston rings. Note: During installation of the second piston ring (Napier ring): "Punkt" (= point or dot) identification faces upwards.
    • Intermediate ring of the oil scraper ring in position, steel (First piston ring (rectangular–section ring) in position; Second piston ring (Napier ring) in position; Intermediate ring of the oil scraper ring in position, steel band rings of the oil scraper ring in position)

Cylinder block: flatness check

NA (Z22SE) only.

Procedure

  1. Clean the sealing surfaces. (Remove any gasket residue.)
  2. Check for plane surface. (Use a straightedge, feeler gauges)

Sources & credit

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

  • Vauxhall TIS: Crankshaft, Remove and Install (Engine Removed) (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Crankshaft Bearing Clearance, Check, Measure with micrometer (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Crankshaft Bearing Clearance, Check, Measure with Plastigage (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Big-end Bearing Clearance, Check, measure with micrometer (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Big-end Bearing Clearance, Check, measure with Plastigage) (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Crankshaft End Float, Check (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Crankshaft Out-of-round Check (Z 22 SE, Z 20 LET) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Crankshaft Oil Seal, Front, Replace (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Crankshaft Oil Seal, Rear, Replace (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Crankshaft Pickup, Replace (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Balancer Shafts, Remove and Install (Engine Removed) (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Piston Rings, Replace (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Cylinder Block, Check for Plane Surface (Z 22 SE, Z 20 LET) by Vauxhall TIS

Last updated 2026-10-25

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

Related guides