Psa Opel Ford Chain Shafts Kit 1.5

The 1.5 BlueHDi engine from the PSA Group, identified by the codes DV5RC and DV5RD, has equipped numerous vehicles since 2017. Despite its efficiency in terms of fuel consumption and emissions, this engine has shown significant structural issues, particularly concerning the timing system.

The most serious problem encountered has been the premature wear of the timing chain, a fundamental component that, if compromised, can cause severe damage to the entire engine.

Undersized chain and resulting failures

The timing chain initially installed was 7 mm wide, a size found to be insufficient for the stresses present in the actual operating cycle. The main consequences observed were:

• Abnormal elongation of the chain
• Timing phase misalignment
• In the most severe cases, chain breakage with catastrophic damage to valves, camshafts, and other engine components

The main causes identified were:

• Undersizing of the chain (7 mm)
• Inadequate lubrication, worsened by the use of non-compliant engine oils
• High tolerances in the machining of the camshafts

Technical modifications introduced by PSA

To solve the problem and improve engine reliability, the PSA Group introduced a significant technical update in February 2023, implementing the following changes:

• New timing chain of 8 mm
• New camshafts
• New chain tensioner
• New cover with revised camshaft seats and improved oil passages

These modifications were made available for the aftermarket through the OE kit 1697054780, containing all updated components. The kit is sold both as a set of loose spare parts and in a pre-assembled version, such as the DIPA VLVKIT001DPSN group, ready for installation.

Official PSA campaign and recommendations

In September 2024, PSA launched an official technical update campaign involving approximately 760.000 vehicles. The operation includes:

• Timing system inspection
• Mechanical intervention if necessary, with replacement of affected components

In addition to mechanical modifications, PSA also updated the maintenance specifications for vehicles equipped with the DV5 engine:

Recommendations for vehicles prior to the update (pre-2023):

• Use of SAE 0W20 engine oil
• Chain tension check every 40.000 km

New oil specifications depending on the chassis number (VIN):

• Up to VIN 16885: SAE 5W30 with specification FPW9.55535/03
• From VIN 16886 onwards: SAE 0W20 with PSA specification B712010

Conclusion

The 1.5 BlueHDi DV5RC/DV5RD engine required significant structural interventions due to the weakness of the timing system, particularly the 7 mm chain. Thanks to the introduction of the updated OE kit 1697054780 and the official campaign of 2024, it is now possible to bring even already circulating vehicles up to the most recent reliability standards.

DIPA provides complete and pre-assembled kits for the overhaul and update of the 1.5 BlueHDi timing system, compatible with the new PSA specifications. Check their availability ready in stock for quick interventions without waiting times.