You are right donbrew... I didnt know I still needed to check my oil and thats exactly what I assumed... lesson learned. Just prolly too late. And I did check my oil after #8 post- it needed (and I added) 2 quarts

 

If you knew for sure that it was full the last time it was checked, 2 quarts is way too much to have burned, it means there is a big problem somewhere. That is my point.

 

Oil checks with newly acquired used car:
1) Every time you start it until you notice no change after a few times.
2) Every fillup until you notice no change after a few times.
3) Holy cow! It was down over a quart?! Are you sure? At the last oil change it was fine.
4) Back to checking at each fillup, just like the manual says. What else are you going to do while waiting for the pump. Slather your windshield with the mud that the squeegee is immersed in?

 

I thought the shop where I took to have itchanged would have told me if something was wrong. They do all the fluid checks & obviously not as much as I thought. So... I have my car stuck out here & no one to look at it. So can I call a repair place & have them come & tow it and let them check it out? That seems so scary to do that! Do I tell them to check the timing chain first? Idk how to go about it to where they dont think CHA-CHING!!

 

Are you unable to remove the air filter housing, and then the valve cover? Then you just see if the chain is tight or loose(take pictures or video). You should be able to reuse the valve cover gasket, no sealant or anything like that to deal with.

 

I was thinking it might be too much... I will check it out again in the morning. The video didnt look that somple to me. But im dyin to see if that chain is loose! I'll let u know- i gotta make sure i have the right tools- basically the basics is all i have.

 

Those videos are for replacement of the chains. Oldblue's post #21 shows the valve cover, it's a much easier task.

 

Just removing the valve cover is not complicated, just a few bolts and the spark plugs and VVT valves.
How did it get off the highway?
My car insurance covers towing, maybe yours does. A few months ago my wife's car blew a spark plug at the grocery store, I called the insurance company and they towed it home.
Get a free month subscription to AAA. Call the local shops and ask them.

 

A side note, I’ve lifted off the valve cover just removing the coils, the perimeter bolts and the lift bracket on the driver’s side. I didn’t remove the VVT solenoids or the spark plugs

only needed a 3/8 drive ratchet, 8” extension also 3/8, a 3/8 drive 10 mm socket and a 13 mm combination wrench. I just lifted the valve cover enough to see the timing chain.

Heres a how to with photos from the archives
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...er-2-4-a-8554/

 

When it finally lost all power, I coasted off the interstate to a gas station and then called a tow truck. I do have those tools. Its the plugs & vvt valves that im leary of. But im going to go do what i can do. Thanks for info...