That was my concern. The valve cover is off and from the top I can see a slight deflection in the chain that I expect would shift the guide over a tiny bit once the bolt is out. But because the cover is off, I should be able to stick something in there push the guide back into place to get the redesigned guide bolt in.

Re Old Blue‘s comment, yep, the chains are now an urgent priority but I need to get the car to a shop, because, well, several excuses for not just doing it here. Will slap the valve cover back on and baby it for one trip. Was thinking maybe in case that guide broke down further, the new bolt would be more likely to survive than the old one. As long as I don’t drop the bolt.

Maybe I’ll flip a coin.

 

Thanks! Though I had already seen that, but this seems to be a newer version.

 

Don’t drive that one more trip, change the chain, it’s not really that hard! I’m 66 and it takes me about 3 hours with hand tools , I only jack up the passenger side and put a jack stand under it.

 

Russian roulette, anyone?

 

I’m definitely not going to change the cam sprockets (VVT), and would rather not change the crank sprocket if it looks good. Is it possible to get the chain off and on without removing any sprockets?

Which if any new gaskets are mandatory? I was kind of assuming the valve cover.

 

You have to remove the cam sprockets, in order to remove the chain, I’ve reused the front cover and the valve cover gaskets, just be careful and gently wipe any oil residue from them . There is a kit from Cloyes that does not include the cam sprockets or the crankshaft sprockets. 9-4201SX

 

Off to find some Cam sprocket bolts GM 11588844

 

Try RockAuto, but you can reuse those

 

Only need to remove the exhaust sprocket. All VVT engines have the "new" hydraulic tensioner.

 

I found it very tight to get the chain around the intake phaser and sprocket, so I removed that bolt also.
The bolts are thick and will stand up to reuse, once or twice.