After reviewing this site multiple times I am relieved that I have this as a reference to go to. I have a 2008 LT 2.2 with 163K miles. Drives great looks great. I am getting the original serpentine belt changed out here soon along with the timing chain tensioner as there is the rattle that you hear for a few seconds on cold starts. Not sure how long this has been going on as I just bought it a few weeks ago for a pretty cheap price. I am told by my local repair shop that they are aware of the ecotec needing this done. They recommend just going the serpentine and the tensioner. They said the actual chain might not need to be done. Should I take that chance or go the whole route of doing the chain, timing guides and the serpentine ? Trying not to spend $$ unnecessarily. There has never been a service engine light on. Any feedback would be appreciated ! Thanks

 

My 2 cents, I am not a motor head, But at you mileage I would also do the timing chain as well. WAY cheaper then a new motor :).. I would rather be safe then sorry.. Try the search box as well. If I remember right this was asked before and changing the chain was advised! . But the gear heads will chime in soon wil the best advice

 

In a case like this you have to put your trust in the shop doing the work. When they are replacing the tensioner they should have the valve cover off and will be able to inspect the upper chain guides for a more informed decision on how far the repair should go.

It is alway possible that the former owner of your car had the chain or guides replaced already.

I would want them to replace the valve cover gasket instead of reusing it.

 

Why remove the valve cover, Lucky? That's the bolt looking thingy on the back of the engine. Assuming they use the "new" improved one, I thought you do not need to whack it. Did I get lost again?

 

The valve cover has to be removed so the tensioner can be released to preload the chain.

Some have installed the new tensioner without doing this step. Some people have been lucky and the tensioner preset on start up and some have not been so lucky and the engine jumped time.

 

Here is a pic of the new vs old the pre tension parts of the new style are the same and still requires the same procedure listed in the service manual preset the tensioner.

 

Some day I will figure out why my iPad wants to invert this picture. Sorry.

 

Yeah Lucky. I'm not gonna rotate that picture for you again.

 

I will get this iPad figured out some day

 

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Rotating pictures: simple
Getting that virus out of my email account: Ain't got a clue.