How-to install upgraded timing chain guide bolt
 

Alright, this is really easy, and a very good upgrade for the longevity of your engine.

The original guide bolt is stepped, and a known weak point in the timing chain assembly. These Ecotec engines are interference engines, meaning, if any part of the timing chain assembly breaks, or wears out, you destroy your engine.

Here is the original, stepped bolt.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...62ba2335eb.jpg

Here is the upgraded bolt. This one is from ZZPerformance, there are others with the same basic idea.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f52acbff98.jpg

Tools needed:
3/8" ratchet
3/8" torque wrench
10mm deep socket(or standard socket with a very short, like 1"-2", extension)
10mm hex socket(like an Allen wrench in socket form)
Strong magnet

1.) Remove the plug from the front of the engine with the ratchet and 10mm hex socket. You will not be reusing this plug.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...bc2b9ed8c0.jpg


2.) Very carefully, remove the stepped bolt. I used a long extension because my engine is not installed in the car yet. You won't have room for one if your engine is still in the car. I put a rare earth magnet on the 10mm deep socket. You don't want the bolt falling in there. Even with these precautions, the bolt still doesn't really want to stay in the socket very well, so be very careful when removing it. You will not be reusing this bolt.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...72dae76d94.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...1a94c2564b.jpg

3.) Install the new bolt with the 10mm hex socket. This one came with a washer, and had sealant already on it. Torque to 59 lbs. ft.

4.) That's it. Clean up, and pat yourself on the back, you just gave your engine an opportunity to last much longer. You may have even narrowly averted a disaster.

Nice write up, RJ , thank you for taking the pictures, and time to post this how to.

I just realized why the bolt didn't want to stay in the socket. It's a flange bolt! So the deep socket isn't critical to have, if you have a very short extension.

Good tip and great demo.
Thanks.
Can I ask the OEM number of the ZZP-bolt?

Here is the product page
https://zzperformance.com/products/e...ain-guide-bolt

Confused
 

So, this bolt is a guide bolt ? You just R&R it? What about the belt or chain, what keeps it all in place?

The timing chain guide has more than 1 bolt. This bolt is weak, so it gets upgraded. The guide is still held in place by the other bolt, because the engine is not running.

I got nervous before removing the bolt, I asked basically the same question. :thumb:

This from the Dorman site that makes guide bolt also. There is no mention of your question and it's a R&R replacement.
Read what is written,then at the bottom watch the video.
https://www.dormanproducts.com/pages...uide-bolt.aspx

I used the Melling bolt from RockAuto, in here post #13

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...s-60394/page2/

I would be worried that I would drop that bolt into the motor