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I highly recommend using a new style replacement for the front guide upper bolt. I ordered this one from Melling, very stout comes with sealant and a washer



As you can see, I ordered from RockAuto.

The bolt uses an Allen wrench like the factory bolt cover.

The piece comes with sealant and a washer to avoid oil leaks.

 

 

Old Blue, alldatadiy shows timing marks for 2.2 and 2.4 ecotec in different locations. It seems the standard from all the videos that I have watched is the exhaust is at 10 and the intake is at 2. And crankshaft keyway is at 12 o' clock. I have a 2011 hhr with the 2.2 vvt and it has 90,000 miles on it. Which is correct? Thanks.

 

The intake at 2 o’clock the exhaust at 10 O’clock and the crank key way at 12 o’clock, but the sprocket mark at 5 o’clock

 

Thanks ! Mine happened just trying to start it. My compression is low, I put a little trans fluid in each cylinder and compression did return, but only about 70 psi and lower. Maybe the valves didn't hit pistons! Do u recommend a new head or rebuild existing one? Where would u get one? Thanks again.

 

I’ve been fortunate, never had a bent valve. However , I recommend a new head , or a reconditioned one , there are heads available on the RockAuto site, and we do get that discount.

 

Gotta love discounts !!! 👌

 

I found this diagnostic video for VVT Ecotec 2.4 it’s in a Malibu, however the HHR has the same engine, now note the codes P0016 and P0017 show , and he indicates how to visually inspect the internal parts of the engine to ensure you’re not throwing parts at your engine


And I found this video , no you don’t have to drop the engine cradle, he just did that for better visibility while filming, but it does show the VVT cam sprockets install, I hope this helps you feel more comfortable changing the timing chain