My wife has a 2013 Malibu hybrid. It has the ecotech 2.4. Is this the same 2.4 used in the HHRs ? She needs a timiming chain from the noise I hear. I took it to a local Mecahnic for a second opinion and possibly an estimate. He said he won't do timing chains on the ecotech anymore because customers in a matter of months have other issues arise from the timing chain wear and tear. He reccomended me to 1) go somewhere else to have it rplaced. 2 ) Highly reccomended I replace the entire engine. The car has 104,000 miles and no CELs. Needless to say I will be taking it to another shop. But I was trying to give the local small business guy the work.

 

Different engines. The 2.4 hybrid is the Ecotec LUK engine. It has direct injection for one thing.

There's some good reading on Wikipedia. Search either Malibu, HHR or Ecotec.

 

The easy way to verify , the 2013 2.4 Malibu Hybrid timing set, yes it’s the same 9-4201s set. Get the set with out the cam gears and order a front guide upper replacement bolt

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...iming+set,5756

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ide+bolt,12016

 

Very interesting, Thanks for the info. I am think I going to take it in and have it done. Can't be without a 2nd vehicle and shop can give my wife a loaner vehicle

 

That mechanic was most likely referring to the new timing chain failing, after he over tightens the front guide upper bolt and damaged the guide , it won’t last long if that happens. If your handy , changing the chains is fairly easy with simple hand tools and patience.