this was the large MELLING vvt combo kit.

 

Good to note, contact your point of purchase and advise them of the failed part.

 

I don't know how a tensioner could "fail". It is hydraulic. They fully extend when the chain stretches too far.

 

Internal spring may be weak or broken.

 

The tensioner extends with oil [edit -and also spring] pressure, but retraction is limited by a ratchet mechanism. These sometimes fail due to breaking, wear, sticking... I returned an aftermarket one that malfunctioned right out of the box. Ended up using OEM, night and day quality difference. GM has had issues with these over the years. I would only buy OEM, new stock, no Ebay bargains.

 

Well gents that’s the second time my hhr cheated certain death! Purring like a kitten now. Thx for the input.

 

oh wow! Yeah I was afraid to tinker with it before installing. Very intimidating work for the simpleton like myself

 

I think you’re referring to the balance shaft/water pump chain tensioner. The timing chain tensioner is spring loaded , you push down to release the plunger that applies pressure to the chain shoe, oil pressure takes over after start up.

 

A video explaining how the tensioners work

 

The "old" mechanical version is better called the non-VVT version. All VVT versions are the "new" version and are hydraulic, the might have a helper spring but it is not the primary adjuster mechanism.
I expect pulpfriction will produce his pictures of disassembled tensioners.