I was setting my #1 piston at tdc to prepare for installing my cylinder head. I noticed the #1 piston is lower in the bore as 2,3,4 when they are at tdc. I've been chasing a tick knock noise in my 08 2.2. Thought it wa the timing tensioner, so put all new timing set and tensioner. It jumped time so I pulled the head off and no damage to the Pistons or head and valves but noticed that the cam followers were solid on the exhaust side and after reading a tsb about oil galleries becoming plugged and causing cam follower failure and knocking. So I repkaced them and currently reassembling everything when I noticed this piston height.

 

Sounds serious. If it is truly lower, then the only thing I could think of would be a possible bent rod.

 

Well that sucks. Guess I'm going to drop the oil pan real quick. Damn!!!

 

Well got the oil pan off and not good, #1 rod is loose, haven't gotten it out, but time for football practice for my 9yo. Will get the rod, piston out this evening. I'm thinking spun rod bearing.

 

Well it spun a rod bearing, the crank still looks good, no scarring or grooves. Anyone want to buy a HHR??? 90,xxx miles lol.