Thoughts on why timing chains fail/wear
Senior Member
Joined: 08-26-2008
Posts: 1,488
From: Sequim Washington
I really believe in warm up time when the weather is colder. I don't always just sit and let it idle but will drive off easy/slowly for a couple miles after about 2 minutes at idle.
I would consider colder about 34 degrees F. and lower.
5/30W oil gets to the spots pretty easy but the metal shrinkage from lower temps will affect engine noises until warmed up.
All 10 of the HHR's I have owned have had little engine noises of one kind or another especially when cold. I have never had any failures but all 10 of them had 30,000 miles or less.
Silverfox
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,900
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Dorman
https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-86802-917-954.aspx
I use the Mike Brandt bolts he included the ARP guide bolts for TTR bolt of the front guide and the pivot bolt for the rear guide. His email is in this thread
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/prob...de-fix-307558/
Scroll down and watch his video.
https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-86802-917-954.aspx
I use the Mike Brandt bolts he included the ARP guide bolts for TTR bolt of the front guide and the pivot bolt for the rear guide. His email is in this thread
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/prob...de-fix-307558/
Scroll down and watch his video.
Member
Joined: 04-08-2018
Posts: 74
From: Michigan
I've googled this question about the ecotec engines and found a lot dealt with wear do to oil change intervals, quality of oil used and some about early production parts that were of a poor design.
One thing I think might cause wear faster also is a vehicle with a manual vs automatic, do to the rpm fluctuations between gear selection.
The other is just the mileage on the engine.
I haven't looked into other types of engines that use chains that are of similar design. Wonder if they too are in the same boat as the HHR engine is.
One thing I think might cause wear faster also is a vehicle with a manual vs automatic, do to the rpm fluctuations between gear selection.
The other is just the mileage on the engine.
I haven't looked into other types of engines that use chains that are of similar design. Wonder if they too are in the same boat as the HHR engine is.
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,330
From: Northern Ohio
ARP Ecotec Timing Chain Guide Bolt Set 11588522R
Senior Member
Joined: 03-17-2012
Posts: 1,042
From: Bay Area, CA
I have 208,000 miles on my 2010 2.2 and so far so good. Mostly drive it 2-2.5k rpm. Rarely 3k and even more rarely 4k. Always let it warm up to 180f before driving. Its so slow and noisy if I don't. Dad Always said its not good to let it idle but seems like it was. Second owner...previous rental with 40k on it originally. No motor issues other than slight rpm drop at idle a couple times a year and a knocking when it's cold and warming up. And one time where the engine got too hot and went into cooling mode...fixed with topping off coolant...5 years ago.
These cars are really reliable. I want another one...not something different. So much room. Handles good. 25mpg. Easy to work on. Fairly compact. Great cars. Shame people think they are meme-tier.
These cars are really reliable. I want another one...not something different. So much room. Handles good. 25mpg. Easy to work on. Fairly compact. Great cars. Shame people think they are meme-tier.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-03-2009
Posts: 174
From: Dunbar wv 25064
Timing chain ?
2011 HHR 2.2 86000 miles engine was noisy on startup took it to my mechanic timing chain guide broken off replacement timing chain as well as water pump chain bought the timing kit at Napa where I worked $250 For kit $750 labor the broken guide had fell down into the oil pan had to remove the pan to find the broken guide Napa 5w30 full synetic oil changed every 5 thousand miles. I