Squiirl421

I just replaced one of my timing solenoids and I found a lot of aluminum shavings on it I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem and how pricey was it to fix.

donbrew

Did you check with a magnet to be sure it is Aluminum not steel?

Either case is really bad news.

843de

X2 to the "Magnet Test" as Don suggested, but it's not good either way.

How many miles on your HHR, and how often do you do your oil changes?

Squiirl421

I just bought it so I haven't had to change the oil yet.I was replacing the exhaust cam actuator when I found the shavings.I was told it might be from the timing gears.but I want to get a few opinions before I sink that much money

donbrew

Most likely is Aluminum, because there is a magnet in the oil sump to catch steel.

The timing components are steel. I can't think of wear surfaces that are aluminum, the bearings are something like aluminum.

As long as it's running good, I would change the oil & filter now then in a few hundred miles again and monitor the metallic content.

The intake valve will fail soon. And the metal in the oil may compromise your new VVT valve.

Oldblue

X3 or how ever many, I lost count!!
We always suggest to change the oil when you replace engine parts like the solenoids, and the oil filter.
The shavings could be from the failed solenoids internals.
I recommend you replace the other solenoid and change the oil and oil filter.
Inspect the oil filter for shavings.