During my initial spate of investigation of the site I came across a mention that 'start up rattle' -shouldn't- automatically be attributed to timing chain/tensioner deficiencies.
That particular bit of knowledge suggested that accessory belt tensioner/pulley have potential for intermittent 'rattle' noise, that quiets nearly as soon as it occurs. .
Since this 2.2 had all the requisite timing/balancer parts input within the last 40,000 miles, and it had been fitted with the 'fix' for the slipper anchor bolt, and opened back up not long after all the engine work was performed to locate and replace a -broken- new replacement part (upper chain guide), I was bothered by the 'start-up rattle' , not EVERY time, but plenty often enough for concern.
The tensioner-pulley and belt were replaced a dozen + -starts- ago, and the rattle hasn't reoccurred yet.
The pulley wasn't obviously bad, but it didn't seem to have even a minute measure of 'seal drag' like it's Gates replacement does, but 140,000 miles -IS- an appreciable amount of wear time.
One thing that I can say I noticed while peering down into the old stuff (before removal) was an evidence of -some- shiny metallic flecks stuck in the ribs of the belt. Not a huge amount, but enough to realize through directed light.
Thanks guys, I might not have overcome (keeping my finger crossed) the rattle without your wisdom.

 

Sometimes the front guide shatters, the ZZP replacement guide is much more stout!

https://zzperformance.com/products/z...ng-chain-guide

Haven’t heard of the upper guide failed unless the timing chain tensioner wasn’t activated.

 

I think my brother looked into, and found a problem with a fractured mounting ear on the uppermost slipper (between the sprockets).
It was even a Cloyes kit, so you never know. It was readily replaced as a warrantable defect.

 

If it comes apart far enough, or In the event that I'll be refreshing the timing parts again (-another- 100,000 or so ?) It will get that ZZP part certainly.

 

Seem to have spoken too soon.
What had been audible maybe two out of every half-dozen(?) starts, didn't happen again until about the twentieth start after replacing the tensioner/pulley assembly.
Maybe(?) not as often now, but no less noisy (intermittently) as it was pre-install, but I'll soon see how often again it happens.
Heart-breaking....
Replacement was probably due to parts aging anyhow, but it wasn't the magical fix I was hoping for.
What's next(?) to ferret out the cause of this annoyance?

 

40,000 miles, timing components certainly should not have failed yet. But have you pulled the valve cover to have a look? Is it possible you got counterfeit Cloyes parts?

 

Did you replace the tensioner pulley and belt? If so, how big of a job was it?

 

Took me all of about 45 minutes.
Do it all from the wheel well. DON'T fall for the 'gotta' remove upper motor mount spiel you'll find on the utubes, there's an older white guy on that video s selection that spells out what you'll need to do.
A GearWrench pivoting/ratcheting serpentine tool helped me immensely to meet that time frame, But a flat wrench tool (cut to length to accommodate HHR) is a minimum.
Have a flexible hi-power magnet available too, because you'll probably drop the tensioner -center bolt- into the frame cavity when your removing/replacing it.
Not a hard job to do, but there ARE a 'bite-in-the-ass' waiting to ruin your attitude even if you are careful

 

I have heard stories of that front guide breaking almost immediately. I would take the valve cover off and look down for evidence of that. Another possibly is a bad aftermarket cam chain tensioner. Not uncommon, had one. My recent chain job revealed in addition to a fractured front guide, and a failed balance chain tensioner, to which I attribute a startup rattle.

My chain job parts were a GM cam chain kit but a ZZP front guide, and Cloyes balance chain kit but a GM balance chain tensioner, not the one listed, but a later one with a stronger spring, listed for later model Ecotecs.

 

I should hope not, as I in now just rolled over 38,K + miles..