My brother has a 2010 HHR 2.2 VVT engine, he replaced the timing chain and guides tensioner about 10,000 miles ago bought the parts from Auto zone, doesn't remember the brand names, anyways a week ago the car started surging so he figured the solenoid for the timing needed replaced so he drove it to work. After work he started the car and it threw the chain. He took it apart it bent the valves and busted the rocker arms. Guides still look like new.

Is there problems with some chains not holding up or is there something else we should look into ?

 

 

I have never heard of "busted" rocker arms!

 

Thanks for the replies Yes he changed both chains and water pump the only thing he couldn't remember changing was the cam gears .

 

If it broke the followers I would think the valves hit the top of the pistons.

 

Yep. Time for another engine.

 

Those are the follower/rollers not the cam?
That is a new definition for grenading an engine.
I can't think of a good reason for that kind of damage. If the chain breaks the cam stops turning and the valve can only move so much. Looks like the cam kept turning and all of the valves got stuck closed.

Maybe the hydraulic lash adjusters got stuck?

 

Chain got loose and jumped time causing the interference and damage. Then the chain broke do to the sudden load on it. That's my guess.

 

Maybe it jumped a few teeth, valves were open at the wrong time, many parts bent/broke, then the chain broke due to all of the impacts with valves.

Bad tensioner out of the box?

Dang Richie, I type too slow!