By hand, clockwise with a wrench

 

Not sure I understand what happens when you turn the crankshaft.

Has the ignition switch recall been done? https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/gm-r...-status-50716/
Is there spark?
Is there fuel?
Any wires look odd?
Do the electrical accessories work?
Is the run relay is working? #51 underhood
fuse #45 & #19 & #26 & #42 underhood

 

Well, it was turned the correct direction, and the chain loosened. Not sure what to make of that.

 

I have checked everything, getting air/fuel/spark, 54psi of fuel pressure, all recalls have been completed, all electricals work, no wires look odd, and all fuses are good

 

Turning the crankshaft clockwise should tighten the chain. Turning it counter clockwise will loosen it enough to jump a tooth or 2. That is with an analog clock

That is because clockwise pulls the chain from the top and counter clockwise pushes it to the top because of the way the tensioners and guides work.

 

Actually, the P0122 has to do with voltage to the Throttle position sensor. So, my next guess would be looking at the wire loom that goes past the EVAP purge valve.

 

 

took the car to a local shop, said it had no compression, im just going to swap it out for a motor with less miles, already got my old motor out and took the timing cover off and all the plastic pieces fell out as soon as I removed it

 

Confirmed, timing chain guides failed , do yourself a huge favour and put a new timing chain and balance shaft chain with an upper bolt for the front guide.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...in-kits-60394/



Dorman has a version of this , which Mike from the Cobalt site made , his kit included 2 ARP guide bolts, one for the bottom of the front guide and one for the bottom of the rear tensioner guide.

 

You mean to install the new parts on the replacement engine, right? If the valves on the original engine weren't already bent, the compression test may have bent them.