My 2007 HHR 2 LT, 2.4L, Automatic, has 112k miles, now using oil to the tune of 1 quart every 60 miles. The blow-by is like Linus and his blanket. I have done a compression test, leak-down test and have concluded that the guides and or the rings are the problem. Last time it was driven was to Las Vegas for my 35th wedding anniversary. I live in the central valley of Ca so we took Hwy 99 to 58 and then to I40 in Barstow. It was April so it was spring weather. Driving from Madera to Bakersfield it took almost 2qts to fill at our first gas stop. From Bakersfield to Kramer Junction, it took another 2qts, Barstow, another 2qts. Maybe I should have went back home but continued on. When we exited at Blue Diamond the car died at the light with a lot of blowby smoke coming from under the hood. I managed to get it started but with "reduced power". I was able to re-route the PCV line back to the oil fill since it was overwhelming the maf sensor with oil. The return trip took 12 qts of oil. I did what I had to do to get my wife and I home with the resources I had. Now the car has a lot of valve ticking, the cat I'm sure is full of oil, it can barely drive 30mph.
So my point, I am contemplating selling it, I cannot afford to fix it presently. This is the only car I have ever bought new off the dealer lot. I did purchase the extended warranty but since it now has 112K I am outside of the warranty period by years and mileage. I think the entire engine needs to be replaced, although I think a new cylinder head might suffice. Then the catalytic converter needs to be replaced as well.
Compression is 1 thru 4, 150, 130, 115, 150
Leakdown test tells me there is air in the crankcase and cylinder head,
***
I had a conversation with my local machine shop owner and
he told me that he has done several HHR valve jobs
where the guides were shot after only 100k miles.
I know that I was supposed to use 92 octane which I did, most of the time,
but not all the time.
So can running lower octane fuel contribute to the
deterioration of the valve guides?
Another possibility, my car was a test mule for Weapon-R for fitment of there Dragon Cold Air Intake and I ran it for most of the 100k miles. I mention this since I had an issue with the throttle body and an associated trouble code around 30-40k, basically had to clean the throttle body.
There was to me, an awful lot of dust accumulation throughout the intake.
Guess its hard to tell what really caused the damage.
Maybe if I tear it apart the answer might become apparent?
Anyone else have this kind of problem with their hhr?
i am thinking it's time

 

At this point, the stalling and reduced power, you would be better off with a new or used engine. I fear for the bottom end as well.

 

Sounds like that Dragon CAI may have let more dirt into the engine then they thought it would, only one way to find out, test it down!
However why waist your time , either
A : get the machine shop to do the rebuild or
B : order up a new replacement engine or
C : trade it in , probably for scrap value!

Personally, based on the new cars out there, if go with B, it would be less then the taxes on a new ride!, you've owned the car since new and apparently like it!
But that's just me and my opinion!

 

It would be interesting to tear it down and find out,
on the other hand i could use the cash it could bring,
4 years after forced retirement and my social security doesnt kick in till august,
the sale would help a lot, maybe should post in the for sale ads,, lol
decisions decisions

 

I never mess with the stock air intake for that very reason. Its not a racecar, so why do you need all the extra air, some mods are just not worth the potential damage, cai is at the top of my list. Keep it cosmetic and you'll never be the direct cause of a blown engine. Engine internals and sand (silica) are a bad combination. Lesson for everyone running aftermarket cai.

 

I run one, no issues! But I think it's the design not the open to under the hood type!

 

Like this! There are points in this link


https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/2-4l...-dragon-27477/


However oil consumption of this magnitude would point to all 8 intake valve guide seals and all the piston rings wore out!
So the tb is oiled up and the MAF ? So oil being sucked thru the tube from the valve cover to the rubber elbow by the t.b.

 

I've Decided to sell it as is,
for sale on local craigslist (fresno ca)
it was a nice car, still could be for someone else.
this site has been very helpful
thanks

 

Yes, It cannot run with the PCV line attached the way it should be,
way too much blow-by, it chokes and stalls. When I left Vegas I got a 1/2in. rubber line and ran it from valve cover to oil fill and blocked inlet to t.b. and
Gave the MAF a good rinse with cleaner before we left,
Just so we could drive it home, it was either that or have it towed, and
I just didnt have the resources for that.

 

I am sorry to hear about the issues you are having. I am a lot like you- the HHR was the first NEW car I brought for myself. My car is a 2006 2LT 2.4 with all the zoom-zooms & wam-wams. I had a few issues, but nothing like yours. I have about 140 K miles on my car. I am semi-retired and I know how things can be. I have been blessed to still be able to work and I am currently restoring a 1976 stingray corvette. Good Luck with the sale.