While you have it apart, replace both the chains all guides and tensioners

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

 

Will do that eventually... Today I plan to change the oil and see if there is any metal fragments inside the oil which could indicate a damaged engine... but I think this is unlikely because the engine was running smooth.

I saw that my air filter was quite dirty. I have a question will my HHR send me a code if there is any problem with the air flow, like a malfunctioning throttle body ?

 

A malfunctioning TB will set a code, but not a dirty air filter, you should inspect and clean it every 6 months, make sure rodents haven’t set up house in the air filter box.

 

With a brand new engine, I had a P0101. After cleaning the lower TMAP sensor, and the MAF sensor, both to no avail, finally a new air filter solved the problem.

The codes don't usually point directly at the faulty part. It simply tells you that a test has been performed, and the results were not what the computer expected.

 

The air filter is changed. I removed the valve cover again, took off the passenger wheel and some plastic cover, I took a 22mm socket and was able to rotate the flywheel clockwise and the timing chain was also moving. Seems ok for now.

Will my HHR sent me a code if one of the ignition coil goes defect?

Also I removed one spark plug and tried to feel the air pressure when the HHR tries to start and I think the pressure is low. There is air coming out but not that much from my standpoint. I bought a compression gauge and will perform a compression test...

*installed the compression gauge inside, tried to start the HHR and the gauge pointer is not moving at all. No compression. When I place my fingers close I just feel a small amount of air coming out.

 

You didn't try to line up the timing marks?

 

I don't know what to do. Do you mean that I should rotate the flywheel until I see colored chain mark at about 10 and 2 o'clock like in the picture below?

 

Yes and the crankshaft mark has to be at 5 o’clock with the key way at 12 o’clock



Don’t expect the coloured links to line up, just the timing marks on the sprockets.

 

I don't see any color on my timing chain, but the diamonds seem to be positioned at 2 and 10 o'clock like in the picture. While I was rotating the flywheel at some point it felt stuck I had to use a force bar, and then it was spinning freely, until it blocked again. I don't know if that means anything. Just normal?

As for the crankshaft, do I need to remove the side cover of the engine to see?

 

That resistance you felt, was most likely the pistons hitting the valves.

and yes you do have to remove the front cover to see the crankshaft timing marks