I have a 2007 HHR 2.4 with 230,000 miles. I've had it for many years and always kept it well maintained. A little over a week ago, I started it in the morning and I heard a lot of what sounded like lifter noise. Along with that, it was running poorly. Within a few minutes, the noise subsided and the car ran good again, but I had a check engine light on. It was the code P0014. I did a little research and many people indicated that it may be the exhaust variable timing solenoid. I replace it and changed the oil, even though it was still a 68%. The car ran great the rest of the day, but the next morning, the same lifter noise and then the check engine light, same code P0014. I am, and always have, used the correct weight oil (5W30). I see a lot of problems reported with the timing chain tensioner and I looks like it's a fairly easy repair, but I don't want to start throwing parts needlessly at this of I can help it. My question is has anyone had this problem occur and what was your solution? Could I have a bad lifter causing this problem? I tried doing a search for threads about lifter noise, but nothing came up. Any help would be deeply appreciated.

 

My P0014 code in my 2011 2.4 , was a loose timing chain

 

Yes, p0014 is the timing chain. Do not crank the engine anymore, at risk of destroying the engine.

 

NOT lifter noise, timing chain rattle.

 

This morning I bought a timing chain tensioner and valve cover gasket set. This is what I found when I pulled off the valve cover. Not good.




I put it back together with the new tensioner, no inprovement. The only problem I have is there is noise (Lifters? loose timing chain?) for about 1 minute after a cold start. The rest of the day, it sounds fine. I'm pretty sure I have some clogged up oil galleries due to all that sludge. I could live with that for a while if it didn't trip this P0014 engine code during that time the engine makes noise. Anyway, I changed the oil and I put some Seafoam in the oil, I'm going to run it for a few hundred miles and change the oil again. Maybe several times doing this will help. P.S. Anyone want to buy a 2009 HHR Half panel with SS wheels? Just needs engine!

 

It’s not the engine just the timing chain and front guide! The new style tensioner is for the rear or the timing chain, it’s the front guide that breaks .

 

I get the feeling Stumann isn't reading replies. Maybe shouting will help. IT IS THE TIMING CHAIN. Rattle that goes away after warm up is a classic symptom. Replace both chains verrrrry soon or you will need a new engine, for sure.

 

I do read the replies. If it were the timing chain, why does it quiet down to normal within a minute of the first start in the morning and never make any noise the rest of the day? I would think a worn chain would be noisy all the time. Also, isn't all that sludge an indication that the engine is near the end of it's life?

 

The oil seems to have been left in to long, but that can be cleaned out with Seafoam , Mystery oil, or I’m sure there are others.
it appears to me , but the angle is hard to tell the timing chain looks slack, could be the front guide broke.

 

Since the overwhelming majority seems to feel it's the timing chain, that my project for tomorrow. I'll let you know how it turns out.