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Problems/Service/RepairsIf you have a problem with your HHR, want a tip on repairing or performing a particular service to you HHR here is the place to post!
Alrighty then , let’s all cool off.
99 and 44/100’s of the time it’s tgat front guide that breaks and that takes out the chain and in that carnage busts up the tensioner.
Now, is the piston damaged?
are there other pistons with valve damage?
Did your mechanic, show you the front guide?
read way back on , November 24, you were advised to change the timing chain due to that code P0016, I guess your mechanic was not interested in fixing your problem, but choose to sit back and wait for the carnage to happen.
Now, I’m sure if you had of had the chain and guides replaced, you wouldn’t be looking at a new engine, or rebuilding it.
May I explain how the tensioner is constructed and how it works?
Any of the designs is basically a spring loaded piston. It pushes on the chain to keep it tensioned. When the piston gets to the end of it's cylinder it explodes. That can be because the chain has stretched to it's limit, or the chain has broken, or the tensioner is removed from the system. Yes, there are at least 5 pieces maybe 6 to the assembly.
The difference in the newer versions of the tensioner is that oil pressure provides some of the tension in the newer VVT versions and the original version has spiral steps.
I have researched and used Sea Foam. It is "made from petroleum distillates" I.E.: diesel/jet fuel. Good for short term cleaning of internal engine parts and carburetors. Cleans intake valves as good as diesel fuel; cleans upper rings a little better than diesel fuel. Pretty good stuff when used sensibly.
Lazy was referring to the operator not the technician. Chips Ahoy!
There are kits with gaskets, chains and guides and valves, to repair your engine.
Just to confirm, was there any rattles or noises prior to the timing chain incident?
Any CEL lights?
Did your mechanic say anything about the front timing chain guide?
I vote, rebuilding the damaged engine or a new one.
l went thur this at 260,000 and have to say if they did not use bicycle chains in these motors they would be bullet proof ... I wish they came out with a more heavy duty type chain thicker less prone from stretching.. I mean they did came out with a better tensioner which is part of the problem but why not a better chain which would be awesome .. I just bought a 2007 lt2 with a 2.4 first thing I checked was the tensioner which is the new style thank god ... other then that these are very good motors indeed ....
I recommend replacement of the timing chain set and the balance shaft chain and all guides when you buy a used Ecotec, and for sure at around 125,000 to 140,000 miles . They stretch and the guides break a known fact!
If I had a $1.00 for every SBF timing chain I’ve replaced over the years! Those were fun!
One more time: ALL VVT Ecotec engines have the "new" tensioner (even the 2006 2.4L). It is a hybrid spring/hydraulic, whereas the non-VVT came with spring only.
The tensioner doesn't fail, it gets to the end of it's cylinder when the chain gets stretched to the limit or broken. Many times the guide that the tensioner applies force to breaks.
