Hello all I am trying to track down the reason for my sons HHR running rough. Only code is P0300. I pulled the valve cover because I wanted to check the timing chain. Top of chain between sprockets is pretty tight, maybe an 1/8 of play. The long stretch of chain towards front of car has quite a bit of slop, at least 1/2" or more. I know that side is opposite the tensioner so it would be the side with the most play but that seems excessive? What are your thoughts? Thanks!

 

ANY play is too much.

 

Thats what I was afraid of...guess Im going to be putting in a timing chain

 

Fairly easy job, don’t go cheap!

 

Was planning on going with a cloyes or melling kit unless you guys have a better suggestion. Probably go ahead and do the water pump too. How important is it to change the sprockets? Cant imagine they would wear much.
Thanks for the advice!

 

You don’t need to change sprockets , a Cloyes 9-4201SX timing chainkit and a 9-4202SX balance shaft chain kit will work
you might want to order a GM front cover gasket and crankshaft seal, I’ve had FelPro products that leaked. As for the water pump, it’s a coin toss, I’ve replace the OEM pump and has failure after 3 of 4 months, if the OEM isn’t leaking leave it !

 

Bet yer front guide is toast. Get the ZZP upgraded one anyway. Much stronger.

 

And a replacement bolt for the front guide upper fastener

https://zzperformance.com/products/e...ain-guide-bolt