Jim Wells

2006 2.2L HHR, I noticed a rattle every time I started the engine, I replaced the timing chain tensioner to the new style as recommended, the old one came out in pieces but nothing fell down inside, I primed the new one and installed it, I then turned the engine over and it rattled and spun, I am wondering if the chain either slipped off or broke, now the engine just spins and seems to have no compression holding it back, am I screwed?

Oldblue

Take the valve cover off and have a look. And don't spin it over anymore you could cause bent valve and other damage.

donbrew

Probably was the chain stretched too much for the tensioner to compensate for.

Dbeluscak

I'm with Don, probably a broken/weak guide and the new tensioner was the last straw. Same thing happened to my wife's SS engine. We replaced the tensioner and the rattle got worse, guide broke a few days later.

If you pull off the valve cover you'll want to check the guide that runs down the side with the intake cam. It's nearly the length of the block and has been 3 out of 4 timing issues I've had with rebuilds.

donbrew

The last one I saw was so worn you could see through it. Well, except for the one that wasn't there anymore.

prod

Are you saying you extended the new tensioner, then put it in?

donbrew

I think he means that he let it soak in oil, some say that's the way to "prime" it.

JCC

Here is the Cloyes Factory video, covers the removal and installation process for General Motor's Non-Variable Valve Timing ECOTEC engine utilizing Cloyes aftermarket replacement products (9-4201S & 9-4202S). It states it's for a GM Ecotec 2.2 timing installation tips, Non VVT (someone tell us what the different is for Non VVT vs one with VVT, please).


Again it covers the timing chain tensioners, the model to get (I only use the GM one), how to install it... AND set/ activate it by pressing it in through the top with the value cover off.
Note many have just screwed the old one out and the new one in and had no problem. When the old one comes apart it is because it is the old design and does not have a snap ring in the end so nothing to keep it together. If the piston stays in the hole, get it out with a magnet (I know because one of the member's told me)


This is a good complete video, Cloyes makes good stuff and works to improve the factory set up. The guy in the video is a tech and he gives you his name and phone number so if question call him. YES... I have talked to him, nice guy, helpful. Name Cody Smith at...
csmith@cloyes.com Phone: 479.646.1662 ex 228 (I didn't have his ex number so I got passed around until they got him so here is the complete story and full info as I know it.)


Hope this helps many and one of you senior members please put this in other files for others to find it.

donbrew

VVT has the actuators on the cam gears, and VVT valves on the valve cover. Same basic procedure. All 2.4L are VVT, 2009 on 2.2L are VVT.

If the old tensioner falls apart, it means that it has gone beyond design "tensioning" and the chain needs replacing. There is an internal retainer sort of spring loaded ratchet thing, when it reaches the end it comes out. The new design is hydraulic, driven by oil pressure (I think it has a spring also), that's the reason for the retainer.

JCC

I think it can't be over stated that the use of a good