Is the engine you have junk? Could it be rebuilt? Putting in engines of a different year seems to always lead to problems as there's so many changes. If I had an option, I would look for a same year/model engine. Just because a junk yard says it will "fit" doesn't mean it will work without significant struggles.

 

That's exactly what I am worried about.

The 2008 Saturn Vue engine is the better deal, with half the mileage of the 2006 HHR engine for only $100 more.

However, with the huge amount of electronic sensors in a modern engine, even a small sensor change from year to year could result in a big headache trying to get it to run properly with my ECM. Even if everything fit together physically, the sensor itself may have changed electrically.

I guess I'm still on the fence with these two engines, but I need to get an engine soon so I can reassemble everything (the old engine is out now).

Maybe I'll talk to the JY guy to get a feel for how confident he is that it will work. On the other hand, his job is to sell parts so it's in his interest to downplay any potential problems.

Steve

 

You could "shop" for sensors on both cars to verify part numbers. The main differences in 2.4L was casting techniques, should be the same sensors etc.

 

I am leaning toward getting the 2006 HHR 2.4L with 126K miles for $350.

I already bought a timing chain kit for the old engine, so I would put it onto the "new" engine. Probably a new chain kit for the balance shafts and a new water pump.

The original problem with the engine was that the chain guide bolt broke off in the head (the one hard to access through the hole) and when I tried to drill it out on the car, I messed up the hole. I would have to pull the head and take it to a shop that might be able to put an insert in the hole. Then I would need to buy a new head gasket, new TTY bolts, etc. Finally, since I have had the cam cover off for the last year, the oil drained off the cams and there is rust on the cam lobes where the roller contacts it.

Steve

 

Contact Mike Brant he has a repair bolt for your guide issue

Broken timing chain front guide bolt repair. - SaturnFans.com Forums

 

Thanks, OldBlue!

If that works, I can use my current engine (after getting the surface rust off the cam lobes first). I will contact him ASAP.

Steve

 

Unfortunately, it looks like the part is not available anymore.

I searched the Saturn forum that Mike Brandt posted on, and he hasn't posted in a few years. A couple of others have tried to contact him unsuccessfully. One of them found what looks like his obituary in 2014, so that would explain things.

I may take some measurements and try to make a similar part.

Steve

 

After some more digging on the net, there is another person who makes a version of this part and is selling it on Ebay:

GM Saab Saturn Ecotech 2 0 2 2 2 4L Timing Chain Upper Guide Bolt Fix Bolt | eBay

I will be ordering one today.

Also, I tried some Scotchbrite on the surface rust on the cam lobes and they polished right up.

Steve

 

Surface rust would not be a problem, that can be fixed with an oil change. It's the flaky stuff that turns gritty you worry about.