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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!
There has been a slightly loud engine noise, thought it was exhaust related but today it started running rough. No CEL’s. Pulled valve cover and front timing chain guide is in pieces. I am not sure what exactly to look for to determine if piston is top dead center on the proper stroke. I put a straw in piston chamber and rotated crank until it is at its highest point, so I know I a got a 50:50 chance, lol. I assume if the INT triangle on the INT (front) camshaft sprocket is at 2 O’clock on the intake side and the EXT triangle on the ext (rear) camshaft is at 10 o’clock then I am in the correct position?
YES! I think you posted this link once before and it is by far the best/. I printed the pdf out out front and back on card stock and laminated them. They are laying next to my car now. Thanks.
I think it would be best to remove the camshafts before you try to move tge crankshaft to avoid bending any valves.
I had already bought the timing set from RockAuto on clearance a few months back, S.A. Gear for $40. Yes the green front guide looks nice. That front guide is definately the Achilles Tendon of the HHR world, what a pos design that was.
i do not follow you on bending valves. I intend to replace the chain, so the camshaft sprockets would come off. Maybe the pic looks like it is out of time, it is not. I absolutely hate doing a timing chain on these ecotecs, but I know how important that it is to do it right, so I would only feel comfortable if I did it myself.
I remove the camshafts so the valves are all closed up and out of the pistons way, then I rotate the crankshaft to #1 TDC , then reinstall the camshafts and the chain assembly.
the black plastic front guides are junk,
If you have a cheap chain at least install one of these
So I changed out the timing chain and balance shaft chain. Everything went pretty smooth until I tried to remove the balance shaft sprockets using a 5/32 drill bit. Snapped the drill bit, bent the drill bit, went with a 5/32 punch, snapped that. I saw a youtube where a guy grabbed the sprocket with channellocks. I wrapped the OLD balance chain around the sprocket to protect the teeth and used a 430 channel lock to hold the sprocket while I used a breaker bar to break the bolt loose. Worked Great!! Used te old chain to wrap around new sprocket during installation.
I’ve found the OEM balance shaft sprockets last a long time and have reused them several times, especially after going thru what you did to replace my fire set in our 2003 Sunfire 2.2
Thanks for posting photos of your solution to the problem.
