Timing Chain is tight but Guide is chewed-UP P0016 P0017
07-09-2018, 11:42 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: 09-17-2012
Location: Linesville, PA
Posts: 3
Timing Chain is tight but Guide is chewed-UP P0016 P0017
I'm getting the P0016 and P0017 codes. Engine runs with low power. Not too bad, I can go almost 60 MPH.
Local mechanic replaced cam and crank sensors and checked it with his electronic tools.
When I got it back it ran slightly better but still had P0016 and P0017 "permanent" codes.
I removed the cam cover. Timing Chain looks good to me. It's tight and I don't see much wear. I changed oil in this engine every time the computer said to. 117,000 miles on it now.
BUT the guide just above the Timing Chain is chewed all-to-hell. I took pictures of the engine and Timing Chain and will leave a dropbox link so they can be viewed.
Fair chance I'll need a real mechanic to carry on from here but any suggestions or information is sure welcome at this point.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cv...1une8vjlLPpMBH
Local mechanic replaced cam and crank sensors and checked it with his electronic tools.
When I got it back it ran slightly better but still had P0016 and P0017 "permanent" codes.
I removed the cam cover. Timing Chain looks good to me. It's tight and I don't see much wear. I changed oil in this engine every time the computer said to. 117,000 miles on it now.
BUT the guide just above the Timing Chain is chewed all-to-hell. I took pictures of the engine and Timing Chain and will leave a dropbox link so they can be viewed.
Fair chance I'll need a real mechanic to carry on from here but any suggestions or information is sure welcome at this point.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cv...1une8vjlLPpMBH
07-09-2018, 12:06 PM
#2
Moderator
Join Date: 05-01-2014
Location: California
Posts: 7,808
Hi Tlink, 
to the forums!!
You've got the timing chain codes, driveability issues, and visible damage to the timing components. You need a new timing set with guides, chain(s), tensioners, oil spigot, and the special bolt that Oldblue or someone will recommend.
to the forums!!You've got the timing chain codes, driveability issues, and visible damage to the timing components. You need a new timing set with guides, chain(s), tensioners, oil spigot, and the special bolt that Oldblue or someone will recommend.
07-09-2018, 12:50 PM
#3
Technical Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,691
And a mechanic that understands that it is SOLENOIDS not sensors for the P0016.
Why bother with dropbox? Just click the landscape icon and drag your pic to it. Not to mention the difference between GoOgle Drive and Dropbox.
Why bother with dropbox? Just click the landscape icon and drag your pic to it. Not to mention the difference between GoOgle Drive and Dropbox.
07-09-2018, 02:10 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Join Date: 09-17-2012
Location: Linesville, PA
Posts: 3
Yes, it is Google drive. I usually use Dropbox. Confused, confused yesterday too. Tomorrow ain't lookin' good either.
First post, didn't know if 6 or 7 MB of pictures would be appreciated.
Mechanic said he didn't get into the "deep" work and he sold the sensors at cost. I paid him for his time 'cause he wouldn't invoice me for it. They helped with the understanding I have so far. (I'm what the kids refer to (affectionately, I'm sure) as an "Old Fart Bag") When I was working on cars they had contact points for ignition and I occasionally saw an "Oil Bath, air cleaner.
I expected to find the chain with a belly and slack. I though perhaps something had quit working and come back. Intermittent. If I push on the chain in the middle top it will slack but that's because it moves the first cam, but I'm thinking there must be slack somewhere.
Does anyone think it worthwhile to replace the Solenoid/Solenoids? There is one on the back side and two on top. If there are more, I don't know about them.
The one on the back is a large head with a bump or something in the middle of the head. My understanding is that identifies it as the newer version.
BTW RJ_RS_SS_350, Thank You for the Welcome Wagon!
First post, didn't know if 6 or 7 MB of pictures would be appreciated.
Mechanic said he didn't get into the "deep" work and he sold the sensors at cost. I paid him for his time 'cause he wouldn't invoice me for it. They helped with the understanding I have so far. (I'm what the kids refer to (affectionately, I'm sure) as an "Old Fart Bag") When I was working on cars they had contact points for ignition and I occasionally saw an "Oil Bath, air cleaner.
I expected to find the chain with a belly and slack. I though perhaps something had quit working and come back. Intermittent. If I push on the chain in the middle top it will slack but that's because it moves the first cam, but I'm thinking there must be slack somewhere.
Does anyone think it worthwhile to replace the Solenoid/Solenoids? There is one on the back side and two on top. If there are more, I don't know about them.
The one on the back is a large head with a bump or something in the middle of the head. My understanding is that identifies it as the newer version.
BTW RJ_RS_SS_350, Thank You for the Welcome Wagon!
07-09-2018, 03:35 PM
#8
Technical Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,691
There are 2 solenoids, on the top. There are 2 sensors on the sides. There is 1 tensioner on the back (the one with bump).
P0016 and P0017 description is "sensor mismatch"; most mechanics blame the sensors being bad when it is what the sensors are measuring (the timing chain) that is bad. For some reason they think a coil of wire sealed in epoxy wears out more than moving parts rubbing against each other. Mechanics don't normally know how to do logic (my nice way of saying dumb).
P0016 and P0017 description is "sensor mismatch"; most mechanics blame the sensors being bad when it is what the sensors are measuring (the timing chain) that is bad. For some reason they think a coil of wire sealed in epoxy wears out more than moving parts rubbing against each other. Mechanics don't normally know how to do logic (my nice way of saying dumb).
07-09-2018, 06:11 PM
#9
Administrator
Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
Posts: 36,502
Welcome to the site the site, so after you either get your mechanic to refund you for his misdiagnosed parts and labour, find a good mechanic, or change the timing sets yourself.
Just because P0016 says a sensor is out, doesn’t mean it’s the sensor, in fact if the sensor was the culprit , you get more codes.
When the timing chain skips even one tooth due to slack, usually in the front guide, the sensor tells the computer there is an issue.
Have a look at this video and stop driving the HHR, if the guide lets go, the valves will hit the pistons and it’s new engine time.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...in-kits-60394/
Just because P0016 says a sensor is out, doesn’t mean it’s the sensor, in fact if the sensor was the culprit , you get more codes.
When the timing chain skips even one tooth due to slack, usually in the front guide, the sensor tells the computer there is an issue.
Have a look at this video and stop driving the HHR, if the guide lets go, the valves will hit the pistons and it’s new engine time.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...in-kits-60394/
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Junior864
Problems/Service/Repairs
17
10-12-2012 02:39 PM
