What to do? Timing chain
Thread Starter
Joined: 03-05-2025
Posts: 2
From: Maryland
What to do? Timing chain
Hi Everyone. My 2009 HHR was sometimes losing power in ways I thought was a fuel line problem, but a quick trip to the garage showed no relevant codes. One morning it would not start. A neighbor came over and took a look and it seems that the timing chain is loose and off settings. How do I decide whether to get the timing chain fixed or just get a new engine as some people recommend. Money is very tight right now but paying twice for engine work isn't something I want to do either. Any thoughts? Thanks from Maryland.
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,370
From: Northern Ohio
No relevant codes? What were the irrelevant codes? The numbers, not the descriptions. Was the CEL on? For how long? Any rattling noises, on startup or continuously?
Why did you think it was a fuel line problem?
How many miles? Any known prior issues? What do you know about maintenance history, oil changes in particular?
By won’t start, I presume you mean it does crank. It’s that correct?
Stop trying to start it. Don’t even let anyone crank it.
These engines last a long time and if it only needs a chain job, it will prolly cost at least $800, but every other option will cost more. If the valves are bent, you may still be able to save the engine but it will cost more.
Please answer EVERY question.
Why did you think it was a fuel line problem?
How many miles? Any known prior issues? What do you know about maintenance history, oil changes in particular?
By won’t start, I presume you mean it does crank. It’s that correct?
Stop trying to start it. Don’t even let anyone crank it.
These engines last a long time and if it only needs a chain job, it will prolly cost at least $800, but every other option will cost more. If the valves are bent, you may still be able to save the engine but it will cost more.
Please answer EVERY question.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,539
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I am amused by people that don't know how to use a screwdriver but do know what codes are relevant.
Take the valve cover off and use your Mark II optical sensors to LOOK at the chain, if there is ANY slack between the sprockets you need a new chain and guides.
Take the valve cover off and use your Mark II optical sensors to LOOK at the chain, if there is ANY slack between the sprockets you need a new chain and guides.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,091
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Thread Starter
Joined: 03-05-2025
Posts: 2
From: Maryland
What I need is a problem tree
The way the problem has been presented to me by my garage and others is that there is no way to know today whether the valves have been damaged. One option is to do the relatively easy job of changing the chain, resealing the engine and then testing. Roughly $800. But if the valves are damaged then the engine needs to be changed either with a cheap salvage (which could be faulty) or an expensive certified rebuilt. The conservatives say that the valves are always damaged, but my garage does not say that. But the garage does say that there is no way to tell.
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,370
From: Northern Ohio
Prolly more a statement borne of ignorance, but could be a lie.
Yeah, that’s one option - one of the worst possible. It’s an absurd approach, risking a whole lot of work for nothing. At least try to look for evidence of valve (and piston, and cylinder wall) damage first.
If you answered my prior questions, you might get more thoughts. Maybe.
If you answered my prior questions, you might get more thoughts. Maybe.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,091
From: Welland,Ont Canada
A boroscope camera thru the spark plug hole helps look for valve marks on the top of the pistons. Then again if in doubt, remove the cylinder head and replace the valves and valve stem seals a new head gasket and head bolts!