Hopefully they are able to diagnose your issue tomorrow! Were really supprised no other SS owners have chimmed in with some helping thoughts as it does seem as we have read somewhere on this site of simular issues with the SS's! Also there seems to a commen problem here is the difference between todays "TECH" and yesterdays "MECHANIC"! Techs are trained to basically remove the bad part (via codes) and install a new part! Problem solved, not always! At least with yesterdays mechanics they have the ability to read the codes and through knowledge and experience service your ride with a more consistent success! Peter if you need a reputable mechanic to bounce issues with your GM off of see Jim (the owner) at Eden Automotive in San Leandro on East 14th St (just off of 580 and 164th)! He installed our Trifecta Tune and has serviced our autos for the past 10 years!

Also if you want warrenty work done go back to Dailey and ask for Tony the service writer! Tell him also to only let Mike or Mikey work on it! They have went the extra mile for our "HEAVILY" modded HHR and we have always been appreciated or valued as a customer! (Make sure when filling out the survey card to give the maximum approval rating as this has made the difference in the warrenty and service we have gotten in return)! BTW, Mikey is Jim's brother and there family is of a strong GM background!

Best-O-Luck ,

 

Thank you Mrs. DLVRNIT for all the helpful tips, will have to check out FH Daily another time though, unless Dublin Chevy can't cope with fixing things. You must live relatively near me, I'm up near the 7/11 over on 167th (actually at the top). Anyway, glad there's another HHR enthusiest around town :)

Well, here goes, got a call back from the dealer, checked the code that came on from yesterday and the service guy said the tech found there is a misfire in Cylinder #3, and that he thinks there is a problem with the valve springs. Possibly will need to check on the valve springs and possibly replace them. From what I read recently, this could very well be a problem with the piston rings (like here: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...t=knock&page=3). I'm just waiting for more info as they break into it. I might ask to hang out tomorrow and get an idea of what it looks like, but not sure if they would let me in the work area.

I can't imagine getting a new motor out of this is lets say the rings are shot but if there are metal shavings anywhere in the engine, I'm going to complain. Interestingly, I happen to still have the old oil filter and oil...I wonder if there is anything metalic in it, may have to go investigate when I get get home. Thank God I'm a procrastinator in taking the oil down to Kragen's, lol. Will report more tomorrow.

Peter

 

Hey Peter, If you drive down from your place to East 14th and hang a right about 5 blocks is Eden Automotive, we can't tell you how great Jim is in free knowledge and quality service! Let me know if you are free on a weekend! Will drive over the hill and hook up with Bunkie! He's has a pretty sweet collection of Hot Rods along with his SS Panel!

Happy New Year ,

 

Called the dealer yesterday, they said they were done with the repairs but wanted to keep it over night to test in the morning and make sure all was working properly. The Service guy didn't have any details except that valve springs had been replaced, tech hadn't put any notes in the system yet. I'm supposed to get a call soon (mid morning), so, hoping all is well with a good explanation.

Peter

 

Wow thats the first Unintentional head work I've heard of yet on an SS. weak springs? how do you do that? overheating them from no oil flow, poor manufacture?

 

Well, got the HHR back lastnight. Dealer service guy was really nice and helped out. I wanted to post up the invoice and work done but haven't figured out how to post a pdf or image from my PC (not a web link). I may figure that out later and post so ya'll can see what I was laughing at :)

Overall, the simple part of it is that they replaced all valve springs due to gloating at high rpms at load. Misfires kept happening all over but mostly at cylinder #2. Tehy did a compression test, 150 across, 20% leaking with leakdown test at each cylinder (what does that mean?).

I'm just glad to have it back but feel leary of this kind of work, mostly because I have in the back of my mind, what's next? I hate that but on the flip side, I'm really happy with the car :) turbo feels like it actually spools all the time, not under extreme throttle. Will keep up on status as time goes by.

Peter

 

ok, here's a pic of the service done. Cracks me up at the end!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12755480@N06/5353201468/

If that doesn't work, Someone ask me for the pdf that can attach!! Feeling like a challenged user at the moment...

 

So far, HHR has been running really well. Only complaint is gas mileage but since I've been driving more conservatively, not extremely conservative but somewhat conservative, that has helped. So far a very happy HHR SS Owner!!

 

Good to hear it's fixed. Sounds like quite a repair.

 

So it's been a few months...In March, had the check engine light turn on, had father-in-law check codes, throwing miss fire on all cylinders, maf sensor out of range, and turbo bypass valve stuck. Cleared and had no problems until end of May, similar issues but instead of just the typical light coming on, no boost past 5psi (happens randomly) I also have hesitation at start. It's like I'm not giving it enough gas when starting off in first (like I'm a rookie manual driver, feels like I'm 16 again!).

Anyway, noticed while cruzing on the freeway, there's that sweet spot when cruzing, you're not giving it tons of gas to accellerate but youre not coasting either, that spot where you are maintaining speed. I noticed that the car feels like it is slightly surging, not really noticable unless you're paying attention. Just something I thought I'd post on here and see what others might be able to diagnose the problem. No, I haven't checked the lower sensor connector, I'm sure it's having issues nd will mention to the dealer. Just wanted to share my fun so far. Only had the car since last November, love it but getting discouraged here

Have an appointment with the dealer, will be heading in Thursday...