Buick V6 Timing Chain Replacements

[@ALongLongWaytoGO]

As usual….another stellar how to…You really should make how to videos for Chilton and Mitchell….Im pretty sure I could do this now….and I don’t even own a Buick !!!!

[@zmotorsports62]

Thanks AJ. I appreciate the kind words and thank you for watching. Mike

[@FBG8285]

Thank you, I used your video to replace the timing chain in my 2010 3.0 v6 Lacrosse. Don't know if I could've done it without you!!

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you. Glad the video was helpful. Thank you for taking the time to watch and for the comments. Mike

[@FBG8285]

​@@zmotorsports62 Hi, I am getting a P0300 code after replacing the chains. Do you have any idea of what could be causing this?

[@zmotorsports62]

Not sure why you'd be getting a random misfire. If the cam chains were installed incorrectly I would think that you would get a camshaft variation code rather than a misfire code.

[@FBG8285]

@zmotorsports62 I did replace all the fuel injectors about a month prior to the timing chain. Could it be spark plugs or ignition coils?

[@zmotorsports62]

Sorry, plugs and/or ignition coils will be specific to one cylinder and therefore have a DTC set for one specific cylinder that is misfiring, not a P0300 which is multiple and random misfires. Check to see if you have a vacuum leak.

[@Lineman99]

I love the care you put into people's cars! Id love to have you fix mine but im in Massachusetts lol

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you. I have always approached a repair with the same mindset, whether on my own vehicle or someone else's, trying to do the repair with the utmost care and professionalism. I'm glad it doesn't go unnoticed and I thank you for the comments and for taking the time to watch. Mike

[@iampapa318]

That was awesome to watch, thank you for explaining everything you were doing. I learned a lot !!!

[@zmotorsports62]

Glad the video was helpful. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Mike

[@zmotorsports62]

Glad the video was helpful. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Mike

[@GarageKing]

Great video, loved checking out your channel and you have it organized very well. Definitely throw you some support for your channel as a new subscriber. Take care brother !!

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you for the kind words. I recently had Dustin from Tool Box Tours come through my shop and do a tool box and shop tour if you get a chance to check out my video on his KZbin channel. Thanks. Mike

[@GarageKing]

@@zmotorsports62 Will Do !!

[@blkshp22]

Great work sir. You are a professional.

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you and thanks for taking the time you watch. Mike

[@mrvang8077]

The oil monitor is just a reference guide. I just go by how often I drove my vehicle and I check my oil level and the quality of it by taking a quick check. And just change it when they get dark brown. Cheap oil will lose they're lubricity in extreme heat.

[@TV88WDGAF]

I have a Q: My leak in 2015 lacrosse is in same area you pointed out. For background, IHad low oil pressure light come on for about a week before, and then right after oil change. Was on freeway after oil change and low oil pressure light came on, then accelaration power reduced and engine stalled. I smoothly just sailed to side of freeway. This was about 20 minutes after oil change. Car usually would start back up when oil low pressure light came on and I cut off and let sit a few minutes, but had never been in position where it stalled before could pull over safely. Was told this MAY be a safety feature from sensor shutting engine off when oil pressure too low to avoid seizure. Is this true? Also tensioner was rattling in need off repair also. Do not know if it possibly seized or not. Or if engine seized. Hopefully sensor shut engine off and is not letting it start back up until problem is fixed. Have not had it diagnosed yet. So I Towed it home that day, and it is at least a quart low on oil after sitting a month. I also realize when did oil change only 5 qrts were put in not 6. But its definitely lost a little oil since when checked dipstick the day it was towed home, yet no oil puddle on ground, just a little on the frame. So I Ran my hand along right bottom of front engine where oil was evident and got new oil on my fingertips. Felt white rubbery stuff portruding out of a seam on the bottom right front of engine to the right of i think thats the power steering pulley or harmonic balancer. Whichever is at the bottom right front of engine. My engine sits just like this one, sideways. I Was told it is a front main seal leak. Is front main seal same as timing cover seal? From this video it seems the exact spot you pointed to and said this car leak began is where mine is leaking now. Not leaking a lot and must only leak when engine runs. Oil pan was full at oil change but oil was very black mechanic said last oil change was dirty oil or used oil. Trying to figure out why car is not starting. If engine is seized or if sensor is just doing its job and not allowing it to start until problem is fixed. Have narrowed it down between either oil pump is failing; sensor is bad; engine full of sludge, or that leak throws pressure off and sensor wont let car start. Or twnsioner seized. It was rattling bad. Would appreciate any feedback. It looks like that seam where engine block meets that front cover is where the leak is. So just asking for clarification if a timing cover and front engine cover are the same thing. And if the sensor shut the car off or did it seize.

[@zmotorsports62]

Yes, the seal in the front of the timing cover is the same as the front main seal. A sensor usually will not prevent the car from starting unless it's either a cam or crank sensor as those can.

[@tjstallion1]

9:43 how did you remove the top bolt through the steering power pulley? I can get the socket in place but there isn’t enough room for the ratchet to fit? The engine doesn’t lower down enough to access it through the wheel well.

[@zmotorsports62]

I was able to use a semi-deep socket with a thin ratchet to extract the bolt through the hole in the pulley.

[@mikekenney2561]

So if you dont mind me asking, In relation to the phasors, if Its only throwing code P0017 and no others, would it be more likely to be just the phasor? Or the whole secondary timing chain? I replaced the VVT solenoid and the Cam sensor w no dice. I was thinking if it were the chain I would also have P0016?

[@zmotorsports62]

It could still be the timing chains as it could be just one cam being detected and not enough slack in the chain yet for a secondary code. I've seen several that only are detecting one code and the owner catches it in time before the chain stretches enough for a secondary code to be detected.

[@mikekenney2561]

@@zmotorsports62 OH ok gotcha, I'll check for both the chain and the phasor then, Thanks!

[@speropappas775]

How do I get you to replace my timing chains on my 2010 Buick lacrosse 3.6L

[@zmotorsports62]

Sorry, I don't do this full time and only do a little side work when I have the time. Thank you for taking the time to watch. Mike

[@gregculbert7958]

Well i did it exactly how you did and my engine is locked i can rotate it to do the last chain

[@Frostbit5.0]

How many hours do you generally quote for doing this job for a first timer on this car?

[@zmotorsports62]

Is memory serves the book time on that was just over 11 hours. However, I generally add at least an hour as I tend to be more thorough in my cleaning of components before reassembly.

[@bruceb2839]

When doing stage 1 timing the primary camshaft timing chain slipped on the gear on the crank. I ended up with the camshaft flats up on the left side with the alignment tool in place, but the crankshaft timing circle indicator on the sprocket not lining up with stage one timing (at about 12 o'clock -- 60% over-rotated?). Now the chains are off. I was wondering if now I just rotate the crank to stage one timing by going clockwise. Or, do two rotations to state one timing? I'm confused how to line things up now.

[@zmotorsports62]

With the chain off and crank not connected to the cams you can back the crank up a bit to realign. However, not ideal. If the crank and cam(s) are still connected via the chain(s) then make sure to turn it in the correct rotation.

[@bruceb2839]

@@zmotorsports62 Thanks for the reply! The chains are off. When I tried to rotate backwards there was a lot of resistance and the crank bolt I was using to turn the crank loosened. so I rotated clockwise to get to state one. However, if it's important to go backwards I can get a crank socket so I can rotate backwards with more force. I took the chains off because due to the slippage the crank was not lined up with the cams.

[@zmotorsports62]

@bruceb2839 it is preferable to rotate in the direction of rotation. I've rotated counterclockwise on engines in the past with the spark plugs removed, but if they are still in place the compression (resistance) is usually enough to back the crank bolt out.

[@bruceb2839]

@@zmotorsports62 Do you suggest I rotate clockwise from 12 o-clock where it was to the stage one timing mark, or rotate one rotation past the timing mark. (Thanks for engaging with me -- I'm confused by all this.)

[@zmotorsports62]

@bruceb2839 yes. When setting up the chains in relation to the timing marks I recommend rotating the engine in normal rotation, clockwise looking at the front.

[@daviscc65]

This is great! My friend just gave me his car… this exact car…. And yep it needs this done. I have the codes and know for a fact it was neglected. Also the water pump is making an awful noise and leaking everywhere. Do you have a link for the kit you used? Or did you buy some of it separately? Any idea the price? I’ll prob be back to ask you a question lol😂

[@zmotorsports62]

I used the Melling timing kit (3753S). If I remember correctly I purchased the Fel-Pro gaskets from my local NAPA. Mike

[@daviscc65]

@@zmotorsports62 thanks! I always get the manual and read… idk I used to be a helicopter mechanic in the usaf and I like reading instructions. My wife says I’m ocd about this stuff. Reading manual it says this procedure can only be performed with the engine removed…. I mean you didn’t do it prob don’t have to right? Also wanna say I always appreciate you guys writing us back. I’ve had many other help me through KZbin chat. Thank you sir

[@zmotorsports62]

In this particular application the work can be completed without removing the engine. I think they write some of the manuals using generalities and some applications are too tight and do require the engine be removed to gain access. Mike

[@daviscc65]

@@zmotorsports62 you’re awesome thank you. I’ll prob back 🤣 with more questions. Going to order some of those cam lock tools and everything else. Get it all ready and learn as much as I can before starting. Thanks again

[@andrewsommers8298]

Is it worth doing this in the car or just drop the whole motor out?

[@zmotorsports62]

This particular car was easy to do in the car. I've done some other high feature GM engines in other applications that are easier with the power train dropped from the vehicle. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@craigcrutcher205]

What you charge to replace timing chains?

[@zmotorsports62]

I'm sorry, I don't like to discuss my fees openly. Thank you for taking the time to watch. Mike

[@quintdw]

What does a job like that normally run

[@zmotorsports62]

I don't like to discuss costs openly as there are so many variables. That being said, this is a time intensive job and there can be several variables such as if you decide to lower the drivetrain from the car or do it in the car. Also quality of parts vary and can greatly affect the final cost.

[@RickEugene]

Really wish u showed the teardown to the starting point.

[@zmotorsports62]

Sorry, that would have been too long of a video and getting down to the front cover is pretty basic.

[@2013creed]

You had to remove the motor mount correct? How did u support the engine?

[@zmotorsports62]

@2013creed that is correct. Motor mount was removed. I used a floor jack to support it from underneath. Thanks for taking the time to watch Mike

[@2013creed]

Great video, I am using it step by step. I figured that u supported it from below, but I was a little confused because u lifted the car to get to the harmonic balancer. I couldn’t understand how u did that. I also can’t thank u enough for your replies! U have been a great help.

[@speropappas775]

I live outside Philadelphia, Pa

[@Chertoff88]

I just bought this car with 61,000 miles. You think its a decent car? What should i look out for?

[@zmotorsports62]

It's hard to say over a message. The second gens were decent cars for their respective era. A little underpowered from mid-70's through mid to later 80's, especially compared to their predecessors or later models but nice cars none the less. It really comes down to the condition and how it was maintained by the previous owner(s).