GM 3.6 Timing Chain Replacement - Full replacement how to - Equinox, Impala, CTS, LaCrosse, Colorado

Amazon Links to product used in video:
GM 3.6 Timing Chain kit- amzn.to/4010Sqo
Timing Chain Kit with Water Pump and Oil Pump - amzn.to/42oKFxB
Tube Grip Pliers - amzn.to/3yAXPcT
Oil Resistant Gasket Maker - amzn.to/3FjhHoI
Brake Clean - amzn.to/3ZPjY3e
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In this video, we show you how to replace the timing chain on the 3.6L on Chevy, Buick, GMC, Saturn, and Cadillac vehicles. In this step-by-step process, here is everything you need to know to properly remove and install all 3 timing chains in a GM 3.6L.

[@chuckp1832]

Strongly recommend covering the intake ports! It is way too easy to drop something in there or, have something fall in there without noticing. A better than safe than sorry situation if there ever was one!

[@thomaslietz7035]

Very good job on the video I like how you showed everything and I can’t wait to see more

[@chadslater3521]

I found this video very helpful for learning purposes. I own a V6 camaro with this exact same engine. Very in depth. Today my mechanic told me i have a timing cover leak. Before this video i didn't really even know what it was. P.s. I am the real Chad! 😁😎 Thank you for sharing, takingthe time to explain!

[@ron7101]

Very informative.I been working on car 34 years and I thought you hit it right on the head.

[@helioqueiroz1304]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@user-ue8ls4xi8z]

Best explanation on KZbin

[@oldcarjunky]

very good information an# a well shot video we cool see every thing we needed as a d.y. selfer

[@yesssssir]

This video is really great

[@Poaf-1]

Great video I’m Be doing this soon . The main thing is making sure the cans are flat on top seems like

[@davidfarrish9000]

For a major repair I’d recommend OEM parts only. As seen when the crank gear does not fit it shows the lack of quality. Yes its more money but its less than having a timing failure.

[@debtminer4976]

I agree, but will say that cloyes makes excellent timing components. Sometimes they're even pricier than OEM, but I've found that typically in those cases it's because they've corrected an issue with the OEM spec.. 2.4 Ecotec comes to mind.. All in all though, I agree.. Don't buy these crappy Amazon kits for something so critical.

[@ItachiUchiha-lr3yr]

I think its fine to use a chain only set frome Cloyes in USA or MACE in australia, but if you need to change the gears then these must be genuine.

[@davidalvarez4563]

Ive had 2 cloyes kits fail on my 2010 camaro, the chain tensioners failed causing the chain to fall off the sprocket on the first set which caused valve damage on bank one. Second set same failure but i was able to get a tow home before the chain fell off. Third set was a ac delco kit and have had no issues for 30k miles. Stick to oem.

[@technicalitems731]

Omg. Been helping my cousin (80 years old) with his Chevy hhr. 2011. He is an aircraft mechanic and retired GE nuclear tech. He also used to work at a speed shop and cam grinding shop. He has never messed with cam phasers. But...I have a 2005 ford f150 with the notorious 5.4 ford v8. I kind of know about them.... so he orders and engine kit for his HHR. It had slapped valves against piston (he bought it this way). He orders an engine kit and rebuilds it. He puts it in the car and turns it over before putting plugs and hooking up fuel to it. He hears a slap. He decided to take it back out. He pulls the head. Inspects. New head gasket, and double checks his timing chains etc.... he still feels a bind then hand spinning. I come over...we look in Intake port at valves and I see the first piston slap the valve. I look at cam phaser and his intake phaser is a grey covered phaser. His exhaust is a GM part number design and is black cover. All we can figure is he has the wrong Intake cam phaser!! Wrong kit? Why a gray intake phaser and a black exhaust. Both have different looking center section where bolts go in. So many variable parts when looking in the chilton book. Any ideas? Tips? So glad I found this video! Thanks

[@pyromaniac354]

howd you get on/Did you get it soretd out in the end?

[@VicknelPresendieu]

Merci pour les vidéos ce vraiment intéressant pour un jeune mécano... cependant, je ne comprends pas l'anglais... mais avec le français ça peut m'aider.

[@HardTrancid]

I've got a 3.6 V6 in my 2008 Acadia ... Tossing the P017 code... Still drives great... However I want it to last me a few more years. How much would this typically cost to have a shop do this repair? A friend told me to just keep changing my oil every 4,000 k and I would be okay .... Thoughts? Thanks for the informative video.

[@rafaelmeneses5066]

Why would they use those plastic guides on the tensioner vs the factory metal one? I used the old metal guide and just replaced the plastic. Nice video

[@irvineporras9631]

Is this done in “state 1” ?? Is this why you don’t use the tools and have to crank the engine over back to the other dot on the crank ?? I’m confused

[@ItachiUchiha-lr3yr]

You can do it all in stage 1 if you have the specific cam lock tools. But if not then you need to do stage 2.

[@bobbydanner475]

I love your video, I replacing a timing chain on 2011 traverse. engine in the car I want to make a fiber gasket this would simplify putting the cover back on. just wanted a little feed back

[@JesseMarrin]

Engine must be removed on a traverse to replace timing chain

[@dannydigtl]

What's the PN for the crank pulley puller?

[@vinnyc.1265]

okay but how do you know if the cams are all at TDC. I understand lining up the marks with the chain itself, but what about lining up the marks for the cams, and the crank, before putting the chain on.

[@myownthoughts969]

I have to do this but my motor is out of time. It’s hitting valves.. so how do I get it back in time then put the new parts on

[@audreybigwood9908]

Can someone tell me if the positioner solenoid gaskets can be replaced without removing timing cover. I was hoping theyre accessable under the phaser/sprokets. Tks

[@omnipotech1557]

So what happens when you're rotating the crank from the 3'oclock to the 8'oclock position, and the valve spring tensions releases and causes the crank shaft to over rotate past the mark?

[@aet6653]

que marca de kit recomiendas

[@anthony08330]

Where u located? Maybe u could fix mine also it i may ask hm would be the cost to do this?

[@gerardwilson5733]

Is this the same for 3.0 cts

[@nationalhonortourfortlogan1695]

What if the cams are not aligned, do you have a video to show that.

[@dronepontagrossa]

I need help with the GM HFV6 engine, because I had to change the crankshaft, but there are 2 models where the accessory pulley key changes. I installed the new crankshaft with a different type of key and the car does not start and shows a timing error in the engine. Can anyone who knows this engine well tell me if there are any changes between the 2 crankshaft models that could be causing this problem or could it just be a mounting error at the point of the chains? thanks.

[@jpl57210]

in 2008 I did a bunch of these on the Buick Enclave. Crank sprocket wasn't treated properly.

[@irvineporras9631]

Is this way good without using the tools I see the the tools require the cams in the front of the engine to sit at an angle and he puts them straight but comes back and rotates the engine before doing the other side ??? I’m confused

[@johndusak4213]

REPLACE ALL THE GASKETS AND COVER THE INTAKE PORTS AND REPLACE THE WATER PUMP TOO ALL CHEAP INSURANCE FOR A GOOD.LONG REPAIR

[@JOSERGMMXX]

great job and video 👏👏mine needs head gaskets 😥 replacement do i have to remove all timing chain to do that will be same engine elso where can find that kit you install in case i do.

[@aaronf5635]

Depends on which head.. if it's the head closest to him Yu might jus remove last chain.. if it's the other side then Yu gotta take all chains off.

[@JOSERGMMXX]

@@aaronf5635 thanks !!!

[@Whit_Siever]

Aside from timing chain what else should be looked into replacing when a 3.6 is pulled from vehicle?

[@nickg505]

From what I read...the water pump. It's already out. Replace it

[@deanthonytoles8130]

Is that chain set that you use a quality set? Im doing the same thing in my wifes 2011. Im installing a 15 engine into it. Cloyes and Melling are the go to. Whats your thoughts with useing the one your using?

[@ItachiUchiha-lr3yr]

Do not use a cheap chain set or you will have a stretched chain again. If you ard just replacing the chain & guides & tensioners use a set by Cloyes or MACE. if you need to change gears then these need to be genuine.

[@derekshelton7686]

I'm having this problem with my 09 cts, any idea the cost of parts and labor roughly, I don't want to get overcharged?

[@tbear68-]

We have a 2011 CTS 3.0, same chain kit #. I've heard anywhere from 1600-2300. Drop off & pick up Yeah, gonna set aside a weekend and do it myself. 1A auto has the chain kit for 3 or 400 I believe. Love them guys...

[@mikebell5615]

Holy Cow that engine is clean, how many miles on it? Timing chains on these I believe started going bad at about 70,000 miles. As good as this engine looks I am surprised the chains are stretched and needing replaced..... Good video

[@fuiwfnbnufjehnfojui4251]

Is there a source on that number? I have a car with an LY7 with 132k miles going strong still so you got me worried

[@jaym.1106]

Over 200,000k

[@ChicagoDominique773]

I have to have this done to my 2014 111k miles Buick Lacrosse $2500

[@arthurmorales3670]

Thats cheap. It is around 4k

[@OhSoddit]

I've got a 2006 Holden VZ (3.6ltr Alloytech engine). "Yet to be diagnosed", PROBABLY due for a timing chain replacement (unless something else is the source of the noises - but it's not water pump, it's not power steering pump, it's coming from the right bank behind the timing cover). Quote I've been given (in Adelaide, South Australia) is $2,400 AUD. 220k km's (137k miles). Sudden onset of some sort of bearing noise. Prior history (8 years ago) of having run LOW on oil (5 ltrs added and still wasn't full on the dipstick!!) with grinding noises going up carpark ramps. Mechanic I've discussed this with will "have a look" but suggested it might be better to opt for a remanufactured engine ($5,500 +labour to fit). Not much point replacing the timing chains if the engine itself has other issues / limited lifespan.

[@Jhendo777]

​@@OhSodditcould be one of the phasers, also I've seen some 3.6s where the cams walk and that could cause rattling/tapping sound.

[@abdulhamid-xz4pz]

My question. Will this video work for GMC Acadias with 3.6 liter motors?

[@chillingwithzay182]

Same motor different intake and oil pan

[@elgroso806]

Hello everyone. I'm working on a 2014 Chevrolet Impala lt, 3.6 l. I found engine oil in the coolant system. The engine oil system is clean, just engine oil. Any other idea besides the head gasket ?

[@murtadashaban7025]

OIL COOLER

[@dunnrite8299]

Never knew they had a 3.6 in them 👀

[@Haltech92]

Are you able to relock or repin the chain tensioners?

[@Blade_of_Violet_Chaos]

Remove the plunger from the tensioner block. There's a bit on the inside that sticks out. Push it in and twist it at the same time until you feel it lock. You can then put the plunger back in and install the tensioner. Once the chain is where you want it use a flat head screwdriver to push the plunger in and it will release (might take a few tries)

[@mr.t8844]

The last tensioner, I have a question. I'm doing this job but the engine remained in the car. All bolts went in easy except the 2 in the last tensioner, these are super tough to crank. Is this normal?

[@mrtiny7279]

What was the finished product? Were ypu able to get them in?

[@jamesberreth7171]

Pull the plugs if you're having trouble getting it to turn.

[@xolanimsipa7656]

How do I get hold of you?

[@dunnrite8299]

Look like a Chrysler puller , i use it on the LS motors 👀

[@emanuelagache]

So you put the triangle with circle or circle with circle?

[@emanuelagache]

Had to go double check on my alldata. Right side is circle with circle and left side will be triangle with triangle

[@huseyinoso825]

❤❤❤❤

[@gninsotedabire4948]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@angelf9800]

How much would a shop charge me to replace my timing chain on a 2010 Buick enclave, I am mechanical, inclined but it looks to time consuming.

[@jaym.1106]

2,500 plus

[@Jhendo777]

We get 2500 for a complete Cloyes kit with all phasers and solenoids.

[@henrypavy8102]

Where are you located?

[@naughtydog8579]

how many miles was it? suprised they didnt have the waterpump/oilpump done

[@jaym.1106]

200,000 miles

[@naughtydog8579]

@@jaym.1106 thats insane to me lol but im the guy who does my timing belt waterpump every 5 years on a 2001 audi.

[@irvineporras9631]

Same as 3.0 ??

[@user-lr6eb9pt9w]

Good verk

[@VicknelPresendieu]

J' ai un tracker Chevrolet qui me donne du bruit dans le moteur....clac..clac..comme ce du cal bielle... pouvez-vous m' aider stp ou bien est ce du chaine Time....

[@shawncliff7877]

Could a bad timing chain cause misfires?

[@robsnook4512]

Yes, that or dirty injectors, dirty plugs, bad coil pack / no firing on a plug or even bad plug wires

[@nicolasgarcia6238]

Biuthiful

[@msgaming71601]

I actually wanted to see you put gasketmaker on despite it being easy 😭

[@miguelzendejas8545]

Crank won't turn a full rotation any ideas?

[@a.b.e6458]

Interference your timing is off

[@muhanned700]

what was the mileage on this engine?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

The old engine that had the timing issues was 206,000 miles. The newer engine only had 140,000

[@sjsz06]

Lol, That was more than "a little" bit of coolant.

[@sjsz06]

Really, you don't need to tell us what you are getting ready to do, just do it... we can see.. unless there are certain items that need explanation.

[@jg2449]

Me a my Colorado 2017 w 145k miles on it 👀👀👀👀

[@philpearce5707]

165,000 on my 2016 Canyon. Change the oil every 5000 miles with Pennzoil ultra platinum. still runs and drives almost like brand new very surprising. No problems at all.

[@jonathanoverfelt6328]

You didn’t have to reset the timing?

[@wayneschenk5512]

Would have replaced the oil pump guide.

[@OhSoddit]

I've watched "a few" vids on timing chain replacement. Consensus is NOT to touch the oil pump guide (unless REPLACING the oil pump) as you have to take the bolts out to change the guide - and the slightest disturbance to the oil pump itself could turn out to become a very (very !!!) expensive repair down the road.

[@Jhendo777]

For those who are currently going to tackle this Job do not get this cheap kit. I have done probably close to 30 or 40 3.6 timing chains. I have seen the chains in these cheap kits stretch after 4 months. Its a big job just do it right the first time.. And just get the cam locking tools. They are cheap

[@nickg505]

Yeah, lost me @ Amazon kit. No way doing all that and buying the chain on Amazon

[@williampursel3923]

Doing all this work with the intake manifold open. A big no no.

[@Monza62000]

easy fix..dont buy a gm car v6 unless it has a 3800...they last ,,the 3.6 is trouble

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

I am a fan of a simple, push rod engine. They can be bullet proof and easy to work on.

[@Monza62000]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll gm lost their way...woked 32 years at delco ..i know

[@petejr7774]

Well then you got trans issues lol

[@zachdewitt1455]

3800s were great motors if you catch the intake leaks quick they last a long long time.

[@jerseymontana1310]

A Lil bit of coolant loss huh? Great video bro. Thank you

[@chrisrogers6103]

If you gotta wear a coat and beanie in your shop, you're doing something wrong!

[@glencoughlan2209]

Sorry, pretty unprofessional leaving that old guide on the lower chain over the oil pump, worn with different material, your being paid to do the work the client cannot, so it should have been replaced. Just not right really.

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Really? This is my vehicle and that guide had little to 0 material removed from it. Pretty sure I can leave it on there if I want. Also, I said to you, the viewer, to use your discretion. Replace it when doing yours!

[@jonghost3100]

Unless replacing the oil pump you are not supposed to remove the chain guide, you can mess up the mating of metal inside the pump, they are different size bolts for a reason 😉 you got a lot of extra time and energy to be making snide remarks like that one. Keep it moving playboy. Thanks for the vid Chad!

[@raymondjohn3396]

The timing chain kit really going? I have a chevy malibu 3.6 and need of timing chain replace but uh, the store charges $1400 for the cloyes set, and same as OEM set is $1500. What kind of chain is that, like What store can Timing chain can be purchased from. Everything is by online or by dealership . My car is 2011 malibu of 130,000 miles and no issues with the oil, it rattles.. any advice? I'm looking thru video about timing chain replace plus some say, its better to take engine out the car to replace the chain or leave the engine inside the car to replace chain. I'm the beginner of diy mechanic, i do not know much of Mechanic parts but I do my best to fix cars. Thx

[@jonghost3100]

@@raymondjohn3396 they say to pull out the engine so that you can have better access and it makes setting the chains easier you can do most cars timing with engine installed some are tougher than others though if you're mechanically inclined you could probably make it work but if you're not one hundred percent confident it's worth the money to pay somebody else it's not a cheap job anyway around though