Step By Step: 2.4 EcoTec Timing Chain Replacement

Part 2: This job can be done with the engine still in the car. But to give you a better view, and to more easily complete other work I had to do, I raised the car off the engine and transmission.

[@erickl.r3553]

New GM are very disponible, I don’t recommend them , 1990s and older used to be very reliable , you will never see this kind of problem on 3.1 or 3.8 engines

[@_BAD_MERC_]

People like you are amazingly generous. Educating people takes time and patience and for that you are a hero. I'd be tempted to buy vehicles with this engine and fix them for a profit if this will be a common issue.

[@allenpatrow443]

what if the intake alignment mark is not in the correct position it's at 5 oclock not 2 o'clock and why are all theses videos skipping this problem

[@justinw.7407]

I know this video was posted 5 years ago, and I'd usually shy away from replacing a timing chain, but I appreciate your thoroughness in what each part is, how to overcome specific obstacles and explaining what you've got to torque it to. Every KZbin tutorial video should follow your guidelines.

[@DanielJaegerFilms]

Thank you all very much for the positive feedback! This is the first video I have ever "voiced over" and I think it was a big success. It allowed me to focus on the work while filming the repairs, then focus on my narration when I recorded the voice over. I'll most likely create many more videos this way. Thanks again!!!

[@johnnyhall5796]

Si, I am in the process of finishing my timing chain on an exact duplicate car that you have in this video, my only question is what you said you get back to , but never did in the video. It’s about the torque to yield bolts and why it’s so important to not reuse them?… I have looked and looked but can’t find anything on why. Can you please give me a answer to this question anyone, please

[@BigBen1991]

Now if I can find my 10MM.....

[@davidyj9013]

What was the original issue that had you install the OBD2 tool to the vehicle's diagnostics? I have a friend whose 2011 HHR stopped running. It has spark when cranking and has 55 psi fuel pressure. Is that a possible timing chain issue? I also do not have access to a hoist. Is there enough room to get the needed tools in place to do this job on the ground?

[@mikeh3559]

LOL now do a video inframe. its a snap to do it the right way. unless anybody knows how i can drop subframe with a single floor jack and single jackstand. can do it with hoist but it was stolen. i just want to see somebody else struggle... update: just now read the description lol. if you have the tools to do so i would say drop it anyways. its nothing to drop the frame. so less stressful too. you could listen to mozart while you do it,.,

[@techniciansupport615]

Hi what's is the crankshaft pulley torque.

[@joshacollins84]

This is absolutely one of the best repair overview videos that I have seen. It was to the point, lighting & audio were great but most importantly covered the particulars.

[@conraddean5051]

This video was very helpful, I have a friend who has a 2012 Captiva Sport 2.4L, which was running rough and making an upper engine clattering sound. I took the valve cover off. To find that the upper guide was missing it's plastic piece and the metal was cracked. Along with the chain being very loose. I decided to replace both guides and the tensioner. I did have to set the timing again (It was way off.) And pull off the oil pan to get the plastic pieces out. The engine runs very well and only had 80,000 miles on it. Thanks so much for the video, I couldn't have done it without it.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Excellent video. Thanks for going to the trouble of dropping the engine so that viewers could see what you were doing. One suggestion to those who may have to replace an Ecotec timing chain - the torque values for the 10 mm bolts on Ecotec engines are typically 89 inch/pounds (verify for your engine) - any thing higher than the factory spec has a tendency to strip the threads. Inch/pound torque wrenches for home mechanics are relatively inexpensive (about $40), and relying on feel rather than precise torque values can be an invitation to disaster for DIYers who do not work on these engines every day. Another point - if the valve timing is not set perfectly, you will get more codes and will have to go back into the engine to get the timing right. Eric O. at the South Main Auto channel did a 5 part series on a very similar 4 cylinder Chevy Colorado engine with timing issues and phaser problems; it is a long series but his conclusion after a lot of work on that engine was that there is little to no room for valve timing errors in these types of GM engines. Again, thanks for one of the best videos on doing this job that I have ever seen - it is a masterpiece.

[@Tokimime31]

Very nicely done. I just got done putting a new water pump on my truck, always feels good to have the job done right.

[@777antlers]

Just did this job using your tutorial. It helped immensely. Purchased all my parts from Rock Auto online except for the torque to yield cam sprocket bolts. Those I bought at the Chevy dealership. I left the engine in place when doing this job. That made it difficult removing one of the timing chain cover bolts(an extra long one) and one of the motor mount bolts. Both of these bolts will hit the fender wheel well until you lower and raise the motor using a bar for leverage. Put everything back together again and it’s running great. Thanks for the great video!

[@eddiek204]

Good one Daniel. Always enjoy your videos. The voice overs are great. Great content, great job. Thanks for taking us along.

[@jgrm4443]

Wow! Thanks a lot. I couldn't understand from other video on KZbin what they meant by an additional 100 degrees. You're a good instructor. Thanks again. Big fan now.

[@Ozzy920]

Damn like a boss I’m going to rewatch and re watch and rewatch,, I work at gm just started, and they gave me a piston replacement and timing chain job on a terrain like the 2nd day of work, I’m not a seasoned technician but the boost of confidence from watching you do this makes me excited for work tomorrow, keep kicking ass!

[@mikeperez9981]

Think im going to do this soon. Your video was straight to the point with specifics. Usually videos make me wanna throw my phone. Lifesaver!

[@michaelg.9791]

Very awesome video.