2016 Equinox AWD LTZ 2.4L LEA Timing Chain Job

[Ownedthawte]

Hello all,
I recently replaced a VVT Solenoid for the intake side on my dad’s Equinox. Once the job was done I listened to the motor and heard the timing chain slapping the motor. Had him take it to a dealer to get quotes 3300 to do a timing chain. I bought the ALLDATA manual for the truck and have been working on the project. I got a mix of GM and Melling parts for the job. I have the balance chain, sprocket and tensioner part of the job done and going to get the timing parts of the cams done today and resealed up. I am changing the Actuators also while I’m in there. I did get the water pump too but I don’t think I really want to pull the manifold to get the water pump replaced…. Interesting find I had on the job… crank key was bent where the sprocket lines up. I’m not sure how this happened but it was like that when I opened the timing cover. Pics attached.

 

[George2024]

I bought a complete Cloyes kit from Rockauto that included the water pump. I also bought a thermostat and a couple of gaskets that were not included in the Cloye kit. My nephew installed all of this in about 10 or 11 hours. I had to go to NAPA and buy 2 O-rings for the water pipe and the odd looking O-ring for the thermostat housing. He removed the exhaust manifold to make it easier to work the thermostat & water pump r/r. I gave him a thousand for his labor. I bought this Equinox new & always thought it ran like crap & even complained about it to the dealer at least twice. Was told they all run & sound like this. This car has never ran as good as it does now. Should have done it years sooner than I did. Good luck!

 

[Ownedthawte]

I bought a complete Cloyes kit from Rockauto that included the water pump. I also bought a thermostat and a couple of gaskets that were not included in the Cloye kit. My nephew installed all of this in about 10 or 11 hours. I had to go to NAPA and buy 2 O-rings for the water pipe and the odd looking O-ring for the thermostat housing. He removed the exhaust manifold to make it easier to work the thermostat & water pump r/r. I gave him a thousand for his labor. I bought this Equinox new & always thought it ran like crap & even complained about it to the dealer at least twice. Was told they all run & sound like this. This car has never ran as good as it does now. Should have done it years sooner than I did. Good luck!

Could you ask him how difficult it was to remove the manifold and the rest of the water pump hardware? I am considering doing it since I have the gaskets and water pump sitting in the garage. I know that about a year ago the manifold was changed due to a crack and it was leaking into the interior and gassing out all occupants. I really hope this thing runs better and quieter too. I’ve watched a dozen videos and studied the ALLDATA manual a lot. Timing marks are lining up perfectly. Today I should be able to finish the job but may take a few days if I decide to yank the manifold. Thank you for your vote of confidence! I am glad you have a great running vehicle and a talented Nephew! It’s quiet the job but could be way worse!

 

[George2024]

He had the exhaust manifold out of the car in about 30 minutes. All I did was hand him tools and what ever else he needed. He has done this his entire life and has probably done this job hundreds of times on these different GM Ecotec engines. Be careful with these new tensioners that you don't release them by mistake. I held the cams while he tightened these torque to yield cam bolts. Handing tools and a few other things was my part in this. Good luck!

 

[Ownedthawte]

He had the exhaust manifold out of the car in about 30 minutes. All I did was hand him tools and what ever else he needed. He has done this his entire life and has probably done this job hundreds of times on these different GM Ecotec engines. Be careful with these new tensioners that you don't release them by mistake. I held the cams while he tightened these torque to yield cam bolts. Handing tools and a few other things was my part in this. Good luck!

Nice, that sounds promising, it does not look bad at all, just not sure how easy the exhaust manifold bolts would be to get out. I’ve watched the procedure several times. I am going to have my neighbor hold the cams while I torque and then again when I do the additional 100 degrees. Thank you for the heads up on the tensioners. I have the bottom one done and released, it’s perfect. I’ve watched the upper steps 4 times already and how to release with the back of a screwdriver. I am going to also rotate the motor several times to check for interference. I have all of the spark plugs out so it turns over easy. Going to replace them also. Thank you for your help!

 

[Ownedthawte]

I did skip pulling the water pump this time, the weather is terrible already in Michigan and it’s been raining a lot. We are going to hold onto the water pump and use it if it needs it. I did finish the project today and started the Equinox. It runs great and super smooth. I let out a huge sigh of relief when I started it. Thank God that project is over!

 

[Tico007]

Interesting. It’s pretty common for small engines like lawn mower or snowblower to have the flywheel key get sheared off. And then it won’t start because the timing is off. Never considered thinking about that for an automobile engine. Thanks for the info