Alex, I followed this video as a guide to do a timing chain replacement on a 2009 Malibu with the 2.4L Ecotec engine. I appreciate your attention to detail and explanations. The lower guide bolt had tore out the threads and I had to install a helical thread insert. The upper bolt was and still is missing, I assume that it fell into the oil pan. Thank you for so much for your help.
I'm a bit nervous about doing this to my 16 chevy equinox but watching this video has made me feel confident to go for it as a DIYer for the 1st time in my life but i just wanna make sure i have the right tools because i fell short on tools as usual initially when i had changed the oil/filter. However i replaced the vvt solenoids, 2 camshafts and the crankshaft position sensor. Thank You for posting this video and wish me luck
Great video, Alex! Really helping me on getting started changing the timing chain on my Granddaughters 2012 Cativa sport 2.4L today 123995 miles. Reason for the maintenance, had rough low idle and rattle, but smooth running with any amount of throttle/power. I bought a code reader which came back P0016 and P0017 correlation. Which means timing chain is stretched/loose. So, I changed the oil and removed the VVT solenoids and found it packed with metal shaving specs, I did clean them and reinstalled them and ran the engine again, removed them they stayed clean. Thats one step everyone should perform, clogged VVT solenoids are not good and effect the VVT sprocket/phaser. And I bet they have metal shavings in them as well. And the metal shavings are guaranteed to be coming from the timing chain and its components. So just to add to your fantastic video which I do appreciate, before you start Drain your oil. 😀 . I`ll post updates when done. P.S. Last time I did a timing chain/belt was 1998 on a dodge Omni. basically, same removing motor mounts and a lot of jacking around! Update: After taking off the valve cover, everything looked good. Top guide looked great and from what I could see looking down into the engine looked good. Kinda worried where these metal shavings are coming from. Popped the timing chain cover off and low and behold parts fell out. The black timing chain guide was broken into a couple pieces. But the real reveal was the tensioner arm guide for the water pump/balancer chain. It was just lying there with no damage except it wasn't secured with a bolt. No bolt at all for it in sight. But the metal shavings was solved. The Balance Shaft Tensioner was just injected into the flopping chain. Will be dropping the oil pan now to look for parts. More $$$ for balancer shaft chain kit, and there is no oil pan gasket for these motors, so silicone purchase too! Update:: All done! purring like a kitten! Thanks Alex! God Bless you! The lost bolt was actually stuck up somewhere in the chain out of site because it apparently fell after taking off the exhaust phaser. As I went back to take the intake phaser off, I noticed a bolt lying inside at the edge of the oil pan, it was the balance shaft tensioner guide bolt that was missing (yeah, no oil pan work.) Weirdly it was not damaged at all. You could tell the end threads were stressed though. I used the new bolt I got at the dealership instead when reinstalling. Parts I bought and installed - Cloyes Timing Chain Set 9-4201SAVVT1, Cloyes Balance Shaft Chain Kit - 9-4202SA, Fel-Pro Valve Cover Gasket Set - VS50778R, Fel-Pro Timing Cover Gasket Set - TCS46079, Dorman OE Solutions Timing Guide Bolt - 917-954. = $676.95+tax. Other cost - magnet tool, new bolt, 24mm wrench, oil-filter, spark plugs, drivebelt, fender liner push-tabs and plenty cans of parts cleaner for a grand total of around $974.00 vs the dealership`s price of $1885.00+tax. Tip`s and stuff I had trouble with. - Main thing, Keep Alex`s video at hand to reference at all times! I subscribed! I watched the whole thing twice and probably switched to spots over 100 times. - Drivebelt pully bolt, I`d like to kick the engineer who said, hey let's put an unnecessary long bolt here! Yes, it`s best to leave it there unscrewed as much as possible. - Crankshaft bolt, stubborn rusted bolt *70*9^%!. Even though I only had an 18-volt Ryobi impact gun, the trick with it was patience, keep at it and holding the pully from moving at all. - Balance shaft gears are a Bit$h to get off and put on. Hole punch in the indention did not work for me. Had to use a big threaded bolt to wedge the gears from spinning. - Before Removing timing chain, make sure the gear marks and keyway (not the chain-colored links, 😄thanks for the phone call on that one Alex! 😄) are close to the required indexing's, exhaust 10 o`clock, intake 2 o`clock and crank shaft keyway at 12 o`clock in reference to the engine block not the car. - Dorman OE Solutions Timing Guide Bolt - 917-954 was very hard to start the threads, be patient. - Always prepare for knuckle busting on stuck bolts and cushion properly! 😄 - Any missing bolts can be bought at the dealership parts counter. But they are expensive, that one little bolt was $16+. - If you have a free CarFax maintenance schedule account for your car and add these services performed, car value increases! - All done with 3 jack stands and 1 floor jack! Again, couldn't have done it without you or this video, Alex! Subscriber for life! Thanks a million! Brett
Hey Alex, I'm a tech myself. I appreciate the guidance. That's one I've never did,lol. I like the way you come across your videos, good job, and keep up the good work, there needs to be more like you!
Alex…thank you so much for this video ! I followed it step by step to fix my daughters 2013 Captiva timing chain. Your directions, advice, and calming voice made the job go smoothly. I’m very appreciative that you shared your skills with us. Jeff from Iowa
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. It shows how to do it in the real world, instead of some others who have the engine out on a stand and make it look like an easy 15 minute job. You show all the little things where something can go wrong and how to avoid some of the problems. Anyone seriously considering doing this job at home should watch and learn.
Thank you, Thank you. I just finish doing the timing chain in a 2016 Chevy Equinox. It when well, I took the extra time to replace things that could be changed. And it turned out great. I look forward to seeing more videos.
I don't understand myself as much as I hate having car troubles why am I watching Alex the car doctor? I guess job shadowing alex the car doctor is far more pleasant than my life is
Thanks for the tutorial, I replaced the chain in my 184k 2010 Equinox. Spent less than $200 in parts and took my time. Had to use "the fix" for the top bolt of the one guide.
Just bought a 2013 Equinox. Will be driving it from Vegas to MN. Will definitely keep an eye on the oil level. Check the amount of blow-by. Fun fact, I haven't touched this vehicle yet. Brother-in-law did the leg work. Starts, and drives well. I'm not opposed to pulling the head and pan and replacing the low tension rings. I'm sure the oil return holes behind the oil rings are probably plugged just like my '03 Forester. They were plugged SOLID! Drill a drill bit to clean them out! It has 150,000 miles on it. Will definitely check out the timing chain. No noticable engine noise at startup.
Alex, i love this kind of video. this is great. the other vids ive seen all have an engine setting out in the floor and they do a 20 minute timing chain swap. this "in the bay" replacement is priceless. thanks for all you do.
I’ve been searching EVERYWHERE to find the size of the guide access plug hex. Thank you sooo much for just saying the sizes of the tools you use. Always been my favorite yt mechanic
Absolutely hands down a GREAT tutorial!! You take your time to explain why and what your doing and I love it. Only thing I noticed is right above the crank is a hole in the wheel well that if you don’t have a ratchet wrench you can slide a socket and extension through to get the tensioner off. Oh and a 32mm oil filter socket is great to use for the chain tensioner. I got lucky and had a set of short stubby oil filter sockets. That’s how I did it lol but I hope to see more of your videos! Again great tutorial!!
Quality was amazing, i've never seen such a detailed and helpful mechanical video. They are normally filmed in near darkness with loud music over them.
Great video, I am having a mechanic do this job, only because I am lazy. But I appreciate you and people like you that make videos for the masses! Awesome and Kudos to you!
Great video showed if doesn't go smooth how to fix it . the extra on the bent valves helpful. Got one that just quit and cranking fast on not start . Now know what to look for . Thank you.
Best tutorial I ever watched. Thank you for your time and I love your positive attitude/vibe. I have this exact vehicle and it currently says on the DIC to "Service stabili trak", "Service traction control", and "engine power reduced". Chevrolet says I need to R&R the timing chain and gears. Thanks to your video, I am comfortable doing this myself, but my question so far is: How did you rotate the engine to verify all timing points lined up before you tightened your idler pulley, first loosen the idler pulley but then what? Thanks again for your time!
Hey there I’m glad you enjoyed my video. I verified everything by looking at the camshaft dots and crank dots to make sure they line up with the colored links on the chain then I install the crank pulley bolt in the crank without the pulley and then rotate the engine over two revolutions to make sure everything is smooth. I assumed you was talking about the crank pulley not the idler pulley
My 08 Malibu at 96k miles timing chain jumped and broke, quoted 1800, then get a call that it was leaking down like you showed in your previous video :/ $3000 to replace engine. I’m going to move on from this nightmare! Thanks so much for the knowledge!
Watch your video about timing chain replacement. It was very helpful. Just change my chain this weekend. Thanks for the helpful videos. Get making them you can.
What's the life expectancy of the cam chain tensioners for this engine? Ten years ago, we got a brand new Captiva LT 2.4 Ecotec. The cam chain tensioner rattled badly on startup (new engine), but would setting quickly. We got it sorted under warranty straight away. The vehicle has now done 55 thousand miles, and whilst there's no cam chain or tensioner noise, I'm just curious as to how long the tensioner should last? Was there ever a 'bad batch' of tensioners and perhaps the replacement ones are fault-free?
Awesome video .you really have a way with explaining things. Just letting u know on my 17 caddy that bent push rod. Changed the rocker arm an so far so good. Thanks for taking the time to help me out.
These are surprisingly easy to work on. I'm getting ready to buy a 2016 Buick Verano that has the last generation 2.4 with 84K. I don't expect it to have issues yet, but I know I would have to do this job at some point along with the waterpump.
Awesome video man, I took my car to mechanic for service and aircon regas found out timing chain needs doing on my 2.2 diesel but they don't do it now I know roughly how long it takes so I don't get scammed with 1000's in labour
Alex. Great video. Great content. I'm glad you showed the process with the engine in the car. Like us regular guys would do it. Thanks again. !! Fat props.
Great video, Alex. About to do exactly the same job with an Australian version of the Craptiva, as we call them. Thanks for your guidance on how to do the job, with engine in-situ.
Wow I actually watched your repair from start to finish....Great Job!!!! Im thinking of buying a 2011 equinox with a stuck engine......i'm thinking its gonna need a new chain and cylinder head......or maybe a different engine.Great tutorial!!!!
Hey there and thanks for watching. If you mean stop by not rotating, most likely it’s going to be at the bottom end that seized up. And will require an engine replacement or complete rebuild.
@@AlexTheCarDoctor the owner indicated that it died at about 40mph.....said it was stuck....i haven't even looked under the hood yet. He's asking 700 for the car and it looks decent.....im thinking 2,500 for a used engine.
Always best to set up 2 foldable picnic tables and layout all the parts and number the parts/nut/bolts during dissemble and keep them together as assign if you're a organize person. Makes things easier to have everything off the floor and away from the car. That way the reassemble process is easier.
I did exactly as youve done on the engine and the timing marks all lined up and you told me not to worry, but as i spun the crankshaft 2 times around they are no longer lined up on the timing marks or arrows. should I worry about this?
First, just want to say thank you Alex for creating this helpful informative video. Any advice for check engine light that is still on after I cleared the codes and drove over 130 miles?
Hello I don't know how long it'll take you to see this message Hopefully you've see it sooner than later. So your video is pretty good super super important step that is very vital you missed to put in there
You’re like an engine you have to warm up properly lol that’s what happens when we get old my friend lol great video! You are a very good teacher :-)😊😊
Thanks for the video. I own a 2015 Chevy Malibu with the 2.5L Ecotec 4 cylinder engine. Does the timing chain on the 2015n suffer from the same type of wear and are the plastic tensioners also prone to breaking?
Great video like how you walk through everything and have time to explain what is the reason your doing it like that or the tips and trick you got when you do the job ✅👍 but I did have one question where do you get the information to torque down the bolts
Hey Alex I appreciate the step by step procedure. Quick question If the roller lifter has a slight play and does not come out of its position, and all compression is good do u think I can still do the timing chain?
doing this right now to my sister's car. she had been driving hers back an forward to work an she had notice oil under her car where she parked it so thought it was a seal or something an when we started looking it was everywhere except for the top over the valve pan an as soon as we took all the plastic an got it out of the way we found it, it looks the same as urs an she had been driving the thing daily to work with it like this an all of the oil that was all over the motor was coming from the hole. when u would first start it up it would sling oil out an blow a cloud or mist of oil out an the plastic was just directing it all down onto the motor an it finally started accumulating enough that it started to drip an that is the only reason it was noticed so shes insanely lucky. we got it all pulled apart this evening an going to try to get it all done tomorrow or at least as much as we can, still havent gotten the replacement valve cover, it was way to bad to repair so had to get a new one an its not arrived in the mail yet so hopefully it will be here in a couple days at most. thanks for sharing this. been a huge help.
I just finished installing the tensioner and haven’t activated it yet but the chain is very tight already. It had some slack before I screwed the tensioner in. How tight is the chain supposed to be?
We have gone backwards, gone are the days where a timing chain used to last the service life of the engine, now commonly not much more life that a timing belt. May as well have timing belt.
when i try to open the crankshaft bolt counterclockwise, the crankshaft pulley spin together with the chain and the phaser.. did you have to lock the pulley first or something? how do you do that?
Thank you for the video Does the oil have to be drained before the timing cover is removed? Your video doesn’t show it. But someone else did Thanks in advance
I have a Saturn Vue, 2008, and a problem. There seem to be interference with the chain removal. The only way to remove the timing chain appears to require splitting the chain, Seems to run around some sort of castings. Have you ever seen this?
Alex, what if the charger 2.7 motor locked up, is there a way to unlocked it? If so can you make a video? I got a few that is locked up..trying to attempt to save it if I could!!thanks in advance!
Hi bro.. I recently mixed the 2 camshafts and I don't know which is which... 1 has number D30 F1 and 1 has D30 G1... Which 1 is the exhaust and which 1 is the intake camshaft?
Hey there I’m assuming it’s not the same as this engine because it’s hard to mix the exhaust and intake cam.what type of vehicle are you working on and engine size
hey great video but if this problem occurs and car stops at a stop sign and goes out how do I know there's excessive damage. TO the motor before i decide to move forward with a timing chain replacement just to find out there was damage
@@AlexTheCarDoctor ok, got it. Wondering if a damaged timing chain would cause a lack of compression in the cylinders? My daughters eco tec in chev equinox 2016 was diagnosed as “should be replaced”. Trying to determine if it just needs a replacement timing chain
What if it's already jumped time? If it backfired and then lost power could the valves or pistons get damaged? I am facing this issue with my 2013 captiva
Might need balance shaft components as well the intake sprocket gets chewed up when the guides fail..there's also the 2 mounting bolts for the broken guide usually get damaged too.
Is there a part number or website where i can buy the parr to fix the top bolt to the black tensioner and the timing cover plug or should I just have it welded in the center of the inside of the timing cover plug?
I agree taking bolts and screws out is the way. Captive plenum screws (I’m looking at you, MOPAR) really irritate me. Half a thread always catches when I try to pull it off and it takes three hands and some NSFW words.
@@AlexTheCarDoctor I’ve been wrenching on my own cars for about 10 years. Working on other peoples’ cars for about 2 years. Opening the doors on my own shop up in the rusty north in about 2-3 weeks.
@@AlexTheCarDoctor I just realized that sounded a little irresponsible. I’m not going it alone. The shop will be a joint venture with my friend and mentor with far more experience with both wrenching and running an independent shop. All the older guys are retiring and the young guys are working at quick lubes and dealerships. There’s a hole in the market and the quality of work I’ve been seeing on cars lately really shows it so I’m trying to be the change I want to see in the world.
1967 Chevy Bel Air 283. Timing chain worn so much that it cut a hole in the timing cover. We thought it was the front seal. Still had the leak after replacing the seal!!
I'm not judging I love what you do but you should have a little foldable table so you can set all of your parts on while you're working. Also you can use a cupcake tray for your bolts so you don't lose them and/or those magnetic bolt holder
I took the cover rocker bolts out but one of them broke. After I could take it out I couldn't find the same bolt in the market. But when I saw your video in detail I could notice that you use normal bolts (my bolts have a metal collar with a rubber). Please guide me, how can I change it for a normal bolt like you.
I changed the timing chain and guides. I then took the 2014 Captiva for a test drive and after it warmed up the engine started making a popping sound. Why?
I believe my timing went out while the vehicle was sitting(dead battery) maybe while it was being cranked. If the timing jumps do I automatically need a whole engine? Nobody has actually taken the time to look at it. Just a crank and "You need a new engine"
I have a 2014 Buick regal T and it has a bad engine noise, I was told it sounds like the timing chain is slapping around. If it jumped time do I need to get a new engine or can I just replace the timing Chain.
That is correct. If you don’t wrench every day, you should not use power tools to cinch the bolts back down. Because if you make a mistake and step that bolt off, you’re gonna be in a lot of hurt!
Will this timing chain be the issue for stalling and p0011 code if the vvt solenoid and camshaft sensor have been changed but code and stalling continued
Man let me tell you how much I love you man ! You have got me thru hella struggles I couldn’t figure out how to get the new chain on since it was so new and tight my marks kept moving until I found your video and did the top left fazer first and then the rest was history man thank you bro I’m literally doing this job right now as we speak I stopped just to post this comment god bless you bro ….you got a number bro ? I would love to FaceTime you bro and meet you man 🙏
Really appreciate the love brother. Thanks for watching. I’m glad I was able to help you through my videos. Catch me on live tonight around eight. If you have a chance you can see me there. See you soon. Thanks again for watching.
I already watched that video when I turn the engine over by hand watching cams under valve cover it's fine but just b4 tdc it's like slack comes outa nowhere then after it goes right back to normal I'm gonna pull the side cover to see if a tooth or something is broke wanted to know if draing oil is necessary bc ya don't show it in videos
@@brianelliott6148 you don’t have to drain the oil, but it is recommended to do so. yes pull the front cover off and check timing or jump straight into a engine compression test
And the balance shaft does not have to have the timing marks in coordination with putting the main timing chain on as long as the main timing marks are right is that correct ?
@@linaperrone7037 you are able to reset it. Can you look me up on Instagram and send me a picture? I will see if I can send you a short video showing you how
