Do these checks before replacing your 2.4 ecotec! You may not need an engine! 

I just had my timing chain,the rail guides,tensioner and the sprokets replaced for $3000 pesos in labor ($158USD) in Mexico,parts cost me like $150 bucks on ebay and had it done in like 6 hours that same day.I drive a 2016 Buick Verano 2.4l ecotech.Thank god i live on the border.

Nice job. Appreciate the list of items to check. I've got a 2.4L Terrain at 150K and with each video I watch I get more sure it probably needs a chain and tensioner swap just to be safe. He is absolutely right, guys. Check that oil at least once a week, depending on how much you drive. You might benefit from a viscosity booster if you do have some oil consumption and/or rough idle. Change that oil EVERY 3000 miles. These direct 4 cylinders can't handle stress.

Excellent video which I could easily follow as I own a Captiva with an Ecotec 2.4 LE9 engine fitted (80,000km). However, there are a few upgrades which can be fitted to the whole assembly making it far more reliable. My recommendations when attempting this job would be as follows: 1) only use quality new parts. 2) do not fit an OEM front (black) chain guide as they are prone to breakage at the top fixing hole, rather a racing version which can be obtained in the US online. It's much stronger and of a different material. 3) only use the upgraded stronger guide fixing bolts throughout, or at least the modified type for the top fixing for the front guide. All available in the US. 4) fit a new tensioner & cam VVT sprockets & always pre-lube. 5) fit new upper chain guide & fit 2 higher 10.9 grade fixing bolts. 6) remove existing valve cover bolts & replace with new higher grade 10.9 bolts. 6) check spark plugs are good, if not replace. 7) check compression. 7) check oil pressure. 8) remove sump pan and clean out thoroughly. 9) during assembly mark each bolt after final torque setting is reached. 10) just a small point - always check bolt threads for any damage before using, even when new. 11) be sure that your torque wrench is calibrated correctly. 12) fill with 4.7L of new synthetic 5W-30 oil (I use a Shell product which is excellent), fit beforehand a new filter either from Bosch or MANN, anything else is sub-standard. 12) fit a new AC Delco FC219 oil filler cap which has a blow-off valve incorporated. 13) run engine for 2000km and drain oil. 14) renew oil and filter. 15) in future always make oil changes using the same brand of oil & filter at max.10,000km intervals, irrespective of what the GM handbook or the oil manufacturer states. From a Brit. ex-Ford and almost Porsche engine builder in Germany.

I have a p303 code. I replaced the plugs, the coil, did a oil change, replaced the oil filter and the front seal.. I also cleaned out the pcv system. Its still running a bit rough.. The stability trak light is on and the engine light is blinking.. My wifes dad died. He left her money to get us a family car. We got the Equinox thinking it would be a reliable car for us. I wish i could catch a break and get a reliable vehicle for my family 🙏

THANK YOU!! Finally someone who is knowledgeable about the 2.4L Ecotech engine… My car was bucking and stalling when idling. Car sat a mechanic but they couldn’t fix it. They replaced the high pressure pump and still having issues. Looking online looks like most common problem is the timing chain..cam.. cam phaser..oil consumption My car was fixed after I followed a video online saying you can fix a bad cam phaser by getting a fresh oil change and then put the car in manual and getting the revs up high.. SO STRANGE but my car is purring now and fixed LOL

I work on enough of these 2.4s the labor for engine swap vs timing chain is almost the same lol. Every time I do one of these I recommend a new water pump as well ... keep wrenching 👍👍👍

Sir you are a GREAT teacher, I bought a 2.4 Sunfire GT Convertible, my 2nd one, I Love that model, it runs Perfect but sporadically makes a rattling noise, now I see the problem, if the tensioner goes bad it slaps around and breaks the plastic guide on top, means it is flying around like a Pinball machine bouncing off of everything, WOW YOU ARE GOOD Thank You Sir., Have a Great Weekend.

Im a 1 man auto shop. I have replaced at least 60 of these timing chains and probably 10 engines. The thing about just doign the timing chains is it doesnt address the underlying oil burning issues. That is the root cause of the timing chains being stretched. Sure you can make it run again but its still burning oil.

My gf just had hers fixed it jumped timing at 105k miles just didnt start one morning never died on the road. It bent the valves so they replaced them and the pistons and rings because it was already consuming oil too. This was 5500 dollars for this fix at the local dealership. If youve got one of these engines in your car and it runs and drives take your loss and sell it before it blows up theyre utter garbage engines its a disgrace.

I had one where all valves were bent, no piston damage, replaced valves, rocker arms, t-chain, oil pump etc. Removed oil pan and cleaned everything out. Put it back together and it runs and drives perfect except it burns a ton of oil. I'm going to put pistons and rings in it soon. Hopefully it's going to be good after that. I think they all burn oil due to low tension piston rings and likely all need pistons and rings. Also, after doing the work, compression and leakdown tests were good.

Very good video and information-- no-one wants to fix things anymore just replace or buy a new vehicle. I just had a buddy tell me his daughter drove her 2015 equinox to school came out wouldnt start- towed to shop told the engine was shot- replace for $7k-- i asked how did they determine the problem no one could give me an answer- offered to buy the old engine for $100 over core and they thought i was an idiot wouldnt sell it to me.

My wifes 2014 just had its timing chain replaced. She loves the SUV and well worth getting fixed. Should've dropped the oil pan and clean that out of all the timing chain parts that broke off. They will get stuck to the oil screen and restrict the oil ,, which would make this happen sooner than it needs to happen.

Its Gas Direct Injection, long drain intervals and poor spec'd oil by GM that is the root cause of oil consumption, chain weat carbon build up. GDI creates huge amounts of abrasive soot that wears the chain, high fuel dilution, which shears oil viscosity, oxidizes oil, the initial OLM would allow 10-12k oil changes. Soot, fuel, oxidized oil clogs oil control rings.

Very great! I got a 2010 Chevy Equinox 9 months ago from a dealership. It burns 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles. I got a low oil pressure warning when I was driving on the highway. When I pulled over and added 2 quarts of oil to the engine, I could start the engine without any code, but I heard big noises coming from timing chain area. One mech told me it may need to replace the timing chain (cost $2K). But with the burning oil problem, it is better to replace the whole engine ($ 5K-7K). Now, I am going to check the timing chain and maybe replace it. But, I know nothing about the car...trying to find some great videos talking about this problem,. Thanks very much for your great video!

Whenever the part of the guide is missing you should drop the oil pan and remove the pieces. My mother's Equinox had the long black guide shatter and pieces of it were jammed inside the oil pickup screen. It also ruined the two bolts for that guide and the oil control valve screens were clogged with plastic from the guide. The amazing part was that it still ran and didn't jump time. It's also worth pointing out this this was the 2nd set of chains and guides that were put in this engine and they lasted less than 75K miles even though the oil level was kept up.

Hey Shed house, just watched you vid, this will help me a ton. I just bought the same car with 140k mi. The original owner did a chain at 116k miles for like you said, paid $1600, Now at 140k they said its rattling and shut it off and I bought it (will open up before firing), So maybe something got loose. maybe phasers failed (dont know if replaced) So about to dive in. Thanks for the quality video.

I can't believe how many people fall into that trap of buying a new vehicle from the same manufacturer after having a horrible experience. I know they all have issues, but after seeing how widespread this is (or even the 3.6 chain issue!) I don't think my next vehicle will be a GM product. Bought our '14 Equinox new, and it only has just over 100,000 km, but I'm trying to decide the best course of action. I don't really have the time to rebuild it, but I will as a last resort. I'm toying with the idea of pulling one at a wrecker and rebuilding that one, but also want to price out a long block from a local company. If they come with warranty and aren't too pricey, I might go that route. I guess I'll go watch your video now!

I have a 2012 Malibu. With 128k miles, No timing chain rattle. But i think I've seen tiny metal shavings on my last oil change.

Just had a new timing set put on my 2014 Malibu due to loose guides. Dealership told me engine was toast and to replace it. I only have 137,000 miles and was running and sounds fine. Independent shop laughed and said no a new set would save it. Yea it was expensive 1,500 but not 4,000 for a new engine or car.

I have a 2.4 ecotec in Polaris slingshot and it’s a great running engine. Mine is a LE5/ LE9. Not direct injection. Doesn’t consume any oil

Im SO happy that i bought the 3.0 liter 6 cylinder. Still runs like a top!!

Great video. I had one yesterday and you can see the cam move independent about 20 degrees of free travel. The pin would lock into start position

My neighbor has one, was a vw tech. Going to pull the.valve cover tomorrow. Can hear the chain making noise. Random misfire codes. But no correlation codes.. 120k miles pretty sure was ran with low oil.

To whom it may concern.... There is a recall on the oil consumption problem. Could possibly cover timing chain issue. Worth the effort people.

Low oil and lack of freq oil changes will gum up the tensioners since they are run on oil pressure. Then chain slips and wala. And of course the stupid plastic tensioners.

Dude thank you so much just helped me solve my engine timing no start problem gonna fix some bent valves

What symptoms do you get if the phasers are going out? I just replaced the head on my wife’s and did new chain and guides but didn’t replace the tensioner or phasers, 2 weeks later I shut it off to go into a store and when I came out it would start, run for 3-5 seconds and then sputter out. On the scanner all parameters look good, no pending codes or tripped codes. My next step is to replace the phasers and tensioner as well as verify everything is still timed properly. I bench tested the solenoids and they ohm out good.

Could have treated the pistons with B12 Chemtool while it was apart to soak the rings and free up the oil rings.

The tensioners fail on these cars. There's like 2 revisions since new.

If you don't need an engine, get rid of it before it's too late.

DID YOU REPLACE THE OIL PUMP???????

Awesome thanks

Wish you were local my 2013 equinox is burning the oil

Good info 👊🏻

Very informative and detailed! Much appreciated! I recently purchased a 2011 equinox 2.4l LAF that had low compression. Shop said the same, needed a new engine. The followers on the rockers are still intact. It looks like the same black timing guide broke on mine as well. I replaced all the timing chain components, and lined up all the markings to the chain and markings on the crank, and Intake/exhaust cams. I turned it a few times to ensure the chain wouldn’t jump and it was fine. I ran a compression test by placing the gauge in each cylinder and going through the starter process. Each cylinder came up with zero compression. I did you run a compression test after replacing the chain? I also am going to test each cylinder by placing a little oil and seeing I get compression that way. I do have a camera I’ve placed inside each cylinder and it looks like it did take off some carbon off the top of the cylinders but no metal bouncing around. Piston heads looked fine as well. If I place oil in the cylinder and it comes up with compression, would suggest a new engine? And what if I do put in oil and I still get no compression. Should I put it together and see if starting it fully built will help at all? Tia

Wait a minute. Did you say you did the entire timing chain job in about 3 hours? While IN the vehicle?? Please do a video, would love to see how it can be done-

I have a 2012 buick regal with the 2.4 ecotec. It's giving codes p0014 and p0016. Car starts and idles fine in park. Surges and sputters and sometimes stalls in drive and reverse. But once you get it moving from stopped it seems to run fine. Only sputters and surges when stopped in gear. No surge in neutral. Changed the vvt solenoids and it didn't fix it. Dealer wanted 800 dollars just to diagnose it. Anyone know what the problem would be?

My 2011 Chevy equinox runs but the StabiliTrac light comes on and then it says reduce power. There is some codes on there. I’m so over it. I need some answer please🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️. From the codes I have to seems it needs a timing belt. I have P0016, P0017, P0036, P228D,, P0089 and Mass Air flow code. I have changed Intake+Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator+Camshaft Sensor+Engine Crankshaft Sensor, Mass airflow sensor, High pressure fuel pump, Fuel rail sensor, Both Purges valve and solenoid, Map sensor, Throttle body. I swear I will turn my ignition I go on the block the StabiliTrac light will come will come on and then the reduce power will show up. I don’t know what else to do. Can somebody please answer. I’m so lost. Do I need a Timing Belt??? Or Do I need to replace my wheel hub and the speed sensor???

Hey Shed house, your video helped a ton. All went well ,runs perfect but has rattle for first 5 seconds, I used a cloyes kit with new actuators ect. Experts please advise. 600 miles no oil usage. Thanks

The oil monitor time frame Gm uses is to long when the oil monitor says 30% left. Only synthetic oil with dextos additive high quality synthetic oil filter! A vented oil filler cap and the drilling of the the intake so you can clean the orifice every 50,000km a catch can if you live in a area where you get below zero during winter. My 2015 150,000 km running perfectly and burning zero oil! ZERO!

Is there anyway I can email you and send you pictures to see if it’s worth fixing or replace the engine with a used one. I’m we have a 2015 gmc terrain

Where are you located? My niece is in Portland with a 2016. Thank you for sharing, it’s been very helpful! I loved watching your other videos too 🤠

I’m trying to educate myself with all your videos. Shame I don’t live closer to bring mine to you. I’ve had my timing chain replaced about 3 years ago. Now I’m getting a cylinder 2 misfire. Any idea if this is all related?

The shop doesn't want to commit to a maybe. Or be married to it because it didn't fix the whole issue. I get it but i also get fixing the chain. Really open to either

12:01 Why didn't you compare the old chain to the new one, to see whether it stretched much? Good job, giving that vehicle a new lease on life.

K bro what if didn’t have piston to valve contact before I pulled it apart can I reset the timing with the crank and not pulling the cams off ? Let me know

I've read through a lot of the comments and a lot of you are mechanics an offer a lot of good advice my ecotec le9 is at 188,000 mi and I hear the clatter on startup not 100% of the time but probably like 90% of the time and I also have a tick in the engine, I'll be honest I'm a heavy driver it's fun to drive a slow car fast LOL but I also keep up with my oil changes and do it every 3 to 4 thousand miles and put a quart of Lucas in it. Any recommendations on what I should do?

Great video, it’s a little crazy shop’s taste a pass on timing chain jobs. My son and I are changing the timing chain in a 2014. It has pretty significant consumption issues, we’re toying with the idea of putting new rings in it. I’m curious what your success rate is for replacing the rings. Not sure how far down the rabbit hole we wanna go before it just not worth it.

Update > i have no compression on cylinder 3. Can i replace the valve on cylinder 3 myself to fix the problem? Or do i need some type of timing training first?

Actually the valve hits Piston and and cam presses down as it should and then it crushes the rocker. Admit every one you've ever found is damaged not just laying on head. So every time round up every piece and chase those pieces down the oil passages with magnet. Literally any lost needles will kill oil pump.

I simply replaced my timing tension that’s on the back of the head and went to start to activate tension boom no start..Scrapping it tomorrow never going to Chevy again in my life I hate Chevy now

I would think that tensioner stayed in because of lack of oil changes contaminated oil

Pure Junk get rid of it soon as you can that's what I going to do probably going scrap yard

When checking those rockers a bent valve will have them fall out on their own or if you are able to wiggle them out?

Dorman makes a Timing Chain Guide Bolt replacement 917-954. Have you ever tried this? Some claim the tensioner needs to be unarmed for install, but I'm not sure that is the case due to the type of tensioner. I heard that GM revised the tensioner. Is that worth just changing even if the timing chain is fine?

Thanks, I think my chain is slapping at start up - car still runs OK. Engine burns about 1 quart every 2K miles - better than most. 2013 Equinox 2.4L, 155K miles. This would cost about $1500 at a local shop (not dealer)?

Load up the parts cannon! You’re gonna need about a engines worth lol 😂

Could you provide a parts list for this job? Put up some affiliate links, I’d be happy to use them.

I took the valve cover off and found one rocker arm broken in half with the roller bearing sitting under the lobe 😢 rip

Hey ive got a 16 equinox 2.4 auto awd. Its showing 3 codes i think, p219a, p0420, p0014, p0013 which is mostly timing stuff, fuel air mix, exhaust. it runs great one trip next time splutters everywere with lose of power until get plugs burning hot or something. Ive definatly gotta get a new hose that goes to use to be a pcv on Valve cover. But can you tell me what i need to do the timing completeley. lifetime warranty parts i dont like when their cheap because it means ill still have to do it again. If you have time id like to know what to buy and a fair brand something to actually last. Also my engine had the tube stopped offf on engine so lots seals and gaskets leak. What seals and gaskets that wont come in a kit can i replace while tearing into that part of the engine and any other things you would suggest changing instead of what i said? Any seals i can get to def needs done. it has abt 200000. people complains abt the 2.4 but ive not had to do anything until now with a lil over 200. ours has been great and we live in the WV mountians so its been used well. I hope you can find the time, Thanks !!!

Do you know why the low oil pressure light doesn’t come on in time to be helpful?

i have a 2017 Buick Verano 2.4 Eco Tek. Code came up that it was the VVT solenoid. Before replacing it. I went into the store. Came out and it would just crank over and not fire. I continued to try to start it and it tried but made ungodly clanking sounds. I shut it off immediately. pulled the valve cover off, all the rocker arms are snug except an intake one one cylinder one. It wasn't pooped out, it was sitting where it should be. It was just loose and I can remove it by hand. Would it be safe to say that there is a bent valve? I used a bore scope but did not see anything, there's one more that wiggles just a little. How much of that is normal?

Hello i have a chevy equinox and i was told by one mechanic i need a timing chain and then another mechanic said i need an engine. However, even if the engine is replaced will it still burn more oil? Also I can't say if the mechanic who told me I needed an engine did the visual or leak down test. But i can say that the mechanic who told me i needed a timing chain, he heard it as i was arriving.

I tried your method of turning the key while pressing on the pedal and my car cut on finally 😮‍💨. I think heard the timing chain in the Chevy Malibu 2011 2.4L banging around. I also smelled a burning of something possibly oil ? Anyways I think my issue has been solved I just need the money now to fix it 🥲

Whats your opinion on drilling oil drain holes into pistons? Jasper drills 12 extra holes into their pistons. Worth it on a shade tree rebuild?

Could it still be the timing chain if the engine is seized? I took off the valve cover and everything looks fine.

I have a 2015 Malibu it stop starting up cause of my timing chain ,is it to late to put the new timing chain on there or just trash the engine

I have a 2014 equinox and it started burning a little oil at only 32k miles and it was in 2021 ish and my warranty expired in 2017 so now at 70k miles it’s starting to get worse but I’ve done the oil change every 3k miles since new and it down shifts harsh when I’m slowing to a stop at a light like 2nd to 1st shift. It also runs rough I’ve fired the parts cannon and can’t find it I even did all the motor mounts and the engine kinda sounds like it rattles when k slowly accelerate, surely it can’t need timing chains already? No codes at all too!

People don't really understand that they have to change the oil often to avoid these problems. My ecotec had 230,000 and running strong.

I have a 2010 Malibu 2.4 eco... I don't have any oil consumption, but my chain started slapping, how often is it just caused by the upper chain tensioner?

I have this engine. It thought it had a broken timing chain but I opened it up and the timing chain looks fine. Way down in the hole I can see a different chain laying there. What could that be?

CAN I REPLACE A 4 cylinder EQUINOX with a V6 ENGINE?

The color on head is no good. It indicates me it burning oil due to failed piston rings because of low oil level. It not junk. It's because people don't know how to take care of maintenance. Ford broke down too. Honestly, Ford is much worse than Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota. I stick with Chevy.

HELP NEEDED, I have a 2010 Chevy Malibu with 2.4 le9 I started hearing chattering noise from the timing chain area after an oil chain, especially at idle and in gear, so I did a full timing chain kit and when the mechanic did the job he did find the upper chain guide (between the phasers) was eaten up, but even after this is done it's still making the same noise some times it dose even ratel on cold start(keep in mind that I did but an ACDelco timing kit) so after this I pulled the valve cover and turned the engine by hand and what I saw puzzled me, the chain get lose and then tightened as i turn the engine.. what could the problem be? My guess is the phasers.

So I did my wife’s 2012 terrain 2.4L.. how do I know if I have it at TDC on the exhaust stroke and not the compression stroke?

Do I have to do a timing chain if I only need to change a phaser?

You can buy my car. New timing went out in less than six months. I'm in Tennessee

Think mine is good no brakes plan to scrap soon .

what timing chain kit would you recommend?

I just redid my wife's timing chain 2012 terrain 2.4L, the car ran rough after like it did when it needed the chain. did a compression test no compression on #3 only. Pulled the head did a valve job. put it all back together , timing good valves seated goot after lapping in. still no compression on #3 1,2,4 200psi, #3 0. Im a beginner. WHT is my problem..Also did a wet compression on #3 no change in compression still 0..... Im stuck with this engine...NEED HELP!

My 2015 gmc terrain drove fine to work once i got out it turned on and cut off.towed it home took checked oil had none but i checked oil week prior ,so i took off valve cover and top guide plastic gone my gmc has 95k no codes,slapping of the chain,will i need a new engine ?

I need the diagram of the timing

Just bought one lol😂😂

Hey man, I uploaded a video of my 2014 gmc terrain that is not starting. I am being told it’s the timing chain. Can you please watch it and tell me don’t have much money.

One very important question is do you know JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR?

theres reasons we recommend engines. gm says that. so you acting like we are prematurely condemming the engine is wrong lol/

4g

I have a 2.4L 2015 buick verano, my timing chain was broken along with 2 rocker arms at first they were loose and then they just came out, if i replaced my valves can i use the same rocker arms if it was just the valve thats bent, i only had two come off should i be worried about my pistons?