Chevy Equinox 2.4L timing chain replacement

Luke The Drifter · Oct 27, 2019

As the title states, my wife's 2012 Chevy Equinox has recently started making some wicked valvetrain noises and surging at a stop sometimes. It runs fine otherwise (the noises started on our trip to Calgary this weekend). From the research I've done, its needing a timing chain replacement. Currently it has 150,000kms on it and apparently its a problem with the 2.4L ecotec. Has anyone on here done one of these before? I'm a HD mechanic by trade so I'm not too worried about it, just need to get the shop manual for it so the timing is put back correctly. I've found an AC Delco timing chain kit online for $125 which is way cheaper than I anticipated. Any pointers from those who have done one of these before?

tex78 · Oct 27, 2019

Get the main chain, balance shaft chain, guides, you will need both cam actuator bolts, and usually the chain tensioner ( cause it's a bitch to reset, so have a new one) also depending on the engine code, in 11-12 there different, for marks on crank as one has a shim behind the crank pulley

Also need front cover gasket and valve cover gasket

tex78 · Oct 27, 2019

The balance shaft and main chains are color codes for timing marks, and actuator bolts are torque to yield, getting the cams in the right spots are hard if you have never done them before

Luke The Drifter · Oct 28, 2019

Thanks Tex, I’ll add the balancer chain and guides to my parts list.

Quicksand · Oct 28, 2019

Is it low on oil too? Might still have the special coverage for it depending on time and mileage, says its covered for 7 years, 6 months or 193,000kms. New pistons, chains and the whole works

Luke The Drifter · Oct 28, 2019

DEMONSPEED said:
Is it low on oil too? Might still have the special coverage for it depending on time and mileage, says its covered for 7 years, 6 months or 193,000kms. New pistons, chains and the whole works

I checked the oil and it is... I added probably 3.5L or so, which is new because it never used to burn oil and I always stayed on top of its services... I'm going to look into this and see whats available

*Edit*

I called the local chevy dealer and they want proof that all services have been done at regular intervals with receipts and such. I have had it serviced there before when I didn't have time but normally I do them myself. Unfortunately I have no proof of the services I've done so at this point Im pretty much SOL for that coverage. Live and learn I guess, keep your receipts and document everything! Doh!

Quicksand · Oct 28, 2019

Luke The Drifter said:
I checked the oil and it is... I added probably 3.5L or so, which is new because it never used to burn oil and I always stayed on top of its services... I'm going to look into this and see whats available

*Edit*

I called the local chevy dealer and they want proof that all services have been done at regular intervals with receipts and such. I have had it serviced there before when I didn't have time but normally I do them myself. Unfortunately I have no proof of the services I've done so at this point Im pretty much SOL for that coverage. Live and learn I guess, keep your receipts and document everything! Doh!

PM'd you

Luke The Drifter · Oct 29, 2019

I started digging into it last night, the timing chain is definitely loose and I found a chunk of the chain guide sitting at the bottom of the case

.

tex78 · Oct 29, 2019

DEMONSPEED said:
Is it low on oil too? Might still have the special coverage for it depending on time and mileage, says its covered for 7 years, 6 months or 193,000kms. New pistons, chains and the whole works

Shushhhh lol

I hate warranty ectotech pistons lol

Problem is its too late to do a oil consumption test lol

tex78 · Oct 29, 2019

Luke The Drifter said:
I started digging into it last night, the timing chain is definitely loose and I found a chunk of the chain guide sitting at the bottom of the case.

See why I said guides too lol

Luke The Drifter · Oct 29, 2019

tex78 said:
See why I said guides too lol

Lol the chain kits I ordered come with new guides so I’m good there.

Luke The Drifter · Oct 31, 2019

Well the timing chains are done. I also did an oil pan reseal as well since I dropped one of the chain guide bolts in it and was unsuccessful in retrieving it via a magnet :rant:

. Kinda glad I did since there was a bit of burnt oil staining on it so the pan got cleaned out thoroughly. Its amazing how much smoother it sounds, I don't think it sounded this good even when we first got it with 80k KMs on it. $800 in parts and fluids and its back on the road

tex78 · Oct 31, 2019

Luke The Drifter said:
Well the timing chains are done. I also did an oil pan reseal as well since I dropped one of the chain guide bolts in it and was unsuccessful in retrieving it via a magnet. Kinda glad I did since there was a bit of burnt oil staining on it so the pan got cleaned out thoroughly. Its amazing how much smoother it sounds, I don't think it sounded this good even when we first got it with 80k KMs on it. $800 in parts and fluids and its back on the road

Nice that the chains are color linked for timing eh

Luke The Drifter · Nov 1, 2019

tex78 said:
Nice that the chains are color linked for timing eh

Definitely makes life a little easier!

Chevy Equinox 2.4L timing chain replacement

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