What are the simptoms to get this replaced? car seems to be running a bit rougher since new with 29k.. just curious.

 

Engine will be noisy and run like crap if it's completely failed. There are some things you can check if you are handy. Take the tensioner off and inspect it. It has easy access from the rear of the engine on the passenger side. You will need a big wrench however. The build book provides nice guidance and removal and reinstallation. You could also take off your valve cover and check the chain tension directly.

 

Hmm... what kind of noise are we talking about, the motor has always been a bit noisy nothing to severe, But the car seems to have less power than my friends does with same miles. At low RPM you hear the motor rattle a bit, not like spark knock but a slight rattle. could that be the case?

 

bump...

 

I've had mine replaced at around 10,000 miles. When I took it to the garage they tried to tell me that the oil was low and it was causing the rattling noise under the hood. I knew it wasn't low so I made them show me how much was in it and the mechanic said it was full of oil. They then told me that the oil needed changed because the DIC was down to 35%. After some arguing that it wasn't the problem, I agreed for them to change the oil and filter. After changing it they came back to me and said that it didn't fix the noise. After some more arguing they paid for the oil change and said they would have to look at it more. They found the tensioner was broke and replaced it under warrenty. I haven't taken it back to Sutliff Cheverolet again. They treat their customers like idiots, and it costs them a customer this time.

 

The Ecotec engines are known to sound like "a jar of pennies shaking around". This is because of the two separate drive chains in the engine. Unlike timing belts, which are quiet, the Ecotec has a chain. And, it then has a second chain that run the balance shafts and water pump. The links meshing the gears make the "penny" sound. So yeah, they are noisy.