ATTN LSJ's!!
06-16-2010, 06:35 PM
#1
ATTN LSJ's!!
As we all know, there have been issues with timing chain tensioners in our cars failing. However GM stated to have fixed this after the 2006 cars.
This doesn't seem to be the case in my 2007. I had a random rattling noise at idle from time to time. Sounded just like heavy valvetrain noise. Since it was random I chalked it up to the timing chain tensioner.
I also had a little leak from the valve cover gasket right under the intake cam so I decided to buy a new valve cover gasket kit and a new timing chain tensioner from Crate Engine Depot. Corvettespirit, Dr.Balt407 and I made a little discovery as to why you should get the new style chain tensioner. Anyway here is the carnage from an old style 2 piece tensioner.
Yes, that is in 5 pieces and a little clip it has is missing. I also dropped the pan that day and found bits of that clip in the oil pan. If you are having random noise at idle that sounds like valvetrain noise and it comes and goes, this very well could be your issue. Much bigger issues could have came from this and I am glad I changed it.
You can find the part at Crate Engine Depot for like $40 plus shipping: http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...P2216C133.aspx.
Hope this helps some of you!
This doesn't seem to be the case in my 2007. I had a random rattling noise at idle from time to time. Sounded just like heavy valvetrain noise. Since it was random I chalked it up to the timing chain tensioner.
I also had a little leak from the valve cover gasket right under the intake cam so I decided to buy a new valve cover gasket kit and a new timing chain tensioner from Crate Engine Depot. Corvettespirit, Dr.Balt407 and I made a little discovery as to why you should get the new style chain tensioner. Anyway here is the carnage from an old style 2 piece tensioner.
Yes, that is in 5 pieces and a little clip it has is missing. I also dropped the pan that day and found bits of that clip in the oil pan. If you are having random noise at idle that sounds like valvetrain noise and it comes and goes, this very well could be your issue. Much bigger issues could have came from this and I am glad I changed it.
You can find the part at Crate Engine Depot for like $40 plus shipping: http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...P2216C133.aspx.
Hope this helps some of you!
Last edited by BLAZIN07SS; 06-16-2010 at 06:53 PM.
06-16-2010, 06:45 PM
#7
Glad you posted pics of it. My old-style tensioner came apart when I took it out, but luckily nothing was broken or I would have had to drop the pan like you did.
The new style is such a great design I'd say its worthwhile for anyone with an LSJ to upgrade to it just for the peace of mind it brings.
The new style is such a great design I'd say its worthwhile for anyone with an LSJ to upgrade to it just for the peace of mind it brings.
06-16-2010, 06:46 PM
#9
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^^^^it seriously sounds like a tick, like click click click lol. you will notice it, if u feel like your car dosent sound right and the noise is coming by the passenger firewall. that would be that. i made a how to on this! i never havve it handy but search it and u will find it.
06-16-2010, 06:48 PM
#10
Yeah, the new one is a ton better. I bought one of the previous "upgraded" ones when I did my motor, and it was still pretty much the same thing. Now, the LSJ "updated" one is just like an LNF one, much more solid, and oil pressure driven as opposed to just the spring... like it should have been from the beginning.
Yeah, and honestly, if you didn't do anything else, you could just take it out, replace it, and go. You don't have to move anything to get to the tensioner, and nothing should move just by removing the tensioner.
Glad you posted pics of it. My old-style tensioner came apart when I took it out, but luckily nothing was broken or I would have had to drop the pan like you did.
The new style is such a great design I'd say its worthwhile for anyone with an LSJ to upgrade to it just for the peace of mind it brings.
The new style is such a great design I'd say its worthwhile for anyone with an LSJ to upgrade to it just for the peace of mind it brings.
Last edited by ItalianJoe1; 06-16-2010 at 06:48 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
06-16-2010, 06:51 PM
#11
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^^^^it seriously sounds like a tick, like click click click lol. you will notice it, if u feel like your car dosent sound right and the noise is coming by the passenger firewall. that would be that. i made a how to on this! i never havve it handy but search it and u will find it.
06-16-2010, 07:21 PM
#22
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how long did it take? I am starting to get scared of something breaking on my car as I am out of town and have no tools so I would have to bring it to a shop.
I am probably gonna pick up a 260pc tool set from sears in a few weeks when I see it on sale online. Luckily I just changed my oil the day before I left so I am good on that for 6000+ miles.
I am probably gonna pick up a 260pc tool set from sears in a few weeks when I see it on sale online. Luckily I just changed my oil the day before I left so I am good on that for 6000+ miles.
06-16-2010, 07:23 PM
#23
how long did it take? I am starting to get scared of something breaking on my car as I am out of town and have no tools so I would have to bring it to a shop.
I am probably gonna pick up a 260pc tool set from sears in a few weeks when I see it on sale online. Luckily I just changed my oil the day before I left so I am good on that for 6000+ miles.
I am probably gonna pick up a 260pc tool set from sears in a few weeks when I see it on sale online. Luckily I just changed my oil the day before I left so I am good on that for 6000+ miles.
06-16-2010, 07:46 PM
#24
a lot of people do that but we removed the valve cover to make sure everything was seated correctly
took about 30 minutes to take off the valve cover, remove old tensioner, install new tensioner and put the valve cover back on. the tensioner is a big socket. 24mm i believe
took about 30 minutes to take off the valve cover, remove old tensioner, install new tensioner and put the valve cover back on. the tensioner is a big socket. 24mm i believe
06-16-2010, 08:19 PM
#25
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Ah crap. I thought it was my idler pulley that was clicking. 
Sigh... Well I know what i'm doing this weekend. Along with 3in cold side piping and some tig welding
Sigh... Well I know what i'm doing this weekend. Along with 3in cold side piping and some tig welding