Well..........the dealer has tried to fix my engine noise problem by replacing the tensioner.
This is how it went: I take the tech out for a drive, he immediately notices the sound and says "yeah there's something wrong- it sounds like ****".........I nod in agreement.

They replace the tensioner but it has no effect whatsoever. The Service writer then informs me that he's talked to GM and "that's just the way those cars sound". I ask him about a bad batch of timming chains (that I read about on this site) and he says there is no such problem according to GM. So I call GM and they say the same thing.

Then my CEL starts acting up. It stays on for hours and then goes away......again and again, despite checking the obvious culprits (gas cap, dipstick etc).

I take it to the dealer again this morning to find out what code it's flashing. Sure enough the camshaft position sensor is fucked. They tell me that it's a highly unusual code (despite everything I've read on this site)....... more bullshit.

So here's where I stand; who knows how much damage has been done to the internalls of my engine? They want to re and re the sensor and make the problem disappear.
Frusterating.

To add insult to injury, I was provided with an un-optioned and rusted 97' GEO METRO courtesy car (you must have to special order a car without a radio these days......amazing).
I then had to meet freinds at a beachfront coffee shop. I walk in, and sure enough there's a solid L.A. 8........sitting all by herself dirrectly in front of where I parked my new hotrod. . In my oppinion, GM should provide me with compensation for that.............because I'll never ever get into that girls panties..........and I mean never.

 

Funny about the coffee shop
Heh

 

So true on the last part,a good looking car is a good starting point.

 

I had the same problem a few weeks ago. The cam sensor is walking out. You just need to get a tech to tighten it back up. If that doesn't work there is a bulletin on another method to fix it, I just don't remember what it was right now. If I can remember I will get a tech to pull it up tomorrow.

 

GM cam sensors suck, and have always sucked.
Also, GM will pay up to 40 dollars a day for you to drive a rental vehicle (as long as it is GM product) your basic 3 year 60000km warranty has provisions for that.
be sure to tell your dealer that the next time your in - any warranty complaint can get you a rental.

 

They replaced the sensor............runs like new again.
The brutal thrashing between 3 and 4000rpm (the noise they said was normal for my car)
is entirely gone.
Anyway, I'm just happy it's fixed. I was going nuts.
Well, the sun is out and I'm goin for a long drive .