I took my car in to a reputable garage because it was running loud, and they said it was the timing chain. The engine only has 50k km on it, 2007 Cobalt SS. Always properly maintained.

Apparently, they say a bolt came loose from the tensioner in the timing chain assembly and made it`s way into the crank case. Destroyed a cylinder. The bolt wasn`t properly fastened during manufacture.

I found one TSB that may be applicable (AIP3252) but it seems remote.

Garage says I`m looking at having to replace the entire engine. I drove the car into the garage with a working vehicle, albeit running loud.

I am wondering what to expect moving forward now. Can I expect any help from GM, etc.

Totally at a loss.

 

Nope, it's one of the failure points on these engines. I'm replacing the engine in a Saturn Vue at work that had both bolts come out of the front guide and smashed up everything in the front cover. It sucks but if the car is out of warranty, in your case it's 8 years old, it's on you.

 

Argh, ok. I was crossing my fingers a TSB would apply and extend the warranty.

I`m being told it`s between a new engine or having a machinist work on it. Was also warned if I go the machinist route that I could run into quirks later.

 

Yeah honestly if it's done any real damage, just get a used engine and be done with it. The amount of damage that can be caused, can easily exceed the cost of a good used complete engine.

 

You could push the serv mang to get some gm assistance if you can prove maintenance records since its such low mileage. (that is if you took it to a gm dealer) Its a long shot but you can try, we do it at work sometimes on low mileage vehicles if a common problem happens that is an expensive repair.

Sadly this is a semi-common problem in the ecotecs. basically the bolt didn't have enough loctight put on it from the factory and it worked itself loose.

 

Pretty much what the garage told me too. Ohh boy... Thanks for the feedback