OhSixBalt

I had a look under the head gasket today and the timing chain was so tight, I couldn't move it - how awesome.

The fuel injectors were removed by the PO probably so he could peer inside and inspect the hunk of metal from the inside. The lobes on the cams don't show any differential wear so all seem to be uniform. I think that's ok for now.

I'll post pictures as the project progresses, of the engine bay, valve cover off, and so on, to keep track for myself and any other newbs who dare to crack the block.

The oil cooler I presume is part of the block, or so it appears to my eyes.

I found out today I can get a 2.4L long block 122519 kms showing on speedo they will run and test engine first to make sure - they offer a guarantee on the engine for 101 days cost $400 plus core $50 plus $5 enviro fee plus tax. I am assured by the seller that auto trans or manual doesn't matter, and he didn't say whether it had an oil cooler or not. The VIN did not show an oil cooler and the new engine was from an automatic. I hope that isn't a problem - any one know? He assured me it should mate up ok it's from an ION 3 door coupe.

GM says it matters. I should probably be able to get the oil cooler info about this used long block from the VIN number I am guessing.

I've asked for the VIN to check compatibility fully in writing in my off hours.

And I can also get a rebuild kit but it only applies to the short block for about the same cost.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DNJ-EK336-Engine-Rebuild-Kit-for-06-10-Chevrolet-Pontiac-Saturn-Vue-2-4L-ECOTEC/301978343300?fits=Make%3AChevrolet%7CModel%3ACobal t&epid=140001162&hash=item464f4fd784:g:VxcAAOSw8K5 aw7sl

So I'm going to drop the engine out of the car, listen to people here, read a bit, then make my next major move. Pics to follow.

jdbaugh1

iTrader: (1)

So what exactly happened to your blown engine? Looks like you may be considering rebuilding it as an alternative option? Really depends on what happened and what shape your cylinders are in to decide if that is even an option.

Does your 2.4 actually have an oil cooler? I didn't think the 2.4's came with oil coolers but I don't know for sure. If you do it would be an external assembly hanging off the right side of the block right by the oil filter housing.

Automatic or manual doesn't matter for the block, they are the same for both. With a short block everything will be interchangeable for sure. For a long block the one thing you have to watch out for is if the head has VVT or not. I don't know if only some or all years of the 2.4 came with VVT or not.

Sharkey

iTrader: (1)

gm is pretty good about changing engine codes when they make major changes, the 2.4l is no different. all le5 engines have vvt and should be interchangeable. some 2.4s came with an oil cooler, i think it was in the hhr and larger cars.

OhSixBalt

Yeah the 2.4L Cobalt engine on my car has an oil cooler; the Ion engine which is ready for transport, has an oil cooler too. I'm checking around to see if the harness will be the same - so far the same electrical parts are cited so that's good early data.

Once I get the Cobalt engine out of the car, I have to figure out how to dismantle it with the chain under this incredible tension - I don't want an 'event' to happen and injure myself.

The Ecotec swap into a 944 is a great idea - good platform.

jdbaugh1

iTrader: (1)

The blocks should have the same configuration for the sensors as well so you shouldn't have any problem swapping your harness/electrical components over


Why is your timing chain so tight?

OhSixBalt

I'm not sure but if the engine is seized as the PO claims, then I'm guessing oil starvation caused overheating and parts to melt together around the block.(?)