I'll try to describe this as best as I can. First, I apologize for my second post being a "help me" thread, I'm sure this happens a lot here though.

I purchased an '08 HHR SS with 137k (manual), about 2.5 months ago. Three weeks after I had it, it displayed a P0011 code. The code was intermittent, and would turn itself off every other couple of days. It seemed to drive fine. It may have had a slight surge of power under WOT...could've been mental, not sure.

Fast forward a month, and it throws another code. This time it's a P0496 EVAP code. Possibly unrelated, but I start to notice a ticking/rattling noise at certain RPMs (usually 1900-2700ish). The EVAP code also caused hard starts after fill ups. At some point, it threw a P0010 code as well. I have my own code reader, so I've been reading it every few days. The SES light is constant at this point.

In an attempt to clear the codes and possibly fix the noise, I order an intake cam actuator solenoid, and a purge valve (the one on the intake manifold). Those parts came in tonight. I replaced both and cleared the codes, after driving tonight for 30+ minutes neither code returned, and it started fine after a fill up. Yay..I might've bettered something. The noise, however, remained.

I don't have a smartphone to record the noise..also hard to do by yourself with DBW under the hood. It sounds like it around or inside the valve cover. It always does it at those rpms...never changes. On start up it also does it for maybe a half a second. It sounds like a shield or something is loose but I've crawled under it and checked fasteners, shields, and suspect exhaust leaks. I'm worried after reading it's either the actuator itself, or timing chain related. I'm pretty tech savvy and my father's a technician as well. I have tools and I've always fixed my own ****, but this has me stumped.

Oh, and I'm certain it's not the DI pump...that's a different noise.

 

unplug your evap and see what it does

 

I believe I've fixed the EVAP problem. I also blew on the old purge and it leaked some, so I don't believe I misdiagnosed that. I'm just worried about this rattling sound.

 

well is it a rattling or a ticking? i'm assuming due to your miles, it's probably your timing chain/tensioner. if that hasn't been replaced, it really should be

 

Please don't tell me that. Is is that common? I feel like they should last every bit of 200k.

I may just pop the valve cover off this weekend after I run home to get my ol' GTP.

 

you're supposed to change the timing chain at like 100k. i just replaced my buddy's timing chain in his LAP and there was a noticeable difference in length between new and old chains and a noticeable difference in pressure between his old and new tensioners

 

Hey another GTP guy haha.

Off topic, sorry.

 

Never left me stranded either...well, minus the transmission. You had the red coupe on GPF, right? I haven't been on there in forever.

 

If the 100k interval is correct, that's bullshit.

If I wanted to change timing belts I would've bought a Honda.

 

tensioner and guides.

 

Iirc timing chain is good to 300k on these cars if you don't go crazy on power.

 

Damn...kinda figured that, but was hoping for something else.

It's stock...far as I know, it had an easy life.

Are there any good how to threads and parts lists I will need? These cars scare me.

 

Plenty. I had to replace my exhaust cam because of an over rev and used this forum solely as a guide. Just gotta search.

 

Well I've tried searching and found a lot regarding the LSJ, but not the LNF. If anyone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

Also, is the LNF tensioner as prone to failing as the LSJ? Could I start with trying just the tensioner and go from there? Any links on keeping timing.

Halp.