06 SS/SC mainly stock.
Son was driving home car quit. Would not start. I got car started but valve noise so had car towed home. P0017 code no others. Code set at 1,846 rpm so he wasn't pushing it. Chain seems tight. Crank sensor test within range at 1009ohms. Cam sensor is at 42.4k ohms. I saw somewhere it was suppose to be at 2k. Replaced but still at 42.4k, tested wires and connection, good. 5v is present. Did remove housing to replace sensor and did cam timing marks at 10 and 2 then put housing mark at the 4 oclock. Code still present along with noise. Did compression test all between 180 and 190, due to noise wanted to make sure timing didn't skip enough to do valve damage.

Removed housing, reluctor spinning inside. Tried to read sensor output by spinning with drill. Saw no change in voltage or resistance. Can not find any test procedure in Alldata or Mitchell. They both show testing for the VVT on 2.4 LE5 motor. nothing for the LSJ. Even been emailing the Car Doctor Ron Ananian, but he keeps telling me to check the actuators for VVT. Sent him video showing this Gen1 does not have VVT.
Could not see any markings on outside for crank, but did spin motor until the chain markings lined up with the exhaust and intake cams. Did not spin on cams, not sure about crank.

Researched here. Did see someone replace exhaust cam (along with chain) to resolve issue. Also read about relcutor moving since pressed on. Is it the crank reluctor that is pressed on (thought I saw the crank was bolted on the LSJ). Is it the hex end of cam that can spin? Is there a crank relearn that needs to be done.

Any help would be appreciated. Son's job location is now closed to pandemic and now needs car to drive 30mins away to get to new location.

Thanks
Chuck
MG-Maxx

 

A lot to digest. The valve noise COULD actually be the tensioner, when they go bad, they make a very loud clacking noise.

As far as setting up the timing, there's a mark on the inside of the crank pulley (the side closest to engine) that will line up with a mark on the timing cover plate. It's essentially at the 11.30 position, iirc.

Below is a link to Chapter 6 of the LSJ Build Book (it's in my OneDrive). It details how to set timing on an LSJ. I'd upload it here as an attachment, but the site limits uploads to 5.00 MB, and this PDF is 5.17 MB. Insert eyeroll.

OneDrive - LSJ Build Book, Chapter 6

Cam timing starts on page 113, which is page 14 of the PDF.

I've never heard of the factory cam hex spinning, tbh. I've heard of aftermarket cams (AKA direct from Colt Cams) having the hex pressed in with the wrong orientation though. There is a crank relearn, but I highly doubt you need it.

One EXTREMELY common issue with the cam sensor is installing it 180° off. In fact, the LSJ Build Book that I linked may actually show it being installed 180° off (I can't remember - it's been 4 years since the last time I did the timing chain).

EDIT: there's also this post - https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/2-0l...3/#post1458343

And this:

 

Looks like the timing chain skipped on crank. Noise was valves just hitting the pistons. See witness marks on #2 and 3 cylinders. Have done compression test on all and so far leakdown test on 1 and 4 which were good.

Had a hard time getting info on this code since everyone including Mitchell and Alldata don't show this engine and refer to the 2.4 LE5 engine that is available in these cars and has VVT.

I made a video with the inforamtion that I was able to find.


After I verify if I do not have any valve damage will place the order for the timing chain kit.