Timing Chain Guide Fix
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New Member
Joined: 04-23-10
Posts: 19
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From: Toronto
Timing Chain Guide Fix
Hey All,
I just wanted to let the Cobalt community know about a little miracle that I found!
Last summer I did a build on my engine, in process I found out that the top bolt holding my timing chain guide had actually SNAPED! The hole that held onto the bolt had actually ovaled and the guide its self was broken inside. I started to think the worst and thought I had to change my entire engine block to get it fixed. I did a lot of research on it and found the only guy who makes a fix. Its apparently a common problem with the ecotec’s, I didn't even know it was broken until I pulled my engine apart. I ordered the bolt and it was extremely easy to install and works fantastic! I honestly recommend you guys to just pick up this piece as a preventative measure even if you don’t have the problem right now. Picking up this part to prevent your timing chain from snapping and the possibility of having to change our engine for a few grand is worth it in my option.
Here’s a video about the part, a little corny but gets the job done
You can also contact Mike Brandt at mbrandt1952@yahoo.com if you would like to pick up the part, tell him Chantal from Toronto told you to contact him.
I just wanted to let the Cobalt community know about a little miracle that I found!
Last summer I did a build on my engine, in process I found out that the top bolt holding my timing chain guide had actually SNAPED! The hole that held onto the bolt had actually ovaled and the guide its self was broken inside. I started to think the worst and thought I had to change my entire engine block to get it fixed. I did a lot of research on it and found the only guy who makes a fix. Its apparently a common problem with the ecotec’s, I didn't even know it was broken until I pulled my engine apart. I ordered the bolt and it was extremely easy to install and works fantastic! I honestly recommend you guys to just pick up this piece as a preventative measure even if you don’t have the problem right now. Picking up this part to prevent your timing chain from snapping and the possibility of having to change our engine for a few grand is worth it in my option.
Here’s a video about the part, a little corny but gets the job done
You can also contact Mike Brandt at mbrandt1952@yahoo.com if you would like to pick up the part, tell him Chantal from Toronto told you to contact him.
Last edited by Chantie88; Mar 5, 2014 at 11:32 AM.
I heli-coiled the hole in the head while it was off and put another stock bolt from a used engine I had around back in. It held up but back then we didn't have the ARP bolts available.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 04-23-10
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 04-23-10
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Also the ARP bolts are good if the bolt has not already snapped. Mine was snapped inside of the head, I had no idea until I put my Cams in. There was only one sign I had when the bolt was snapped. I always heard a slight ticking noise coming from my engine. I didn't know what it was, GM (not that they are any help) didn't know what it was and a few shoppes didn't know what it was. When I removed my valve cover I noticed a slight rubbing on the inside where the chain is, I investigated more and realized the bolt was snapped and the guide inside slightly broken. I was one of the lucky ones and I had no engine issues and my vales where ok (thank god) but most people don't get so lucky when it happens. The chain would usually snap and as one guy mentioned it could could a few thousand dollars worth of damage.
This bolt is a fix for when this happens or you can also us it to prevent the bolt from snapping. Its also recommended to get a tensioner as well to help tighten up the chain. If your bolt snaps there will most likely be some damage to the guides so pick up a timing chain kit as well.
This bolt is a fix for when this happens or you can also us it to prevent the bolt from snapping. Its also recommended to get a tensioner as well to help tighten up the chain. If your bolt snaps there will most likely be some damage to the guides so pick up a timing chain kit as well.
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Joined: 12-18-13
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From: Courtice
Senior Member
Joined: 12-31-06
Posts: 686
Likes: 4
From: troy oh
If the head is off, you can weld a nut to the remaining bit of the bolt. A mig welder does the trick. Obviously since it won't stick to the aluminum it's easily done. I've saved a few from the scrap pile
He already swapped the engine because the timing chain failed on the old one. This is the engine he just installed from the junkyard, it's already got the bolt backed out. He wanted me to install a new timing kit for him but I heard the rattle and pulled the plug to find the bolt backed out. At this point it's just fix the car to get it drivable, not pull the head and helicoil it and all that good stuff.
