I've been in the business for more than 50 years and a snap throttle is not going to grenade your engine. It's less strain on things than going to the floor on the road to pass someone.

 

That's pretty loose.

Greg, you know there are other diagnostic techniques, such as checking the timing chain, that are less risky. If the timing components are on the brink of failure, a snap throttle could indeed grenade the engine.

 

Greg,
We're working with a chain driven, overhead cams, zero clearance, engine design,
not a pushrod V-8 from the sixties.
If the chain breaks or jumps teeth, that will destroy today's motors.
What has worked in the past COULD be catastrophic today.
I'm not saying that it not would work, but why risk it, when removing the valve cover CAN provide information needed without damage.

 

I only sold my shop 7 years ago. We worked on late model stuff. We got jobs sent to us from two local dealers who couldn't fix there own stuff. You would learn to do some fast tests if you had to do this for a living.

 

We must only suggest easy and clear test methods to avoid damaging the members motor.

 

The point being: if the chain should break at WOT more damage than you might think can be done. I have seen everything under the timing chain cover mowed flat, not even getting to the pistons and valves.
If it is making enough noise to alert the common driver it is close to breaking.

 

You guys are not talking to some idiot. I know what happens with interference engines. I have snap throttle more engines than I can imagine. Never had one fly apart.
I take that back. I have had three which threw a rod one came through the block. These engines were toast before that happened.

 

Greg,
NO ONE is talking to an some idiot.
The snap throttle technique works. Alwaya has and always will, in some situations.
Is it worth the potential damage.
We are just stating there are other ways of assertaining issues without the possible damage of doing it that way.

 

Sorry! I didn't see your statement about the motor. It's the 2.4l ecotec. I already have the kit with the water pump and vvt solenoids in my cart. Going to do the spark plug well seals as well. Pulled two coils up that were covered in oil. Willing to bet that's why the extra oil consumption all of a sudden. I might wait until spring but I'm not sure yet. If the weather stays somewhat decent I might just go for it before then. Parts will likely cost me around 500-600 at this point depending on my choice of manufacturer. Also wanna do my control arms and CV axles so I might do everything at the same time. Just finished struts, links and bushings a couple weeks ago.