Ok.
where can those pieces from the missing guide eventually end up ... I know the oil pan but is there anywhere else I need to make sure they aren't?

 

Behind the front cover/oil pump, that has to come off to change the chains.

 

FYI. To get ALL the timing marks to line up on a HHR engine could take many, many revolutions. It's just a product of design and math because of the length of the chain.
These are NOT like V8 single cam engines where timing marks line up every 2 revolutions.

 

Ok. So many, many revolutions. The way some of you are making it sound ... It's a huge pain or ordeal to get done. Are you trying to hint at something lol? Is it something we might not be able to do?

 

Nope. It could line up on the 1st revolution or it could take many. It just depends on the chain and how it's "synced" up (for lack of a better word.)
AND. If it's jumped a tooth, then it will never line up.

Another FYI. DO NOT rotate the chain backwards! For any reason. Not even a little bit. That's a sure way to jump a tooth on the timing.

 

How about keeping it simple, change the timing chain, there is no avoiding it. Turning the crankshaft is just going to take you closer to damaged pistons.

 

Do we need to take off the engine mount to do the timing check?

 

No just the front cover.

 

What kind of a timing check are you contemplating?

 

If the timing chain is still on the sprockets change the two chains. That will ensure the timing is correct. Do not expect the timing marks to be all lined up and perfect to the chain marker links, the crankshaft key way at 12:00 and the timing dot at 5 o’clock is the start , with #1 piston at TDC the intake camshaft sprocket timing mark at 2 o’clock and the exhaust camshaft timing mark at 10 o’clock. Again don’t worry about the chain marker links position