He did. Those are the two on the top left correct?

 

Should I rent (free) at AutoZone a borescope? Before I do the timing chain? I could return the chain kit for 200 If the engine is shot which would be nice too.

 

What about an answer to my question regarding your Oil comment ?

I took one of your newer pictures and rotated it. That is a very loose chain. It's either completely worn out (stretched) or a guide or tensioner has failed.

 

Up to you, I’m out, at this point . It’s your HHR It’s solely your decision.

 

How long has it been running with no oil? The top end looks awfully dry except for the sludge.

 

Ugh. I know, I'm sorry. I think it's a lost cause. there has to be oil leaking somewhere too. He said I was wrong about the oil comment ... What he said was there is oil caked everywhere underneath. And come to think about it I've been putting oil in that car way more than I should be. I get it changed regularly and check it often. But I feel like I'm constantly dumping oil in it. If I'm replacing the chain I'm doing the entire kit with all that included.

Thank you for your help OldBlue. I understand what your saying about throwing a little money at it with the timing chain. It's just that A little money is all I have. Single mother with 2 children .. and I work delivering groceries until I find another accounting position . So that being said .. I've Been out of work for a couple weeks now. I have too many times thrown money to the wind and hate to do it again. I just got back on my feet from losing my house, my job ( accountant) and my dog.

 

That is why the hesitation on opening that chain box. I don't want to not be able to return it if the engine is ****.

 

Clupelow,
I'm not understanding. You have asked for advice, it was given, and you choose to ask more questions.
Pull the valve chain cover and see what needs to be done.
If the motor can be fixed then you are already there to do the work
If the motor is wasted, you will know
and time will be no longer wasted on "should I ....."

 

If you don't mind, and no disrespect to your friend. How about some pics of the timing marks all lined up? It's almost unheard of with the chain that loose. We may also see something notable.

You're fortunate to have a friend help you like this.

 

Sadly, it looks like this engine may be terminally damaged. I reread some of the 1st posts. You know the part where it was rattling, then the rattling got worse. I think we were all believing it was just a chain/tensioner issue but it now looks like it may have been run out of oil.
The late info of a huge oil leak and some of those pics that show a "dry" cylinder head (good call Donbrew) makes me think this engine is shot.

Even if the OP does the chain replacement, they are still needing to pull the oil pan to clean out those missing tensioner pieces. And, they'll still need to find and fix the oil leak. AND, we still don't know if the transmission issue was caused by some of the trouble codes or it has it's own problem.

I suggest cut your losses and get rid of the car,