I can think of several reasons the timing chain wasn’t changed during an engine swap,

changing engine to flip the car.
the yard the engine came from told them everything is covered by a warranty
they just didn’t feel like it.
they were told it a running engine, don’t worry about the timing chain.

you can roll the dice! Then pay out your money
and ask the classic Dirty Harry question, “Do you feel lucky?”

 

Thats a very good point.

 

If you can’t afford to fix it, you probably can’t afford to replace it. So order the parts when you can

 

So I just got the valve cover off. I don't see any broken guides or anything. But this is a first for me so not exactly sure if its good or not. Posting pics and vid to the thread in one minute

 

Edit. I can't lift it off the sprocket at all and down below I can't wiggle it with a screwdriver at all (side to side) the only part with any slack is what's shown in video and Its only between sprockets. On the actual sprockets it won't budge at all

Here's what it looks like.

 

Seems like it’s loose, you shouldn’t be able to move it . Look down the front of the cavity see the front black plastic guide, the bolt might be working it’s way out, and the timing chain tensioner may be at its limit can you see it at the back of the head if it’s shiny and new looking maybe the chain was replaced, but not installed properly, then if it’s rusty and old looking, order a new timing chain kit.
The links do appear to have wear on them.

 

The tensioner bolt is old and rusty looking. I am definitely going to replace it im just hoping I can drive it until I get the parts next week. If it makes a difference i can't lift it off the teeth at all its tight on the sprocket. Meanwhile I checked spark plugs and they all look like they need tk be replaced.

all white and blistered

 

AC Delco 41-103 iridium spark plugs, the engine is designed for them. Do not attempt to gap them



See the centre electrodes how they are small , these plugs had 105,000 miles on them , routine maintenance

 

Well, drive it if you choose, it's your money. You're taking a risk.

 

SOMEtimes the problem is a bad timing chain tensioner. There were problems with it and there are at least three versions. I think maybe 2008 and prior had the oldest version. The hex head looks different so you can tell without removing it. If you replace the tensioner you need the valve cover off to set it once installed. I did that on a 2008 and never had another problem for... 20-30k miles? but I don’t have the car any more so who knows.

Lots of GM engines use so parts stores have but it don’t know about the reliability of aftermarket versions. It comes in the chain kits.

Not recommending this. You could say I got away with it. Just a true story. There’s a bit of mythology about chains out there, but also a very broad consensus in the HHR community to, when in doubt, do the complete chain job.

The front guide for the timing chain seems to break often. I don’t like the design. It may be at the root more often than is realized.