Originally Posted by Oldblue View Post

I'd change out the solenoids, both of them.


X2

Not a big expense to help eliminate this possible.

Issue ... Cam Phasers not parking properly.

SF

 

Sounds like a plan i will change both solenoids.

 

So you are not even certain that it is an internal engine thing?

Have you looked at the air filter mountings?
Have you looked at the exhaust hangers?
Have you looked at the exhaust flex pipe?
How about the exhaust heat shields?
How about the A/C?
How about the idler?
How about the alternator?
Anything loose in the engine compartment?

 

Have looked at lots of different thing but everything looks good. I am 99 percent sure it is coming from timing chain. Before i changes chains it was making the same noise almost every start,timing chain was very loose and hitting the top guide. I will double check other parts you have listed today.

 

When I first got my 08 HHR last year the previous owner told me he just had the oil changed with Mobil-1 which he had always used (had paperwork going back but not the last one).


Before changing the oil for the first time... I changed to the new style chain tensioner and kept noting morning start up noise. I then changed the oil (and filter) with Mobil-1 full synthetic and had no more noise problems. I notice the old oil did not feel like Mobil-1 and I
do not think it was. Think it was a regular grade of oil not synthetic. Guess this is why I do the work myself, you just never know otherwise.


If sure all parts and specifications are correct and you did not use synthetic oil I would try this low cost check/fix. Sometimes we over look small things. Then like others have stated, you make a list form and start down it. My best to your efforts, nothing works like persistence.

 

Not a bad idea i will change oil when i install new solenoids.

 

I agree on the oil thing.... Another inexpensive test.
I would use an AC filter to be sure. The ones here at Walmart are currently made in the USA.

HOWEVER .... If you change the oil and filter first and then test you will know if it was only the oil causing the problem saving you the additional time and parts replacement of the new solenoids.

These kinds of problems make me wonder how the GM techs deal with all the issues everyday and keep their sanity.

SF

 

This car is testing my sanity for sure, this car has fewer miles on it then anything i have owned i a while but having more problems with it. I still can not believe it needed a timing chain with only 80,000 miles on it, that is crazy in my book.

 

Wonder what the first owner did re: maintenance?

 

Don't really know, I bought it from my work and we have maintained good for the last 30000 miles but have no clue before that. Inside if engine under valve cover and timing chain cover looks good.