I got the new AC Delco 12608580 cam tensioner for my 2.2 Ecotec 'F' today and after reading extensive posts on various forums decided I would remove the old one to gauge the condition before removing the valve cover or front engine cover. The old one came out easily enough and left only the actuator tip in the hole which I was able to easily remove. I stuck my finger in the hole there and could feel the plastic chain guide and I could push it a little and feel some tension on the chain so I got confidence that the chain probably hadn't jumped. I screwed in the new tensioner after pre-oiling it in a dixie cup with an inch of oil in it. I decided not to remove the valve cover or front cover.
Before staring the engine I floored the gas pedal and hit the starter half a dozen times to advance the engine which might help get the tensioner ready for duty then I started the engine. Started ok and revv'd a little like it does when cold then settled down to a smooth idle. It was quiet although I could hear just a little valve noise and listening close to the engine with the hood up I can still detect just a little chain noise now and then.
Overall a success, at least for now but I think I need to re-think my maintenance strategy. I have been using Mobil 1 5w-30, about 5500 miles on it for this year. The change oil light hasn't come on yet but I think I will change it at the end of the month right after some scheduled body work, with less than 6k on the oil.
I wonder if I should plan on removing the front cover to check out the timing system sometime in the next year or two? Of course I will see how it runs and starts with the new part and work on it sooner if needed. Maybe it will be ok with just new plastic chain guides. Can I install those from the top without removing the front cover?
I have read a lot on the timing chains on these and other GM engines and I wonder what would be the best oil for this engine? I have read some people are using a 40 wt oil despite not being Dexos approved. Could I mix some oils to give good start up plus chain protection?
Saturn VUE 2007 2.2 I4 Ecotec 5M 78k Miles
Before staring the engine I floored the gas pedal and hit the starter half a dozen times to advance the engine which might help get the tensioner ready for duty then I started the engine. Started ok and revv'd a little like it does when cold then settled down to a smooth idle. It was quiet although I could hear just a little valve noise and listening close to the engine with the hood up I can still detect just a little chain noise now and then.
Overall a success, at least for now but I think I need to re-think my maintenance strategy. I have been using Mobil 1 5w-30, about 5500 miles on it for this year. The change oil light hasn't come on yet but I think I will change it at the end of the month right after some scheduled body work, with less than 6k on the oil.
I wonder if I should plan on removing the front cover to check out the timing system sometime in the next year or two? Of course I will see how it runs and starts with the new part and work on it sooner if needed. Maybe it will be ok with just new plastic chain guides. Can I install those from the top without removing the front cover?
I have read a lot on the timing chains on these and other GM engines and I wonder what would be the best oil for this engine? I have read some people are using a 40 wt oil despite not being Dexos approved. Could I mix some oils to give good start up plus chain protection?
Saturn VUE 2007 2.2 I4 Ecotec 5M 78k Miles
