[Gregory12388]

12 Malibu 2.4 106k miles bought it cheap cause it wouldn’t run found out one of the timing chain guides broke which caused the chain to loosen and not turn the cam sprockets. So I bought a new timing kit with just the chains and guides and tensioner cause the other chain looked good and all sprockets looked good. I looked up many videos online about how to replace timing chain and I’m almost certain it is right but it still will not start. It has spark and is getting fuel all pistons are moving like they should. When I try to start it tho it doesn’t sound right the starter engages the flywheel and turns the motor over but doesn’t sound like it’s cranking or even trying to crank. Could it be the starter even tho it’s turning the motor idk any help or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Greg

 

[Colt Hero]

I’m not a mechanic, but I’m guessing that engine went out of time when the Guide broke and the chain skipped/slipped.

Might have damaged valves ... and the weird sound you’re hearing is one of an engine with no compression?

Can you do a Compression Test?

 

[Gregory12388]

I’m no mechanic either by any means but I’m almost positive I got it in time… cylinder 1 at tdc all timing chain colored links on the correct spots on the sprockets etc. But I don’t have a compression kit I may have to invest in one.

 

[Colt Hero]

I’m no mechanic either by any means but I’m almost positive I got it in time… cylinder 1 at tdc all timing chain colored links on the correct spots on the sprockets etc. But I don’t have a compression kit I may have to invest in one.

I bought an Actron Compression gauge years ago (at AutoZone, IIRC). I’ve used it a few times. 4 cylinder engine makes it very easy, too.

I remember, years ago, replacing the Intake Gaskets on my 2002 Impala. Read through the procedure and it said something like - when you’re finished, and you initially start the engine, it’s going to sound really weird - like it’s just “spinning”, or “free-wheeling” ... but it will build pressure and sound normal fairly quickly.

It was a good thing I read that because I might’ve shut the engine down ... it sounded very bad to me!

Is this what you’re hearing?

 

[Gregory12388]

Here is a video

https://twinky12388.tumblr.com%2Fpost%2F676044688181149696

 

[DrivenDaily]

Sounds like it isn't even spinning the cam. Can you monitor the chain while it's cranking to see if the chain is moving?

You could have a damaged crank gear, or that it somehow spun on the crankshaft so that the timing marks are off.

If the cam gear is spinning, is the cam itself turning?

 

[Gregory12388]

Sounds like it isn't even spinning the cam. Can you monitor the chain while it's cranking to see if the chain is moving?

You could have a damaged crank gear, or that it somehow spun on the crankshaft so that the timing marks are off.

If the cam gear is spinning, is the cam itself turning?

I removed the valve cover and watched everything has it was being cranked and everything was moving like it should. I inspected all the gears or sprockets before hand and everything seemed to be good and tight and all the teeth looked good.

 

[Colt Hero]

Dumb question maybe ... but is it going to start and run without the air duct in place? I mean ... what is the MAF sensor reporting if there’s no suction of air coming from the engine?

 

[1933beer]

its is an interference engine. if the chain was that far off i bet you have valve damage.

 

[Gregory12388]

its is an interference engine. if the chain was that far off i bet you have valve damage.

I checked compression it had 0 so I removed the head and none of the intake valves were closing properly had bout 1/4 inch gap

 

[1933beer]

I checked compression it had 0 so I removed the head and none of the intake valves were closing properly had bout 1/4 inch gap

at least it looks like you can do some work your self. I would have a shop do a valve job. you should get 100k (Miles) out of the car.

 

[Gregory12388]

Do these engines have an oil pan gasket? I’ve look all over and can’t find one if they do

 

[FieroGT]

According to an article I just pulled up, the LE5 engine supposedly has one. If I am not mistaken, it is a cast aluminum oil pan and a cast aluminum engine block.

It is possible that GM used either silver or black RTV to seal the pan. Silver RTV is supposed to be used in aluminum applications and is resistant to oil. Black RTV should be used when one side of the mating surfaces or both are steel and is also resistant to oil. It can be used as a substitute for silver RTV, as well.

You can try this website, as it is a Chevy dealership in KY, and they have part diagrams as well as the eight digit part numbers, for cross referencing aftermarket parts of OE is NLA

www.wholesalegmpartsonline.com