So after some reading I want to do my tensioner but fairly leary of doing it since I have read some stories of the timing jumping and so forth.

Alot of the LSJ guys seem to be just screwing out the old one and screwing the new one in and calling it a day, yet others are saying there is alot more steps to do it right.

I cant afford down time with my car since its my only mode of transportation but really want to do this asap.

I even called the local gm and asked how much they would charge to do it and he told me its a 4 hr job and i going to cost me $480 to do not including the cost of the tensioner which was another $100 lol. I actually had to laugh at him on the phone. He was also saying I needed all new slides for it to work. So say the least its not going there considering I can replace the motor for cheaper.

So.....has anyone done this and have pics or can recall the steps and things to look out for that would be appreciated..

 

subd for info

 

The proper way, and the only way to ensure the timing chain doesn't jump a tooth is to pull the side cover and check. A fair bit of hassle to say the least, but it is the only 100% guaranteed solution.

 

just pull the valve cover and observe the cam gears as you take the old one out.

 

Yah I planned on pulling the cam cover at the very least. I have read about a guys skipping on the crank before, but it maybe because he didnt take the cover off and watch it.

So id have to pull the crank pulley and all that to pull the timing cover correct? Never really dealt with that stuff yet.

 

Yes, along with belt tensioner.

 

Honestly, I was really worried about doing myself.
After reading countless threads on multiple ecotec forums I decided to give it a try.
It was cake!
Just pull the valve cover and make sure nothing moves around.
It helps to have a helping hand and an extra set of eyes.

 

Thanks man...ill be giving it a try as soon as my tensioner shows up!

 

I just did this liek 20 times in the last month lol.Never had timing jump.Just pulled out old,screwed in new and done.With the tensioner all the way out,there was no way for the chain to jump teeth.I had the side cover off and even tried pullng the chain off the gears and moving it and it would not.(was doing a valve job,springs,and re-timing.)