2002 grand am timing chain replacement

[wafrederick]

1996 to 2003 2.4 quad fours are interferance engines.By looking at the picture,it is the 2.2 ecotec engine,not the quad 4 which do have timing chain problems once in a while.Quad 4s do not have a valve coverThe 2.2 ecotecs are cheap to find at any auto salvage yard and easy to find,not worth fixing when the timing chain breaks also bending valves.I have replaced 2 ecotecs,timing chain broke on them and it was cheaper to replace the engine due to price of them used.There are 2 hidden bellhousing bolts,not one on the ecotecs.

[scarecrow0529]

There are 2 hidden bellhousing bolts,not one on the ecotecs.

what does this mean.

[scarecrow0529]

thanks for the replies guys. so what does that oil tell ya. is it the head gasket or the head itself.

a used engine would be what around 300 to 500 bucks. wouldnt it be cheaper to fix the one i have if i do all the work myself. or am i in way over my head. thanks again.

[wafrederick]

It is easier to replace the engine,the ecotec.You will pay at least $300 to $400 for an used 2.2 ecotec.You will spend more money finding an used head and getting a gasket set including the timing chain set which is dealer part only probally.I mean by the hidden bellhousing bolt you cannot see very well.

[scarecrow0529]

well it looks like we are gonna go the used engine route. any suggestions on some leads to get me started never bought a used engine before. does it have to be the exact same engine or will other engines go in it. thanks

[3100]

Originally Posted by scarecrow0529

There are 2 hidden bellhousing bolts,not one on the ecotecs.

what does this mean.

that means that there are two bolts that you can't easily see when trying to separate engine from trans during engine removal process.

[inafogg]

you want to replace with the same engine the years may be interchangable but scrap yard will have that info.Good Luck,mike