97 Grand Am jumped time

JSIECKMANN

MEMBER
1997 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

We had a snow storm, and my wife got the car stuck in front of the house. I got it out by rocking back and fourth between drive and reverse. She drove the car to work and home, every thing fine she said. Car sat for three days, next time she got in it it turns over butwouldnt start. Went through checking everything, and came down to being out of time. I have it apart down to the timeing chain. I lined up crank shaft mark with block mark. Guess I should tell you it is a 2.4L DOHC. Intake side lines up with hole for the bolt to hold the camshaft in place, but exhaust side is of. Chain looks fine but the top guide was broke in half but still in the groove. Would the top guide being broke couse it to jump time, and if so was this caused by the rockin to get it unstuck, and what is the chance of rod and valve damage?

5 Replies

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

Yes the guide being broken would cause the issue, dont quote me on this because I havent done one in a while, but I dont think they are interference engines, if you are willing to put it back together I would suggest rotating by hand just to make sure there is no damage to valves, and if you are going to fix it I might reccomend a water pump while your in that far
let me know what happens

thanks, jim
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Monday, February 26th, 2007 AT 6:56 PM

JSIECKMANN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks chevy, its a t motor and I have been told it is a interference motor. I have rotated the crankshaft a few times, but dont know what to look for as far as damage. The water pump was done about a year ago. Ive ordered new chain and guides and am planning to put It back together. What should I look for when turning crankshaft?

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Monday, February 26th, 2007 AT 8:08 PM

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

Well, the only real way to check for damage would be pull the head, and check for witness marks on the pistons and check valves, I count remember if it was interference or not, but this is the sure fire way to find out and your halfway there now, you could try your luck and it might be ok but if it was me I would pull the head

good luck and let me know what happens, I get an email when the post is replied to

jim

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Monday, February 26th, 2007 AT 8:50 PM

JSIECKMANN

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3 POSTS

Well I went up to pick up my new timing chain I ordered 3 days ago and it was the wrong one. I ordered it before I had seen the original one, So now im wondering do I really need a new chain? Can I get away with just putting new guids on?

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Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 AT 7:36 PM

CHEVY22