timing chain

[Brian]

I just want to know is my chevy cavalier 2002 2.2 ohv a non-interference or interference motor I think the timing chain is going bad most likely the tensioner and is there a video I can watch on how to replace one I have a friend who knows more about cars that might help

Topic

[Brian]

I got another estimate from another mechanic he said he could do it for about $400 the first mechanic told me about $600 he said it would be a 6 hour job that doesn’t sound right to me if you are experienced mechanic it shouldn’t take 6 hours yea you have to take off a lot of stuff to do the job but it’s not hard stuff to take off

[Brian]

I am really considering going to school to be a mechanic after reading my Haynes manual the timing chain looks like a job I could do if I had the tools I don’t know of any mechanic schools in my cincinnati area I want to work in a shop that does all major repairs I don’t want to just do oil changes I like to be able to fix my own car

[Brian]

The timing chain ended costing $350 cheaper than I thought the mechanic put new chain, both gears, tensioner, and new seal it runs so quiet I can barely hear it running very happy with the mechanics work 

I got a new saying for me STAY BROKE

[Glenn]

Thank you for updating us. It sounds like a fair price for the work. Glad the Cavalier is humming for you.

[EricTheCarGuy]

[quote=”brian52799″ post=107869]I am really considering going to school to be a mechanic after reading my Haynes manual the timing chain looks like a job I could do if I had the tools I don’t know of any mechanic schools in my cincinnati area I want to work in a shop that does all major repairs I don’t want to just do oil changes I like to be able to fix my own car[/quote]

I’m afraid this isn’t how it works. When you start out, you start at the bottom. That’s just the way it works. You can’t expect to walk into a place and start doing major repair jobs. It takes time, tools, and dedication to get to that level.

Glad you got it sorted though. Thanks for the updates.

[Bryan Carter]

[quote=”EricTheCarGuy” post=108571][quote=”brian52799″ post=107869]I am really considering going to school to be a mechanic after reading my Haynes manual the timing chain looks like a job I could do if I had the tools I don’t know of any mechanic schools in my cincinnati area I want to work in a shop that does all major repairs I don’t want to just do oil changes I like to be able to fix my own car[/quote]

I’m afraid this isn’t how it works. When you start out, you start at the bottom. That’s just the way it works. You can’t expect to walk into a place and start doing major repair jobs. It takes time, tools, and dedication to get to that level.

Glad you got it sorted though. Thanks for the updates.[/quote]

That’s the story with any skilled career field. There’s no way a fresh-out-of-school rookie is going to be allowed to take on the tough jobs straight out of the gate. And the truth is, it’s how you carry out those mundane tasks is what decides when (if ever) you’ll move up to those challenging jobs. The logic is simple and fairly airtight: If a person can’t be trusted to change oil in a professional, proficient and efficient manner… why trust them with anything more serious?

[Justin]

I’m a bit late to the automotive rodeo, but from research, if you do have the 2.2 OHV (and not the eco-tech when it first started) then it should be non-interference. WAIT though for others who disagree, because all 2.4 engines are of dual overhead cams, same for all eco tech engines, sorry for the people with eco. Just because a car is non-interference, does not mean you cannot bend a valve though. These 2.2 OHV’s though are FAMOUS for the timing chain tensioner failing, and jumping time or the chain breaking in result. A fair warning is go OEM for the parts because this car for some reason seems to create the right vibration frequencies to break the spring or whole tensioner (this tensioner is not hydraulic like the 2.4 and maybe eco?) so most aftermarket equipment, even of the highest quality, fail including Cloyes tensioner-free chains that stretch.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Cavalier#Third_generation_.281995.E2.80.932005.29

Also for that one post of engine models listed for interference, it referenced the 2.2…..diesel, not gasoline.
I’d do further research if you’d like, but a lot of reputable repair websites, and not forums, have mechanics saying the 2.2….OHV, not the 2.2 DOHC is non-interference. I guess a lot of people fail to ask dealerships for the 2.2 OHV, and not the 2.2, which could be the DOHC eco-tech version.

[Author]

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