Malibu Timing

[psmith32]

My son has a 2005 Malibu 4 cylinder, ran great for two years, then while driving the timing chain broke. no bent valves, so we put on new timing parts including chain tensioner hand cranked engine all was fine. ran for 6 months,
on starting, car stumbled and died. Pulled head bent valves used a rebuilt head. Ran for 8 months now same thing has happened on start up. Each time I put on all new timing parts including tensioner-preloaded as per manual.

Any thoughts, I have not checked the oil pressure but the spring tension should be ok for starting.


Patrick

 

[zora]

have you had a check engine light on prior to the failure?
check the oil pressure?
how frequently do you change the oil and filter?
any chance you son is over revving the engine?

 

[psmith32]

no engine light, ever
no over revving
engine was dirty under the valve cover, timing cover
cleaned everything best we could.
this time I will drop the oil pan, never did because never had a low oil light.
Is there an easy way to check oil pressure, the problem always happens on start up.

 

[zora]

rent or buy a tester and screw it into the location of the oil pressure sensor