Timing Tensioner Problems of Saturn VUE

Loss of power and eventually just stopped running. Towed it home. Suspected timing chain. Took off valve cover and tc cover. Noticed that black plastic guide was broken in main pieces and must have been for some time, for chain wore into some bolts and cover. Chain looks brand new and no issues with it. Replaced all timing components (two sprockets, chain, guide, tension arm, tensioner, cam sprocket, etc). , but it would not start. Checked compression (0 psi at all cylinders), double checked timing and was correct. Roller rockers were loose when cam is not pressing on them, so suspect all valves are bent. Fix is to rebuild the "head". I presume that if the black plastic chain guide did not break, it would not have gotten out of time and bent valves. The recall should not be on the timing chain but the plastic guide that is used for the timing chain. Had this part been metal, this would not have happened. Have picture to send if needed.

See all problems of the 2002 Saturn VUE 🔎.

The timing chain ruined the entire engine as a result of the chain tensioner failing from lack of oil being applied. Apparently as soon as I heard the clanging sounds it was too late. I am buying a whole new engine which has replaced the oiling mechanism that was faulty in the 2002-2003 models of the Saturn Vue.

The vehicle was started in the morning to move it a short distance. Upon attempting to start the vehicle later in the morning, it was not possible to start the engine. It attempted to turn over and made some muffled noises and then would only crank with no sign of firing. Upon researching the issue it was determined that a timing failure was likely. Once the timing cover was opened it was discovered that the plastic chain guide had broken into four pieces. Additional damage included a partially sheared oiler nozzle, stripped bolt holes for both lower and upper attachment points for the plastic chain guide, bent intake valves on every cylinder and dings on the intake side of the pistons. At the time of the incident the vehicle was also fitted with the old style tensioner (flat bolt head style) and the original timing chain oiler. The timing chain was evaluated against a new chain and was determined to have stretched the length of one link. The head was pulled and sent for repair where the valve damage was exposed; in addition three valve guides were cracked and there was a significant abraded area on one of the cam races. The head was determined to be a loss and a new head was purchased. There appears to be minor damage to the piston tops, and they are currently being evaluated. So far this incident has cost approximately $1000 in parts and diy labor. It has caused me to miss over two weeks of work ($600-$800) as an independent contractor who relies on this vehicle. Given the extent of similar experiences involving the ecotec 2. 2 l engine this vehicle is equipped with, it is surprising that there has not been a recall.

See all problems of the 2004 Saturn VUE 🔎.

While driving my son noticed a sound coming from the engine that was not normal. When we stopped I opened the hood and investigated. When idiling it sounded like a chain slapping, at 1000 rpms the sound was like a whir instead of a slap. After listening for a few moments I decided it sounded like the timing chain. The next day my wife brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer and they determined that the tensioner had failed and the chain was indeed slapping around, but it had not damaged a valve. I checked on the internet and found that Saturn engines, such as mine (2. 2l engines), did indeed have a problem with the timing chain. A recall was issued for that engine, but only 2000-2002 model year. Total cost to repair was almost $1400. 00.

See all problems of the 2003 Saturn VUE 🔎.

Vehicle lost timing chain tensioners at 57k miles, due to poor oil flow at low rpms despite regular oil changes and maintenance. Cost to repair is $1400. 00, Saturn will not recall or cover costs to repair engine. And says there are no 'known issues with this model' yet the l-series which has the same 2. 2l engine has recalls out for timing chain issues. And in the new parts purchased for repair Saturn has included upgraded oilers to increase oil flow to failed components.