Hey gang. I'm elbows deep into this timing chain job on my '07 CTS. I'm ready to pull the timing cover off. I've got all 22 bolts removed but the cover is stuck tight. I'm assuming that the RTV sealant is holding it firmly in place. There are not a lot of pry points on this cover. Any suggestions or pictures of how you've done it? I'm standing here with my hands in my pocket and it's driving me nuts! The one spot where I can pry at fairly well is inside the valve train on the driver's side bank. There is one bolt head just next to the intake cam phaser that I can get a pry bar on. It allows me to stress the timing cover enough that I managed to break the RTV sealant about an inch down but I can't get anymore out of it... I'm afraid I'm going to break this dang cover...
'07 CTS 2.8L V6 timing cover stuck
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I used a pry bar like the one in the pic (below) against the cam phaser bolt heads to get things started (press slowly!), and then just rocked it back and forth to loosen the RTV. Came off easily. However, note that the Haynes manual suggests to NOT pry it off! They suggest to pry only at the reinforced points along the sides and bottom.
One more thing...I see that the cam position sensors and solenoids are still installed in your picture. I suggest removing them before removing the cover.
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One more thing...I see that the cam position sensors and solenoids are still installed in your picture. I suggest removing them before removing the cover.
Very good. I'll remove the solenoids and sensors and give it another go tomorrow. The pry points that the Haynes manual refers to aren't very helpful it seems.
Also, I'm trying to determine whether or not I have the 1st or 2nd generation 2.8L. Parts places such as Rockauto refer to different kits. Some of these kits have the "quiet lower chain & roller chains up top" while others don't.
Maybe I should ask this in another thread but can I decode my VIN online somewhere so that I can determine which kit I need to buy?
Its an '07 with engine code T. That's what I know for sure so far...
Thanks for the help!!
Also, I'm trying to determine whether or not I have the 1st or 2nd generation 2.8L. Parts places such as Rockauto refer to different kits. Some of these kits have the "quiet lower chain & roller chains up top" while others don't.
Maybe I should ask this in another thread but can I decode my VIN online somewhere so that I can determine which kit I need to buy?
Its an '07 with engine code T. That's what I know for sure so far...
Thanks for the help!!
One more thing - read Doug In NC's thread in the DIY forum (link below). I found lots of useful tips in this thread when I did my chains. He discusses the pry technique using the camshaft/phaser bolts. I also just found that the FSM states that you should NOT pry against the camshaft actuator (phaser). Does not indicate whether the bolts can be pried!
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05 CTS 3.6L timing chain job, tons-o-pics (I mean tons)
Subject: 05 CTS with the 3.6L with Approximately 70-75,000 Miles. Complaint: Timing Chain Rattle, 2+ quarts oil consumption between 3,000 mile intervals using 10w30 syn (viscosity increased due to chain noise), Phantom Coolant Leak The preliminary parts needs were met by RockAuto.com...
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Removing the cam phaser solenoids helped immensely!! I was able to gently pry against the cam phaser bolts and use a razor blade to start cutting the RTV sealant away. Once the gap opened up to about 3/16" I was able to pop it off by hand.
These chains sure have a lot of slop in them!! I just shot this video...
Now to track down the parts! Thanks for the help!
Copy & paste the link into your browser I guess. I can't figure out how to make it clickable...
These chains sure have a lot of slop in them!! I just shot this video...
Now to track down the parts! Thanks for the help!
Copy & paste the link into your browser I guess. I can't figure out how to make it clickable...
Now I am trying to determine where I need to position this system so that I can remove the chains. Manuals and videos I've seen show the chains to have two different colored links amd those links are positioned over the dots on each of the cam phasers. My chains only seem to have a single distinguished link and the phasers have both a dot and a triangle on them. So far, I'm lost as to where I need to position these chains so that I can remove them and replace them. I do not have the cam shaft alignment tool...
I went to GM today and they gave me a part number for the timing set and a price based on my VIN #.
Part No. 12693220
Price: $780 CDN
I'm going to be shopping around for aftermarket parts at that price! That was just for the chains, tensioners, tensioner gaskets and the guides. Yikes!
Part No. 12693220
Price: $780 CDN
I'm going to be shopping around for aftermarket parts at that price! That was just for the chains, tensioners, tensioner gaskets and the guides. Yikes!
Watch this video from Cloyes regarding the positions for remove/replace. Much more helpful than any text! However, check the correct torque specs for the tensioner bolts; they change depending on year. Otherwise the procedure is the same for 2.8/3.6 engines. Oh, and yes, you can turn the crank backward as shown in the video (my brother argued that I would F up my engine doing this!)
GM parts from walmart!
My FSM (and Haynes manual) shows the same procedure but this may or may not be different in Canada. It would be worth emailing Cloyes to verify the procedure before starting. I emailed them regarding the type of chain I have - quick response and very helpful. Or just ask the dealer service rep whether the procedure is the same.
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