Features:

  • Provides consistent tension to help keep engine running in proper time
  • GM-recommended replacement part for your GM vehicle’s original factory component
  • Offering the quality, reliability, and durability of GM OE
  • Manufactured to GM OE specification for fit, form, and function
Fixed rattle on a 2005 2.2l

I successfully installed this yesterday. It was an exact fit in my 2005 Chevy Cavalier Ecotec 2.2. The install took me about 2.5 hours. I had never removed the valve cover before. It wasn't difficult, but I took my time and kept organized. Prior to replacing the tensioner I had a noticeable "rattle" when starting the engine -- rather like the sound of a bicycle freewheeling fast. After installing and activating the new tensioner the noise is gone. The engine also seems to be a little less temperamental after the fix, making the RPM transition more cleanly when shifting gears. There's a lot of conflicting or mis- information floating around about this tensioner and the process for replacing it. I suspect in reality each situation may be a little different. Use your wits, read up on the gotchas and the variables, and plan to be sure that you got it right by direct observation. IMPORTANT: My tensioner remained inactive after installing. I did remove the valve cover and needed to bump the guide to release the spring. I would not have wanted to skip this step. I don't know the likelihood of jumping a spot on one of the gears, but it seems like a stupid chance to take. ALSO IMPORTANT: When I removed the old tensioner it fell to pieces as predicted by some forum posts and reviewers. While I did attempt to hold the tensioner in place while removing it, I don't believe this had a chance of preventing the spring from pushing the components apart. There was nothing holding them together. I used one of those cheap telescoping magnetic tools to retrieve the rest of the old tensioner from inside the block. This was an ideal tool as the block is aluminum while the tensioner parts are steel. My mileage is about 120,000 and I have owned the vehicle since new. I have always used synthetic oils, Mobile 1 in the past, and more recently Amsoil XP. I observe a longer oil change cycle (~12,000) (yes, I know somebody reading this is gaping in horror). I change filters once between oil changes. I've found that the Amsoil retains its viscosity characteristics much better than any other synthetic I've tried. I didn't do an exhaustive check for wear, but from what I could tell the timing chain was in good condition and the top guide seemed undamaged. I have no plans to replace the chains, guides, etc. Comparing the cost of replacement with the value of the vehicle and other ways it is showing age, the money doesn't seem like a good investment. I would consider doing it myself if I had the wherewithal.

3rd Times the Charm

This is GM's 3rd attempt at getting this tensioner to work. I simply removed the old one. (I sprayed it with PB Blaster a couple times the day before) Careful not to strip it, the head is really short. 32 mil. socket. Then simply screwed in the new one, torqued to 55 lbs, and started it up. Seemed to fix the clacking noise. There is a lot of debate if you need to "activate" the tensioner (release the plunger) after you put it in. The old models needed to be hit from the inside to extend the plunger. Some people say you still need to open up the top timing chain cover and strike this new one before starting the motor to set (activate) it. Others say the new one is activated by oil pressure. I took the easy way and did not activate it. Whether it was the oil pressure or the chain striking it when I started the car that activated it, I couldn't tell. No clacking so I'm happy. Another problem is that the old one can fall apart as you are taking it out. Mine didn't but if it did then I read you can just remove the pieces from the hole with a magnet. Others said the pieces fell into the timing chain mechanism but those people said they took off the cover first so maybe that had something to do with it.

The part you need if your Ecotec motor is rattleing when you start it.

Fixed a rattle on start-up in a 2005 Chevy Cobalt LS with 2.2L Ecotec. Removed the valve cover and the installation was simple and straight forward. You will want to make sure to activate this tensioner prior to starting the engine or there is a possibility that the chain could jump a tooth and cause you a lot of extra time and expense, just buy a gasket kit (Fel-Pro) and do it the right way just to be sure. The engine sounds perfect and runs smooth now.

A must have for 2.2 Ecotec engines

My 2005 Malibu had excessive rattling noise from the timing chain, especially on start up. This re-designed part works much better. It is very quiet now. It is a hotly contested debate on the method of installation. None recommend activating the tensioner before inserting it. Most recommend taking the valve cover off and tapping it to activate from above with some sort of blunt object that is long and skinny enough to fit down in there to the chain guide. I ended up cracking the plastic piece of the chain guide doing this. It was hard to tell if it was activated whilst installed (easy when it is not). So, I had to do a full timing chain replacement. Some have installed it and left it inactivated, relying on chance that the chain doesn't skip and the engine bends all the valves.

OEM Quality for an essential component on Ecotec engines. Great price.

On Ecotec 4 cylinder engines, these tensioners have to be de-activated every time you remove it to change a timing chain, replace a phaser, or adjust the timing if the timing chain jumps a tooth. When you attempt to de-activate them, it is very easy to destroy them. I buy OEM tensioners made by AC Delco, the OEM supplier, and always keep a new one on hand. When you replace it , remember to activate it before you finalize the timing and put the valve cover back on. They also have to tightened to a particular torque spec.

Replaces older factory version, must change item.

Perfect fit/function for 2.2L Ecotec. (2005 Vue). Absolutely must be changed if you have the older version (without the bump on the bolt head). Uses same socket as the oil filter cover, took an hour to change - that includes removing the valve cover to activate which is absolutely necessary.

Great product, absolutely MUST be activated before use

This tensioner works well out of the box. There are no instructions inside the box but it needs to be torqued to 55 ft-lbs to be installed. Also be aware that this tensioner MUST BE ACTIVATED. By activated I mean make sure it’s installed and torqued, then apply pressure to the chain/guide in front of the tensioner. It needs to be pushed in about 1/8” before the spring releases and it tensions the chain. This will require the removal of your valve cover. If you have questions about it, go to the Cloyes website and use their guide and videos. This product will resolve the weaknesses of the prior two tensioner designs.

Worth changing if you know what you're doing

Installed this in an 2004 Chevy Classic (2003 Malibu) only because these older designs are known to go bad. I highly recommend taking the valve cover off and tapping the chain to release the tension on the chain. It did not release on its own and its very easy to jump a link and throw the timing off.

Works great

I had the old style tensioner on my 2004 2.2. It hadn't started giving problems yet but I thought I'd upgrade to the new style for preventive maintenance. I bought one from Advance Auto (part no. 9374) that didn't work; it wouldn't "spring" properly. I returned it and got this Delco one, which works perfectly.

Fixed loud timing chain noise on my 2.0 ecotec.

I just finished a build on my car and the only thing wrong when i first fired the car up was a loud noise coming from the timing area. It sounded like a diesel. There are many videos on you tube that you can listen to to diagnose this problem. This tensioner fixed my issues. You will know its the tensioner because if you use the old design there is a spring and catch in it. This one is a piston style only and fully sealed. This is the generation 2 ecotec tensioner.

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